Rebecca Slaton: Owner and Designer of Fauxy Painter Work Wear for Women

Someone called the other day and I said my standard greeting. The female caller quickly asked to speak with "The Owner." She seemed surprised when I said "What makes you think that I'm not the Owner?" Most people think we just slapped a logo on someone else's painter's whites. From construction to fabric selection, Fauxy Painter was conceived for a simple reason - I'm a woman and I wanted Painter's Whites that fit.

I had been thinking about a women's work wear line for a while. So when my husband, Bruce, said we should manufacture something, the whole concept for Fauxy Painter and Ms. Blanca's came pouring out. Every aspect including the marketing represents my own journey.

Call it luck or fate, but my parents were fine that I was a tomboy and encouraged me to test the boundaries. As the first female to play Ebenezer Scrooge in the 4th grade pageant, I wore a wig, beard and spectacles. By the time I was the only girl on a soccer team, I wore the baggy uniform and cleats but with a little lip gloss and a French Braid. Sure I was called "Amazon" but that made me feel feminine and powerful. I learned an early lesson: when paving your way in a male dominated world, you can dress the part without losing the woman within.

I'm 44 now and like many women in the Decorative Painting field, this is my "change of life career." In my 20's I was laid off a job, left an abusive relationship and moved halfway across the country with no money. I've started over many times. I worked in politics, youth development, reproductive health and non-profit management before discovering my true passion. I've met women that are divorced, widowed and moms re-entering the workforce and I understand their stories. Some are practical, some are fearful and some are tragic. But all are hopeful and full of a desire to be successful and creative. Starting your own business takes bravery, determination and some humor. I've been lucky to find a partner in Bruce who was willing to take some risks and back my dream.

Over two years, I put all the practical needs and the style of the women that I know into creating Fauxy Painter and Ms. Blancas. My hope is that we can be respected business owners and still have some whimsy and humor. Not everyone sees it the same way. That's ok and makes the world interesting. I designed the painter's whites to be professional, comfortable and female friendly. Visit the Ms. Blancas Design Difference page to learn more. I designed the logo to be sharp, sassy and strong. The message is "bring it on." Just like you and just like me.