Getting to Know: Stacey McElyea

I'm thrilled to introduce you to Stacey McElyea, owner of Shimmerz paints.

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I was lucky to meet Stacey when I became a member of her talented Education Team and I've been a big fan ever since. Not only does Stacey make beautiful shimmering iridescent paints and mists, but she has the amazing ability to develop completely unique and creative solutions. I love that she thinks completely out-of- the-box. 

Now, on with the chat!

 BK: Stacey, tell me about yourself.

SM: I have been Dave’s wife for 21 years, mother to three amazing kids and the owner of Shimmerz Paints.  I like so many women wear a lot of hats during my day.  I homeschool my kids, work daily in my business, and try to be all and do all for my friends and family.  I don’t often have extra time, but when I do I still love to scrap, rubber stamp and dabble in photography.  My life is crazy, but full and wonderful.  The Lord has given me more blessings than I can count.

2.    BK: Tell us how Shimmerz, the company was born. What prompted you to start a specialty paint company?

SM: Shimmerz started in the back room of my store, The Stamp Pad.  Back then Radiant Pearls were very popular, but my customers kept complaining that they wouldn’t dry.  That got us thinking and while I was home sick and my husband, Dave was tending the store, he had a brilliant idea.  He came home and presented me with Shimmerz.  A water based paint that would actually dry.  I was thrilled and was wanting to know what he used to make them.  He replied that if he told me, he’d have to kill me.  Of course he was joking!  From that day he began to formulate and create colors for Shimmerz.  He is still the keeper of the formulas.  We still have colors today that are just as popular as they were in 1999.  For instance, Angel Wings is still our most popular color after all these years.  One product lead to another and while it’s been many years and we’ve tweaked formulas over those years we still make all of our products in the USA, and are very proud to do so.  We believe that quality, a good price point that beats our competitors and good customer service are the keys to good business.  We won’t step away from that belief.  We are thankful for every order we get and eagerly thank each and every customer.  They deserve that much!

3.    BK: Can you tell us a bit about the Shimmerz manufacturing process? Do you mix the paint colors yourself? Do you have a factory? Where do you get your ideas for colors?

SM: As Dave would say. . . .If I told ya, I’d have to kill ya!  Tee-hee-hee!!!  We are a family owned and operated business.  We do it all!  We order in raw materials and make each and every product ourselves.  We make the product as it is ordered.  No one wants a product that’s been sitting on the shelf for 6 months.  ICK!!!  We make everything in what we call the “Man Room”.  It’s  a very large room in our house where the “Man” makes the paint.  Our kids all take a part in the process too.  From mixing, bottling, labeling, processing orders to shipping. . . . Everyone helps.

I am the one that gives the “Man” the ideas for colors.  I try to go with what’s hot in the industry, or often times what feels right to me.  Colors give a feeling. .  .and I know when a color feels right.  I guess it’s an intuitive thing.  For instance, when I created the color palette for our new Limited Edition Holiday colors, I wanted happy, whimsical colors that maybe weren’t so traditional.  I wanted colors and names that make the artist smile.  We make a great team.  So far, it’s been working for us quite well.

The Limited Edition Holiday colors are available only until January 30th!

4.    BK: What were some mistakes you made when starting the Shimmerz business? What would you have done differently, looking back now? What were some of your successes?

SM: We have definitely made some serious mistakes along the way.  We’ve attended the School Of Hard Knocks a couple of times.    Many years ago, we signed an exclusive contract with the largest stamp company in the industry.  That was my first mistake!  When they suddenly went out of business. . . . so did we.  That was before blogs and Facebook.  We were all but dead in the water.  It was so hard.  Needless to say, there is no exclusivity offered by Shimmerz anymore.  Like all other businesses, I’ve trusted certain people when I shouldn’t have.  With each mistake then and now, I take a moment and thank the Lord for it, because that’s how we learn and grow.  It hurts, but we should still be thankful for it.

