Rising Stars: Meet Erin Denny of Downtown Castle Rock Colorado

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Denny

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
“How I became an Annie Sloan Stockist, workshop host, and chalk paint artist is a journey that began long ago, rooted in my love for art. From a young age, I was always drawing or talking—an odd combination that, believe it or not, got me into trouble in school! But by the time I was 10, I found myself walking alongside my art teacher, assisting classmates with their assignments. In middle school, I had the incredible opportunity to paint murals on school walls and spend my free periods in the art room. In high school, I took every art class offered, from photography to sculpture. So, when I say art has always been my passion in all its forms, I truly mean it.

About 8 years ago, I started painting furniture, and that’s when I fell in love with Annie Sloan’s chalk paint. I was drawn to its ease of use and incredible durability. Eventually, I decided to take the leap and open a booth inside The Emporium in downtown Castle Rock, selling Annie Sloan paints and accessories. I named my business Peinture—a nod to my love of both paint and the French aesthetic I adore in furniture and décor. Peinture means ‘paint’ in French, and it felt like the perfect fit for what I wanted to offer.

The journey took an unexpected turn during 2020, a year when my family, friends, and I faced overwhelming sickness and loss. It was undeniably a difficult time, and there were moments I didn’t feel like creating much at all. A good friend, who’s also an artist, would check in with me and ask what I was creating, and I often found myself answering with, ‘Not much.’ But inside, I knew I needed to start painting again. Art is healing—it always has been. Whether it’s sketching, writing, singing, or dancing, art has a way of helping us process, heal, and connect. So, I made a conscious decision to pick up my paintbrushes again.

That’s when I realized that Peinture wasn’t just about selling paint; it was about creating a space where people could connect, heal, and explore their creativity together. That’s why when I say that Peinture specializes in paint and bringing people together, I mean it from the bottom of my heart. I love helping people find their perfect paint color, guiding them as they create their own art, and showing them how to transform their furniture. For me, it’s all about fostering a sense of joy, relaxation, and community through the art of painting.”

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
“Being an artist, I’ve learned that the road is never entirely smooth. Art is so personal, and it’s difficult when people judge your work without understanding how deeply it’s tied to who you are as a person. That emotional connection can make it challenging to navigate criticism, but it’s also what makes creating so powerful.

Starting a business was also a big leap, and it came with a lot of self-doubt. I questioned whether I had the right skills to not only create art but also to sell it and keep customers coming back. I even had a few coworkers tell me that painting furniture was no longer in style and that the paint wouldn’t sell. It was tough to hear, but I believed in what I was doing, and I pushed forward.

Fast forward a year, and I’m proud to say that the paint and products in my booth are selling, and my workshops have brought new faces into The Emporium. I’ve seen firsthand how people respond to the products and the community I’ve worked hard to create, and that validation means everything to me. Peinture is doing well, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the journey—even with its bumps along the way.”

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
“My work spans a few different roles, each allowing me to express my creativity in unique ways. Currently, my primary focus is chalk painting furniture and décor. I love adding a whimsical touch with gold accents and flowers, giving each piece a bit of fun and personality. While many furniture artists lean toward texture and distressing, I’m drawn to smooth finishes and clean lines, which I find so satisfying and timeless.

In addition to creating my own pieces, I also provide the tools and supplies for others to create their own art. At my booth in The Emporium, I sell a variety of products, including Annie Sloan paints, waxes, brushes, decoupage, transfers, stencils, molds, décor poly, books, and so much more.

Along with my role as a merchant, I’m also a manager lead at The Emporium, which has allowed me to connect with even more people. I absolutely love working with customers, whether it’s helping them pick out the perfect supplies for their next project or offering a friendly face to assist them with whatever they need around the store. But above all, I find joy in making people laugh and creating a positive, welcoming environment. It’s a huge part of why I do what I do—bringing a little light and joy to others through art and connection.”

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
“What I love most about Castle Rock is its charming, small-town feel. It’s the perfect blend of community and convenience. We have wonderful places to meet up, shop, and eat, as well as beautiful parks, a new library, fantastic restaurants, and unique local spots like The Emporium. There’s always something special to enjoy, and it’s the kind of place where you can really connect with your neighbors.

The only thing I don’t particularly love is that our little secret is out—people are discovering just how amazing Castle Rock is! As a result, the traffic can get a bit overwhelming at times, especially during peak hours.”

Pricing:

• Annie Sloan Chalk Paint $16-$45
• Annie Sloan Wax and Lacquer $18-$51
• Annie Sloan Books and Magazines $20-$35
• Annie Sloan Brushes $14-$60
• Furniture and Decor $45-$300

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theemporiumcastlerock.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peinture_llc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557492972273
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-denny-0a0463249/