Episode #33
Ep33 - From a Freezing Shed to 60,000 Freddos a Year! | Megan – My Paintbrush
How do you go from selling a couple of paint brushes from a staircase to building one of the best-known online businesses in the decorating trade? This week I'm joined by Megan from My Paintbrush for the story behind the business. My Paintbrush took its first order in 2012 after Megan's dad, Andy, had the idea of importing brushes from America. Megan was at university, knew her way around a computer and joined him. What followed wasn't some overnight success story. They went from packing orders by a staircase, to a garage, then a freezing cold shed where Megan remembers questioning whether the whole thing was actually sustainable. They reinvested what little they made, took some big gambles, gradually expanded the range and eventually moved into proper premises. We talk about the sacrifices behind building a family business, tiny margins, working with your dad, customer service, social media and why showing the people behind a business matters. We also get into: ️ How My Paintbrush started Growing an online decorating business Why masking tape has become absolutely massive ️ Mirka, Arroworthy, Repair Care and other products decorators are buying The story behind putting a Freddo in every order Why they're now getting through around 60,000 Freddos a year ⚽ Megan's football background and what it taught her about business Women coming into the decorating industry The next generation of painters and decorators Why social media is changing how decorators market themselves The realities of running a family business I really enjoyed this one because we all see My Paintbrush online, at shows and through the boxes arriving at our doors — but we don't necessarily see the years of graft behind it. A proper family-business story. ️ Brush Wizards Podcast with Gary Proctor.
