The Start of New Era :

At the start of this year, I wrote these words in my first post on The Artisan Company Facebook page:

"....Here’s to a year that’s brighter than ever, braver than before, and filled with fearless moves."

Little did I know that those very words would become my own prophecy. That, not long after writing them, I would be making one of the most fearless moves of my life—the decision to step away from The Artisan Company and pass the torch, ushering in a new era.

It’s funny, isn’t it? How the universe listens when we speak our intentions into it. How words, once released, take on a life of their own.

For those who have been with us on this journey, you know The Artisan Company was born from pure passion—a love for decorative painting that started humbly in our garage. What began as a pursuit of the finest paint, the most exquisite finishes, became something so much greater. It became an obsession, a relentless commitment to creating the highest-quality decorative paint, built from the ground up, right here in New Zealand.

This was no off-the-shelf endeavor. It was raw. It was real. It was sleepless nights, relentless testing, and an unwavering belief that we could revolutionize the DIY market. And we did. We built a premium brand that people trust, that they love, that they are proud to use in their homes. A brand that champions quality, that stands firm in its choice to support NZ made and small NZ independent businesses rather than large chain stores. We ran it proudly with integrity, openness and honesty —values we have held steadfast from day one.

And you—our customers, our retailers, our community—you have been the heartbeat of this brand. You have supported it with your own passion, your loyalty, and your creativity. You have made this more than a NZ paint company; you have made it a movement.

But as this company has evolved, so too have I. And in recent times, I have felt a deeper calling—one that tugs deep at my soul—to return to pure, unfiltered creativity. Though I’ve dedicated myself to nurturing both The Artisan Company and my own creative passions, the reality is that the remarkable vessel we’ve built together has grown too vast for me to continue guiding while staying true to my artistic pursuits. My work here is done.

But I could never entrust this legacy to just anyone. It had to be someone with the same fire, the same devotion, the same deep, unwavering love for this brand and all that it stands for. And I am overjoyed to say, I have found those special hands in Nicolette and her team at Dooney & Daughters who happen to also be a proud premium retailer of ours. We have already been working on the transition in the background for the last little while and starting 1st of March The Artisan Company will officially be nurtured in these new hands and I know will be in the best possible care.

The vision will remain. The integrity, the quality, the artistry—it will all continue to flourish under this new leadership. The dream will keep evolving, fueled by the same passion that built it.

While this chapter comes to a close for me, the story of The Artisan Company continues. And as I slowly step away in the next couple of weeks, I do so with deep gratitude—for the journey, for every challenge and victory, for every person I’ve encountered, the conversations, inspirations we’ve shared, and for all those who have walked this incredible path alongside me, whether you have been a customer, a partner or a retailer, I thank you for the trust, the friendships, for joining me in a journey that has been nothing short of being magical.

As I step forward into this new chapter, I hold close a reflection inspired by the wisdom of Rumi:

"When the soul has achieved its purpose, it longs to move on. Do not resist this calling. Go where your heart leads, for the journey does not end—it transforms. Your past creations are but footprints in the sand; they have shaped the world, but the tide must come, clearing the way for something new. Do not fear the unknown, for the same fire that forged your path will illuminate the next. Trust in the rhythm of your own becoming."

So with this, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for following this creative journey of mine—through every twist, every turn, every new chapter. Your unwavering support and love have meant the world to me, and I could not be more grateful for the role you have played and will continue to play in this incredible story.....

With love & gratitude

Dorophya Taylor xx