Former owner Hazel with the new owner Eela
Dear Valued Customers
There is an important update regarding our beloved business. As we enter this exciting new chapter, we are pleased to announce that we have transitioned to new ownership. While this transfer officially took place a year ago, we wanted to ensure a smooth and seamless handover before sharing the news with you. During this time, our commitment to providing excellent service has remained steadfast, and we are excited to continue serving you under new leadership.
A Note from Hazel Roos
To Our Wonderful and Creative Community:
Last year, I made the decision to sell the store, leading to a change in ownership on February 28, 2024. Though it’s been a year since that transition, I didn’t want to close this chapter without sharing my heartfelt gratitude for all of you—our wonderful customers and employees (both past and present)—who have been part of Paint Away! over the past 20 years. So it feels bittersweet to be writing my final post to this community.
Owning and operating this creative space has been an incredible journey – I think of all the painted pieces brought to life from such vibrant imaginations, the friendships formed among employees and in our summer camps, and the countless masterpieces that have come out of our kilns! When I first took ownership in 2004, my goal was to bring a little extra sparkle to the community by providing creative forms of engagement and enrichment for our youth, families, and community – knowing how powerful and life-giving art can be in providing relief from stress and anxiety. Watching so many of you — young and old — discover the joy of art has been an absolute privilege, and these moments will forever hold a special place in my heart. I am so incredibly grateful!
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the incredible team that kept Paint Away! running smoothly day in and day out. I have been unbelievably fortunate to have had only two dedicated managers throughout my 20 years—Kristin, who helped guide the store in its early years, and Carey, who has been an employee since 2001, has led with dedication and heart since 2007 and continues to do so today. I’ve also had a handful of amazing floor supervisors—Stevie, Shea, Katie, and Sam. Katie, who was with us the longest, was a beloved Summer Camp lead, and her departure left a void that was deeply felt. But then came Sam, whose cheerful presence and steady leadership helped keep daily operations running seamlessly—still doing so today. To this day, I keep in touch with many of my past employees, and I’ve had the joy of witnessing friendships that began here continue to grow long after their time at the store. This is the magic of Paint Away!
And to the countless employees who stepped in during crunch times—whether by picking up an extra shift or returning from the past to help us through a staffing crisis — your willingness to jump in when we needed you most has meant the world to me. It speaks volumes about what Paint Away! has meant to all of you.
I am especially thankful for this community’s unwavering support, particularly during two major economic challenges – the recession and the COVID pandemic. Your enthusiasm and dedication helped us to weather both storms and we came back stronger than ever both times. I will always be deeply appreciative of this community.
As I step away, I do so with confidence and excitement for Paint Away’s future under its new owner, Eela. I know she will continue to foster creativity and inspire the next generation of artists. From the bottom of my heart—thank you for being part of this remarkable journey over the last 20 years.
Peace, Love, and Paint Away!
Hazel
