Meet Desiree Rich | Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Desiree Rich and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Desiree, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve been going to Pinot’s Palette for 10 years and I’ve always liked the culture and the service I received when I attended as a customer. When the opportunity presented itself to transfer the business to us, we had to do it. We have loved getting to know our employees and enjoy being part of the community of Fort Collins. We know we have very large shoes to fill but hope that we can say that we made it for another 10 years in 2032.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I moved here from Lima, Peru to Breckenridge, Colorado. It was quite a change from the start. I had to finance and get my way into CSU through essays and applications. It was not easy but it was definitely worth it. My degree in both my Bachelors and Masters are in Accounting. Although, accounting is my career, painting is my passion. It allows me to scape to a stress free zone where creativity takes over. I was blessed with the opportunity of working with great employers throughout my career. I am now at a company in which I feel at home and who is always eager to support our goals and dreams. Now, I can say that I am able to fulfill both my business and creativity goals.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First we would go to Horsetooth Reservoir and hike in Lory State Park. Then, for lunch we would check out any spot in Old Town Fort Collins and then go visit the square. Finally, we would head to Otto Pint for a nice beverage and a pizza.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would say my family is my main shoutout! They always have supported any crazy idea I’ve had in the past from wanting to switch degrees half way through college to moving to another country. It “usually” turns out well but whatever the end results turns out to be, I know I can always fall back on them.

Another shoutout would be Colorado State University. CSU has played an immense role not only in my academic development but also in the business leader that I am now.

Another shoutout would be my past and current employers as they have played key roles in shaping me as the business person I am now and I’m forever indebted to them for it. An special shoutout to my current one for being extremely flexible with me and always allowing me to go for it! They are an special crew and I am lucky to be part of their team.

My final shoutout would be our employees. We are who we are because of them. They are extremely experienced but also super compassionate with any guest who is trying to paint for the first time. Always happy no matter what and providing new ideas for the success of the studio.

Website: www.pinotspalette.com/fortcollins

Instagram: @pinotftcollins

Facebook: @PinotsPaletteFortCollins

Image Credits
1. William, Desiree and Celeste Rich 3. Amy Heyse and Trinity Richardson – Pinot’s Palette Artists