My successes. . . ..hmmmmm. . . . Well, I think I have a fairly solid company.  We keep our overhead really low, so we can weather the storm of a downed economy a bit easier.  We’ve taught our kids how to work hard and run a business.  We met so many amazing people and are so glad we did.  We have THE BEST designers that the industry offers.  They are not only extremely talented, but genuinely awesome people.  We value each and every one of them and it’s our goal that when they know that they are valued.  Each day that I have orders for Shimmerz is a successful day.

5.    BK: When you choose the designers for your Education Team and your Design Team, what traits really stand out to you? In your mind, what makes a great video or DT application? Any advice for up-and-coming designers?

6.   SM: Absolutely NO DRAMA!!!!  I don’t supply little red wagons for a designers ego and if they already have one. . . I won’t pull it.  I make that very well known.  When looking for new designers, I don’t just look at their artwork, I read their blogs and look for that person's character.  They aren’t just artists, they represent my company.  They have to share my philosophy of the industry and keep it in perspective.  We aren’t saving lives. . . . it’s paper, paint and glue.  They have to keep it real. It can touch lives, but rarely save them.  When I am looking at artwork, I’m looking for artists that aren’t cookie cutter artist.  They have to think outside the box.  They have to stand out from the rest.  At the risk of sound cliché, I go with my gut feeling.  It’s like creating new colors. . . .I get a feeling.  Sometimes that feeling is wrong, but most of the time it’s right. 

I believe that being a Shimmerz designer should be an easy, fun experience.  We all have too much stress in our lives.  I don’t ever want Shimmerz to add to the stress of my designers.  So I try to keep it simple.  They are important to me. . . .so again. . . . I want them to know they are valued.

Artwork created by Bethany Kartchner using Shimmerz products. As seen in Somerset Gallery Autumn 2011.

7.    BK: Do you have any advice for small business owners? Upcoming designers?

SM: I was told many times, “If you don’t go to CHA, you won’t make it in the industry!”  I’ve gone once, and don’t plan to go back.  So my best advice. . . don’t feel pressured to follow the pack. It’s your business.  You have to do what work for you, not your friends or other business owners. Be creative!   Don’t over extend your business.  If you can’t afford it now. . . don’t do it thinking that it will pay off later.  Go with your gut!  PRAY!!!!  Take the time to learn about the business not just the craft.  Reality is that if you are running a business, you most likely won’t have the time you’d like for the craft.  Did I mention. . . Prayer?

As for designers, show me who you are as a person.  Show me that you will be a great representative for my company.  Show your art well.  Have good lighting.  You don’t have to be a professional photographer or videographer, but showcase your projects the best you can.  Learn how to promote!  Whether you are a designer for me or another company. . . .be ready, willing and able to tell your readers, and followers why the company you represent is a great one.  If you can’t do that. . . . you are on the wrong team.  Don’t just try to be on the “popular” design teams.  Do your homework and make sure you want to represent that company. 

I look for great artwork, but I also look very closely at whether that designer can really help me sell my products.  It may sound harsh, but it’s business.  I want to sell my products and want designers that will help me do it.

Artwork created by Bethany Kartchner using Shimmerz products.

8.    BK: How do you balance your work and your family?

SM: My kids all need “Mommy Time”.  Even my 20 year old needs Mom on a daily basis.  My family ALWAYS comes first!!!  No exceptions.  I try to follow a very simple model.  I may have a To-Do list that’s a mile long, but I will only accomplish in each day what the Lord as planned for it.  Simple as that.  I do my best to cross as much off that list each day, but over the years have learned that freaking out and laying awake at night worrying about it won’t change a thing.  It’s easier somedays than others to remember this principle, but I do my best.  So when do I work?  I squeeze in emails while Gracie (my 7 yr old) is doing her spelling or reading.  I set aside 2 hours each day to work in my office. . . hopefully uninterrupted by a kid.  I work late at night when Sami, Kaleb and Gracie are in bed.  I take my iPad to Gracie’s ballet class and work, or to the golf course while I wait for Kaleb.   And. . . .gasp. . . . we work on weekends in between family events and activities. . . BUT only if absolutely necessary.  I do try really hard (and this is tough for me) to “unplug” during the weekends.  I try to tell myself that my laptop needs some time off too.  Somehow, it all works.  We work together as a family to get it all done.

