Last week we held our True Colour Expert Training in Chicago and it was an amazing success… with raving reviews! If you missed it, let me just say… you *really* missed out. But don’t worry, I’m here to give you a peek behind the scenes (and a little nudge so you don’t miss the next one!).
By the way, this training always gets rave reviews but this one was extra special because we went through a lot of effort to add more hands-on exercises.
We heard you!
When the team and I were at High Point Market in April we polled several designers we met along the way who follow me and asked them what their biggest challenge was and they all said PAINT.
So yes of course that’s a big piece of what you learn in my courses but I realized the live events need to be more paint focused so that students leave feeling much more confident than when they arrived!
And let me just say, the energy in the room was contagious—everyone was up, moving, comparing undertones, building palettes, and tackling real world “what would you do?” design challenges.
Think you know colour? Most designers do—until they see this.
Last week, I watched someone pick the “perfect” paint for a client’s living room. It looked great in person… but on the wall, disaster!
Here’s what went wrong: she missed one crucial piece that makes all the difference. Without this, picking paint colours will always feel like a guessing game (and trust me, most people are guessing). This is exactly what I teach on Day 1 of my True Colour Expert Training.
Want to know the secret? I’m sharing it (and much more) in my Dallas course this fall. Scroll to the end of this post for a quick colour challenge and see if you’re already thinking like a True Colour Expert!
The best tips to get your business started!
You know I’m all about practical, actionable advice. But this year I added even more content on how to start your colour consulting business and use social media to get clients. The best part? Seeing so many of you light up with new ideas for your own businesses (or side hustles!). Colour confidence and business savvy? Yes, please.
At every event, we have two True Colour Experts come as volunteers! They get to experience the course all over again from the back of the room assistant new participants! It’s a win-win.
Thank you Kylie and Tina! 💛
What Others Are Saying (Cue the FOMO!):
Hi Maria and team,
I just wanted to send a personal note of thanks for the fantastic workshop you all put on in Chicago May 14 & 15. I was attending the workshop with no ‘official’ training in color or in home decorating, but with a strong and varied creative background including working at creative agencies, working for home-improvement brands, and home decorating for friends & family.
I recently bought a new home, and came across Maria’s accounts (good targeting!). Maria had a clear POV. Her thoughtfulness & authentic voice on social media cut through a sea of sameness. Her expert but also somehow very practical tips were easy to remember and understand.
Also, she (and Maria I hope you are reading this) is just clearly a badass female in the industry, which I respect so much. I left the workshop inspired – to ideate, to create, to problem solve in my own home (and beyond?!).
I have always loved color, but I haven’t always had the language to express the how / what / when / where / why. What a relief to finally be able to explain what works (and doesn’t)!
I also just wanted to say how impressed I was by Maria and also her entire team. The workshop was truly seamless. As a marketer by trade, I can say that a workshop running seamlessly is NOT a given. It takes a lot of work, details and logistics to put on a workshop so smooth that the content can be memorable. Thank you for the opportunity to learn, to be inspired, and to get my wheels turning around color and home decorating.
See you on the True Colour Insider community!
~Kaitlyn Thompson, Chicago attendee
“This was so transformative for me! I can’t thank you enough for providing such incredible material throughout the entire class/workshop. THIS is what I needed to feel confident in providing future clients with actionable steps and strategies to create the home of their dreams. I’m truly grateful for you Maria, as well as your talented team!” ~Michelle K., Chicago attendee
“I felt like it was worth every penny spent and I learned a lot. I made new friends and was so excited to meet Maria and her team. Discovering Maria has been a game-changer for me. She articulates the principles I’ve always believed in when it comes to creating timeless designs for my clients.” ~Donna M., Chicago attendee
“Maria made the class very enjoyable. She is authentic, and incredibly generous with the information she shares. I love that she shares her mistakes and laughs about them. It helps new people starting out not to expect perfection.” ~Beth W., Chicago attendee
“Business or pleasure? I was asked this question more than once on my way home—and honestly, it was hard to answer! Yes, I was there to kickstart my new decorating business, but it felt like so much more than work. It far exceeded my expectations! I had such a great time connecting with the amazing women at my table—sharing ideas, learning from each other, and just enjoying the energy in the room. Maria was especially inspiring—so grounded and real. She encouraged us to step out of our comfort zones, embrace the learning process (including the mistakes!), and even try something new… like posting an Instagram story. Who would’ve thought?”
~Sherry G., Chicago attendee
Here’s the dream team that was with me in Chicago!
Kristy Robb, Director of Marketing | Tricia Firmaniuk, Director of eDesign | (me) | Vienna Holdip, Digital Content Manager
Take the colour challenge here:
Here’s a test. Would you be able to answer this question? Share your answer in the comments!
Ready to Join Us? Dallas, You’re Next!
Dallas is coming this fall you can register here.
This will be our third year in Dallas. We are not travelling around the country anymore so it’s Chicago in the Spring or Dallas in the Fall. Also since the course is now tailored more for pros, we can’t seem to fill a course in Canada.
Why this training is different
- Real-world, practical system (no fluffy colour theory here!)
- Certification as a True Colour Expert®
- Loads of hands-on exercises and real-life examples
- A supportive, inspiring community (seriously, you’ll make new friends)
- Lifetime value—most people wish they’d done it sooner!
Don’t let FOMO win. Be the expert everyone calls!
If you’re ready to finally feel confident with colour, grow your business, or just create a home you love, join me at the next event. I promise, you’ll leave energized, inspired, and maybe even a little obsessed with lamps (inside joke for my Chicago crew!).
See you in Dallas—or online this fall in the Create Your Dream Home workshop!
Homeowners, Don’t Miss Out. Join Me Online!
Not a designer? Planning a new build or reno? My Create Your Dream Home training is just for you. It’s virtual (hello, pajamas!) and packed with everything you need to make confident, timeless choices for your home. Bring your spouse for free! We’ve got two dates this fall: October 1–2 and Nov. 12-13. Sign up here!
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Hi,
I have taken the 2018 MK-Training in Long Beach, NY, which completely changed my life. This training event, combined with all courses, blogs and other MK-resources, have allowed me to start my career.
I will forever be grateful!
Best regards,
Judy M