Today we’d like to introduce you to Barbara Erceg.
Barbara, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up painting. My dad started his own business making custom props for window displays and as a young girl, I would often get to play hooky to help paint a faux brick panel or marbleize a column. Early on, I learned that a little paint could transform something ordinary into a thing of beauty.
I graduated from Mount Mary University in 1988. Not sure what to do next, I dabbled in graphic design, painted a bit and in 1994, moved to Houston. One day on a fluke, I responded to an ad in the Houston Press to paint faux marble and unknowingly started on a path to owning my own faux finishing company.
As it turned out, I started faux finishing at exactly the right time. I caught and rode the Tuscan wave to its height and beyond, painting several showcase houses and many high-end homes. After the faux craze died out a bit, I semi-retired and now I only take on smaller custom jobs for discriminating clients. After 20 years, I still enjoy getting my hands dirty and meeting some of the many interesting people that live in the great city of Houston.
Has it been a smooth road?
Although I had formal training in art, I quickly learned that faux finishing has its own pitfalls. There are a myriad of different products and techniques and the first jobs I did kept me up at night. There weren’t any Youtube videos to watch back then, so I just forged ahead, hoping that things would work out. Mostly they did, but when your canvas is a client’s wall, it can be very intimidating.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My company is called Faux Nouveau and I specialize in custom faux finishing and decorative painting. I pride myself on my professionalism, my attention to detail and my ability to work closely with the client to achieve a custom finish for their home. I also do custom oil paintings.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Houston is a great place to start a business. The people of Houston will give you a chance to succeed if you are willing to work hard and do what you promised. I love the entrepreneurial attitude of the city.
Pricing:
- I provide a free initial consultation in the client’s home.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fauxnouveau.com
- Phone: 281=685=2575
- Email: fauxnouveau55@gmail.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/Faux-Nouveau-Professional-Painted-Finishes-520473375142997/
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
