Happy Wednesday friends.  I didn’t want to bog down my blog post Monday with all the rest of the things I wanted to share with you about the CeCe Caldwell’s company, so I decided to share in a separate post.  There was a lot of spirited dialogue about CeCe Caldwell’s from Monday’s post.  If you would like read more on the comments, you can HERE.

Let me begin by saying, I have never been a product hound.  Meaning, I am very uncomfortable doing “sponsored posts”, they just aren’t my thing (mostly). But, I, like the rest of you, am a consumer.

And my children are consumers too, just not so much of this store, (she wishes)

I have many choices of which products I buy each and every time I enter a store, or shop online.   I am very much in favor of competition as I believe this is what drives America forward.  And is just one of the many things that make our nation the best country on this earth.  In the last few years, with all of the choices that are beginning to be available for products with less chemicals, locally grown produce etc. Paint choices with fewer and fewer chemicals.  I have consciously tried to be a responsible consumer.  When I can, I try to make the better choice in my purchases.  I began using Modern Masters paints four years ago because they were the first paint on the market to have a very low VOC, which at the time, was almost unheard of.

I also became increasingly concerned about the chemicals I was exposing not only myself, but my family to.  Especially my son Travis, who has severe ADHD/ODD.   This is my child, aka “Mr. Red” that most likes to “help” me with my work.

Each day is a new struggle, and a gift.  A gift of patience, a gift to love deeper, and a gift to know how blessed I am for each child I have been given.

Until I came across CeCe Caldwell’s 100% natural paints and products, I did not allow my children to be around my paint very much, which is sad, because they do like to get involved in what I am doing (or used to).

When I learned of the purity of this paint, it changed everything for family and I.  I had never been able to bring a project inside to paint, and now, with no odors, no chemicals, I can paint while my children are in the kitchen, doing homework, watching TV, etc.  Using this product has increased not only my productivity level, but has allowed me to share my passion with my family on a very different level, as in, “please pass the Alaska Tundra Green and the Salad”.  Yes, often my kitchen table and counters are covered with paint cans……..

Alaska Tundra Green is yummy!

 

Now enough about why I truly BELIEVE in this company.  I want to share with you some amazing things that most people may not know about this company and the beautiful people it employs.

CeCe Caldwell’s paints was created by “CeCe Caldwell” (a professional name) when she began to be concerned about the chemicals she was using on her painted furniture.  CeCe had a very serious, life threatening situation where she was hospitalized and very ill for a very long period of time.  CeCe likes to paint furniture, like many of us, and was selling her pieces at a local Antiques Store.  Her 16 month old grandson was often at her side while she painted.  She began to be very concerned about the chemicals they were both being exposed to, and even more, about the legacy she would be leaving her family and what she contributed to this planet.

Even children like playing with junque and saving it from land fills!

She began experimenting with all natural chalk, clay and minerals to come up with a paint that was 100% green.  When she finally hit upon a successful formula, she only intended to sell it where her furniture was being sold, and maybe at a few other local boutiques.  Never, in her wildest dreams, did she imagine it would take on the life it has.  The paint began to literally “Jump” off the shelves.  CeCe brought on her long time friend and multi-talented creative genius, “Anne Skougard”.  From there, more people were brought on and the CeCe Caldwell’s company was born.  This company is only in essence 9 months old! Within those 9 months, they have already outgrown the plant where the paint is being manufactured and will be moving to a much larger space in the near future.

Now, this next part is where I become a bit “Verklempt” (misty eyed and emotional). CeCe Caldwell’s employs many people at it’s manufacturing plant that are otherwise “unemployable elsewhere”.  Disabled War Veterans, and those with disabilities, both mentally and physically. This means that production might be a bit slower because people with disabilities may not be able to produce a product as quickly as those of us who can work at full capacity.  The commitment to giving back something good to our fellow man and the earth continues with everything about this product and company.  The paper  for the labels is made with recycled paper.  This means the cost of the paper is higher than other choices.   The cans are completely recyclable, whereas a cheaper mass produced can would cost less. Because of the overall higher costs of manufacturing, the cost of each can is high.  CeCe Caldwell’s wants this paint to be available to everyone, and therefore, the profit margin is lower,and the price per can is lower than some of the similar chalk based paint products available.

CeCe Caldwell’s is not a company about making millions.  Yes, the people who run this company need to provide an income for themselves, and it is their right as American Citizens to pursue a dream to better their lives.  There is nothing wrong with reaching for higher goals, monetary ones included.  However, the driving force behind this company is GIVING BACK.  Giving back to this world where we have been so graciously sustained by.  Giving back to this great country where we enjoy freedoms like no other country on this planet.  CeCe Caldwell’s is about giving back to our communities, to people who were not born with opportunities or challenges that limit them from progressing and bettering their lives.

I have never been so proud to say I was associated with a commercial venture, as I am with CeCe Caldwell’s.  This is a company worth standing behind, supporting and cheering on.  I am grateful from the top of my Pink Hair to my sometimes blue toenails that I am associated with this company where magic is brought forth with each and every can it produces.  I will even shout it from the top of this rock with my family 😉