A day in the life of a 
top paint designer

She took time out of her busy schedule to give the Star an insight into her work life.

Annie lives and works in Oxford with her husband David who runs the business with her. Born in Australia to a Scottish father and a Fijian mother, she came to England to a farming life in Kent when she was ten years old. She has three sons and has lived in Oxford for the last twenty five years.

In 2000 she set up her shop in Oxford to showcase her paint, Chalk Paint™, run courses, and offer interior design services using her knowledge about colour. Annie is probably the main reason for the painted furniture revolution through her easy, lively and creative approach to painting.

Running a business means there is generally no typical day although most mornings I do wake up early and spend time answering emails on my ipad and updating my Instagram and Facebook page. I try to reply to as many people as possible but that is not always feasible. Two mornings a week I will workout with a personal trainer.

I divide my time between teaching at workshops and visiting stockists of my paint. There’s over 900 worldwide. I don’t have much time to paint myself these days but I do try to make some time for me to be creative and work in my studio.

I find my brain starts to shut down by 6.30pm so this is when I like to spend time relaxing with my family. I have a little granddaughter called Willow and I just love looking after her.

I trained as a painter, but turned to decorative work and understanding colour after university. I have been painting for over 40 years as well as writing numerous books on the subject. I also made my own very special decorative paint called Chalk Paint™, which is specifically designed for furniture, that can also be used on walls, I just love to empower people creatively.

It really has been an amazing journey. I always wanted ordinary people to appreciate colour and paint and show them it is very easy to do. People just need to be taught a few little tricks to get them on their way. I am so excited with how many followers I have and am thrilled and obsessed with the way the business has flourished.