Canadian Debut: Miss Mustard Seed At The Toronto Fall Home Show

The inspirational Marian Parsons, a.k.a. Miss Mustard Seed, makes her Canadian debut at the Toronto Fall Home Show, September 18-21, 2014. Marian is a blogger, designer, author, and President of Miss Mustard Seed. She loves to paint and refinish old furniture and thought it would be amazing to have a line of Milk Paints in colours she loves. Thus the idea of Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint was born. What started as a small notion, exploded into a full line of products carried by over 230 retailers in five different countries. Before you see Marian at the show, please enjoy her interview with Toronto Show Manager, Tina Holmes.

MEET MARIAN PARSONS, MISS MUSTARD SEED

Toronto Show Manager, Tina Holmes (TH): What's happening in furniture painting in the upcoming 2014/2015 season?

• Marian Parsons (Marian): "I'm seeing more primitive-looking paint techniques...layering paint colours with crackled and worn finishes. I think DIY-ers are also becoming more aware of the products they are using and what ingredients are in them."

TH: What advice have you got for aspiring new DIY painters?

• Marian: "You have to start somewhere, so don't be afraid to start. Work on a piece that was free or cheap or that you just hate as it is. That way, there's no pressure!"

TH: What would you say are the biggest colours, the hottest trends for fall?

• Marian: I'm seeing a lot of shades of white on Pinterest. I think we all like how clean they look in pictures. I've also been seeing a lot of indigo, but the blues always catch my attention."

TH: With your book Inspired You: Breathing New Life into Your Heart and Home and the new "Look Book" launch, you bring to life your paint colours and furniture. Do you have a favourite Milk Paint colour?

• Marian: "I am a blue and white girl through and through, so I love Ironstone, Grain Sack, Shutter Gray, and French Enamel. It's really hard to pick though, because I like them all!"

TH: What's the most common question you're asked?

• Marian: "I get asked what to do with a piece. People will send me a picture of something they want to paint, but they don't know what colour to use or how to finish it. I can't answer all of them, but I try to give them a point in the right direction."

TH: Where do you get or go for inspiration?

• Marian: "I enjoy looking at magazines, Pinterest, other blogs and decorating books. I especially like looking at older decorating books to see what design choices have stood the test of time."

TH: Most memorable career moment to date?

• Marian: "Going on The Nate Berkus Show was a pretty special moment. I also had a pinch-me moment when I got my book contract. I never imagined my business would take me here."

TH: What famous figures inspire your career?

• Marian: "I think I get a lot more inspiration from women entrepreneurs who aren't famous, but have been a wonderful example to me of success coming from hard work, talent, and determination. I can relate to them more than someone who is really huge like Martha Stewart. Lisa Leonard, a jewelry designer, and Reni of Bliss & Tell Branding Company come to mind."

TH: What are three things nobody knows about you, but you wish they did?

• Marian: "I'm a vegetarian. I played Pluto at Disney World as my high school job. I have been all over Europe and to Russia, but this is my first time in Canada!"

TH: What's your personal mantra?

• Marian: "If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you."

TH: What is your favourite app on your smartphone or iPad?

• Marian: "My Fitness Pal is an amazing free app and I love looking at Sky Guide."

Miss Mustard Seed will be appearing daily on the Main Stage at the Toronto Fall Home Show, check out the complete schedule for more information. Plus she'll be be doing book signing at the Homestead House Paint Co. Booth #931. Don't miss out - grab your tickets online now. And get the inside scoop on Marian's first trip to Canada by connecting with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Special thanks to Toronto Show Manager, Tina Holmes, a.k.a. @TinaLovesPinto, for introducing us to the talented Miss Mustard Seed.

Special thanks to Homestead House Paint Co. for bringing Miss Mustard Seed to Canada.