9.   BK: You were either the first company or one of the first companies to have a video team which makes you very cutting edge. Plus, you are always coming out with new and interesting products. Do you have any tips for others who would like to be on the cusp of the industry's future? How do you stay on top of things?

I wish I could give a clear and concise answer to this question, but honestly, I can’t.  I spend time praying and asking for direction.  I’m always trying to think ahead.  I wish I could take credit for the inspiration that I’ve had, but I can’t.  I owe it all to God.  I don’t mean to sound preachy, but it’s the truth.  I go with my gut.  It has to feel right.  I have been very fortunate and so far, things are working well.

Artwork created by Bethany Kartchner using Shimmerz products.

10   BK: Where do you see the industry heading? Where are the trends heading?

  

SM: I truly think that the industry is in a bit of a crisis.  It saddens me to see so many good companies going out of business.  I believe that there will be more to come.  I look at it like a forest fire.  Some of the trees have to burn, in order for new growth to take place.  New companies will arise from the ashes and those companies that can whether the fire, will be stronger.

As for trends, I think all old things become new again.  Going back to basics is going to be hot!  Re-using items will gain in popularity.  Buying basic items (like paint, i.e. Shimmerz, lol ) and using it in multiple ways will never go out of style.  Hard times force artists and companies to be creative.  That’s a good thing!

11   BK: Tell us about some of the challenges in your life and how they've shaped your character today.

SM: Personal challenges are more important to me than business challenges.  Of course, I want my business to thrive and of course I will continue to have challenges arise, but it’s the personal challenges that hopefully make me a better person.  I am always challenged not to worry.  I tend to be an over thinker.  I have a very nasty habit of taking on too much and my health pays for it in the direction of anxiety attacks.  My biggest challenge is being able to cut myself some slack.  I have to learn. . . . and keep learning that I am only one person.  It’s about remembering that principle of my To-Do list.  God has a plan for my day, my month, my family, my business.  I have to rest in that plan.

Artwork created by Bethany Kartchner using Shimmerz products. As seen in Somerset Apprentice.

12   BK: What, do you feel, is your greatest personal accomplishment?

SM: Again, I’m sure it sounds so cliché, but I LOVE being a mom!  I love being Dave’s wife!  There is nothing more endearing to me than to have Sami sit on my bed and tell me all about her date and what a creep the boy was.  Or sharing her dreams with me.  I love watching Kaleb play golf like a young pro and hearing him ask me to listen to the latest song he taught himself to play on his guitar.  Kaleb is classified as deaf, so that’s a big thing for me.  And. . .it never fails to bring a smile to my face and heart to hear Gracie running up the stairs, yelling, “Mommy, I made this for you”, and it’s a picture or card or some other fabulous piece of art that she’s made.  Those 3 kids are my most greatest accomplishment.  They are such a blessing to Dave and I.

13  BK: If you weren't running the Shimmerz business, what would you be doing now?

SM: Hmmmmm. . . . I would most likely still be in the real estate industry.  EEEK!  That’s scary now too.

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       BK: Anything else you'd like to add?

SM: Thank you so much for the opportunity to ramble on.  I am both honored and humbled to be asked to share my life, my business, and my thoughts with you.


Thank you Stacey, for chatting with us today! Remember, you have one week to ask any follow-up questions. Just leave a comment with your question and I'll compile them and Stacey will answer them in another post. 

Have a great week!

xoxo
Bethany