Wise Owl Paint™ was born from a need to bring things back to life. There is an extraordinary sense of bliss that comes with rescuing an item from injury; from the trash; or simply to bring it back to being a cherished piece once again.

We are committed to providing products that are free of harsh chemicals and solvents. Our Chalk Synthesis Paint is zero VOC, we offer solvent free salves and waxes made from local beeswax, and hemp seed oil produced without unnecessary fillers or preservatives. We would like our consumers to feel good about painting and be able to do so without compromising health or the environment to do so.

Wise Owl Paint’s vast and ever-growing product line gives you access to premium products from paint-to-finish. Our versatile product line is capable of a multitude of finishes styles. Whether you prefer shabby chic, rustic, modern, contemporary, or somewhere between - our products will help you achieve the look and style desire. The Wise Owl Paint™ product line includes our versatile Chalk Synthesis Paint, One Hour Enamel, a wide selection of brushes, ample finishing options such as salves, waxes, oils, metallics, glaze, top coats and more. No matter which route you go our products have you covered.

We are PROUDLY made in Michigan!

Karen Chouinard

CEO/Owner, Wise Owl Paint™

I am an animal rescuer, nature and travel enthusiast, scientist, artist, mushroom huntress, and Mother. I collect rocks and minerals, exotic plants, and oddities. I am a third generation furniture rescuing aficionado. This pretty much translates to enthusiastic trash picker. I was taught tricks of the furniture-flipping trade early on in life, from my Mom and Antique-enthusiast Grandmother. I was always encouraged and inspired by my Grandfather, Mack, who was an artist.

I am an environmental scientist that turned to paint to fill an insatiable need to be creative. Wise Owl Paint™ was born in my kitchen and is truly innovated through science. Every product has been thoughtfully created to bring you the best products without ever compromising health or the environment.

When I am not curating new paint products, I rescue and rehabilitate wild animals. I have followed in the footsteps of my Mother and continue to help animals just like she did since I was a child. I now teach my own children the lessons she did, that ALL life has value. I foster wild babies and I enjoy volunteering at animal sanctuaries caring for Sloths, Toucans, Jaguars, and more. My plan is to one day open The Wise Owl animal sanctuary, where we will be dedicated to saving the animals of the rainforest in Costa Rica.

Rescuing animals, people, and even furniture is in my veins. I speak, dream, and curate colors and finishes through the language of science. Nature has inspired most everything we do here at Wise Owl Paint™.

I have the pleasure of working alongside my best friend, Erin. Together, we have built a company that remains grassroots and connected to our customers and retailers. I have a blast working with her and after years of working together we pretty much speak our own language. We dance like dorks and get to be our weird and quirky selves while being creative. What a fantastic way to spend our days!

Wise Owl Paint™ is engrained with integrity and sustainability.
I hope you love our paint and products. We have built them using our entire hearts.

Erin M. Derry

Chief Operations Officer, Wise Owl Paint™

I’m a creative, working on 42 projects at a time kind of artist. I draw, paint, and I’m a horrible dancer but that doesn’t stop me from dancing all the time. I am a firm believer in laughing hard and often and singing to music in the car just a little (a lot) too loud.

Animals and art are my two favorite things. I love bright bold color, blending and creating something one of a kind! My Dad, Greg, lent me his artistic creativity and my can do attitude, I proudly inherited from my Grandpa Derry. I love an honest hard days work and having something incredible to show for it. I love helping people, I get that from my mom Anita, the most thoughtful woman you’ll ever meet. Whether it’s teaching a new fancy trick or helping someone realize their true potential, it’s something I truly enjoy. I also love puppies...whether they’re brand New or an 18 year old puppy, I love them all! I have two, Prince Dillon (18 years) and Scarlett Danger (almost 4 year). Our favorite activities are car rides and jammin’ out to music with the windows down and stepping on open paint lids that I might leave on the floor.

Life is short, so live boldly. I left my career as a financial advisor, and started the next chapter working and creating with my very best friend, Karen Chouinard. We are awkward and weird and laugh more than most people you know. I’m so lucky to be able to be myself at work and I’m so grateful. Life gives us incredible opportunities, you just have to be ready to take the leap!