Bradite is a proud sponsor of Brush Wizards – a dedicated Facebook forum for painters and decorators which has more than 5000 members.
Read the interview with Brush Wizards Founder, Gary Proctor, to find out his motivation for starting the group. Discover the different ways it can support painters and decorators, including a focus on mental health.
1. Tell us a bit about your background and how you started Brush Wizards?
“I have been a painter and decorator for 20 years and, despite having a successful business, there was a time about 7/8 years ago where I found myself struggling with anxiety and overwhelm, and this had a massive impact on my work.
I saw a number of therapists but unfortunately didn't find any improvement. A friend recommended a Cognitive Hypnotherapist and in a very short space of time she changed my life around and I was so blown away by the results that I trained to become a Cognitive Hypnotherapist myself. After helping clients for a number of years, I was always drawn back to my love of painting and decided to combine my painting and hypnotherapy skills to create a helpful space for painters and decorators.”
2. Why did you want to start Brush Wizards? What makes it stand out from other decorators’ groups?
“I reflected on my struggles running a painting business, especially when I was struggling with anxiety. Being a painter and decorator can often be an isolating business and I didn't have a place where I could talk to fellow professionals, so I created Brush Wizards. I wanted a space where you can get support in all aspects of running your own business. It stands out from other groups because we are extremely supportive and if people join that do not share our ethos, they are removed.”
3. What are your top 3 ways Brush Wizards can support decorators?
1) "Members can ask any question in the Facebook Group and not be judged. Other members reply quickly and are extremely helpful.
2) Members can join the Brush Wizard App free of charge. They can connect regionally for work opportunities and socials and also have access to mental wellbeing resources, including pre-recorded chats, audios and downloads. I provide at least one mental wellbeing guest speaker per month. So far, we have covered many topics such as anxiety, how to sleep better and how to deal with teenage children.
3) Brush Wizards can get support in all aspects of running their business, from social media training, accountancy advice to product training and so much more.”
4. Can Brush Wizards help decorators find new products?
“Absolutely! We can run competitions and invite brands in to talk to Brush Wizards. We are also creating a space in the Brush Wizard App where brands can update members on their latest news. Brands can also post events regionally in the app. For example, if you are having a trade day at a paint merchant in London, we can post this as an event and notify members.”
5. Do you have any future plans for Brush Wizards?
“One of my main focusses will be inviting thousands of members into the Brush Wizard App. It's a huge opportunity to bring painters, merchants and companies like Bradite closer together. I would love more companies to back Brush Wizards around mental wellbeing for painters as I know this is needed.”
Painters and decorators can request to join the Brush Wizards community here.