Co-Founder Featured in Forbes’ 50 Over 50 Lifestyle List

Cathy Deano, Co-Founder of Painting with a Twist was recently featured in Forbes Magazine’s highly coveted 50 over 50 Lifestyle List.  The list honors 50 women who are reshaping the face of entertainment across the country, proving that success has no age limit.

Over the last two years, Forbes has received thousands of nominations from the general public for this list. Each nominee is assessed by five main factors including achievements after turning 50, success at scale, impact, first time listees and having a pay-it-forward mindset

Cathy is included on the list alongside names like Kris Jenner, Dolly Parton and Sandra Bullock – all women who have founded companies in varying industries. A self-proclaimed “late bloomer” Cathy co-founded Painting with a Twist while in her 50s, in the wake of the Hurricane Katrina disaster to help rebuild the community.

“To be on this prestigious list is pretty incredible. I can’t believe my name is among inspiring icons like Dolly Parton, who I consider a hero for her philanthropic work,” said Deano. “When we created Painting with a Twist, it was important for us to use the business platform for good. What stemmed out of tragedy to bring joy after Hurricane Katrina, has since taken off through the franchise model, and inspired small business owners around the U.S. to use the social concept to give back locally to their own communities.”

One of the core values at Painting with a Twist is giving back. Our founders met volunteering in the community and it’s been an integral part of our brand since inception. One of the ways our studios give back is by hosting one Painting with a Purpose fundraising event each month.  50% of the proceeds from these events are donated to a local charitable organization. To date, Painting with a Twist has donated nearly $7 million to charities all over the country.

Cathy was also recently named in Franchise Dictionary Magazine’s list of 50 Women of Wonder! The publication asked its readers to nominate a female franchisor who they feel is changing the face of franchising. Women on this list were nominated for their incredible successes overcoming adversity and making a positive impact on their communities.

To say we are honored to have Cathy as a role model for the brand is an understatement. She lives and breathes Painting with a Twist. Her passion is unrivaled and we cannot wait to see what the future holds for her and Painting with a Twist.

If you, too, have a passion for changing lives and a desire to be your own boss in a fun industry, schedule a quick chat with us!