We were lucky to catch up with Ann Merritt recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ann, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Our mission at You and I Paint Inc. a company founded by duo sisters Ann Merritt and Ban Markos is deeply rooted in the belief that art should be a joyful, accessible, and therapeutic experience for everyone. We strive to create an environment where people can relax, connect, and explore creativity without pressure. Art isn’t about mastering a technique but about finding peace and joy in self-expression, and we’re dedicated to helping people discover that art can be an easy and fulfilling hobby, regardless of their background or experience.
Our journey began in the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when isolation and disconnection were at an all-time high. During the pandemic, we would host free virtual classes weekly where hundreds of people would join us to paint from all over the world, all they needed were basic art supplies and we would guide them on how to complete masterpieces step by step during a two-hour guided session on Zoom. As restrictions closed down small businesses and wineries, we saw an opportunity to support our community by bringing people safely together—virtually and in person—through the healing power of art. We worked within COVID guidelines to host thousands of guests, supporting local venues by bringing much-needed business their way and providing people with a safe, uplifting space to connect and unwind.
For us, this mission is meaningful because it’s a way to make a lasting impact on people’s well-being and help communities thrive together. We are not just providing a service; we’re building a place for joy, connection, and creativity that can bring people together for years to come.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Thank you for sharing this, and it’s great to introduce ourselves to those who might not know the story behind You and I Paint™. We’re two immigrant sisters, Ann Merritt and Ban Markos, both mothers, who began our professional journeys in Engineering and Architecture here in Canada—fields we entered for stability, but which didn’t fulfill our deeper passion for art and creativity. Despite the demands of being working moms with four toddlers between us, we felt a strong calling to build something that married our organizational and visionary skills with our love for art. That’s how You and I Paint™ was born in 2020, just months before the world was turned upside down by the pandemic.
The challenges of operating legally and safely through COVID’s colour zones in Ontario were real, but they strengthened our mission and resilience. Today, we are grateful to work with a team of ten inspiring women who share our vision. Together, we provide both online and in-person paint-and-sip experiences on various mediums like canvas, tote bags, wine glasses, candles, and more! showcasing the beauty of art against stunning backdrops across the Golden Horseshoe.
At You and I Paint™, we believe in the power of art as a therapeutic and joyful experience. Our events offer a welcoming, elevated environment where people can unwind, connect, and discover the artist within, whether they’re seasoned painters or first-timers. We’re proud to have brought thousands together to experience art’s magic, helping individuals, friends, and corporate teams tap into creativity and unwind.
What sets us apart is not only the setting and quality we bring to each event but also our dedication to community, connection, and providing a lasting experience that goes beyond painting. We’re immensely proud of the community that has formed around You and I Paint™ and have served amazing repeat clients like Apple, Deloitte, and The Blue Jays and feel honoured to be part of so many special moments. For us, each session is about inspiring and uplifting people, and we’re grateful to continue sharing our passion and mission with all who join our artistic family.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Our reputation has truly been built on authenticity, passion, and an unwavering commitment to our clients’ needs. Right from the beginning, we focused on creating an elevated experience that felt genuine and stood apart from others in the paint and sip industry. For us, it’s never just been about the paint—it’s about the joy, connection, and creativity our clients experience in every session. We are built as a mobile business and hand-pick all the beautiful venues/experiences and collaborate for a masterpiece of an event to our customers.
We approach each event with a deep understanding of our clients’ needs, listening to their ideas and infusing each session with a personal touch. This customer-centred approach means our events feel unique and tailored, creating lasting memories for our guests. Additionally, our passion for art and its transformative potential shines through in everything we do. We wholeheartedly believe in the therapeutic and social value of art, and we’re proud to deliver a sophisticated, warm, and fun experience that resonates with people on a personal level.
Staying true to these values, along with the dedication of our team, has allowed us to build strong client relationships and a reputation we’re incredibly proud of.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One of our most defining moments of resilience came in the early days of You and I Paint™, just after we launched on May 2020. Within months, the world changed with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a challenging time for everyone and especially for a business based on social gatherings. However, we were determined to bring people together and keep art accessible and healing, even during lockdowns.
Despite the restrictions, we found ways to legally operate, quickly pivoting to virtual events and shipping paint kits to people’s homes and businesses. For in-person events, we created a safe space where people could connect and unwind. Through online paint nights and small in-person gatherings, we provided people with a creative outlet, bringing joy and colour into their lives when it was needed most. Our partnerships with local wineries and small businesses allowed us to support each other—these venues could host guests safely, while we provided a steady flow of customers through our events.
This period tested us, yet it also solidified our mission and proved to us and our community that art and connection are essential. We’re proud that our ability to adapt and our commitment to our clients helped us thrive during one of the most challenging times in recent history.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.youandipaint.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youandipaint/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/youandipaintinc
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/you-and-i-paint-inc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@youandipaint
Image Credits
YK Photography and 515 Photo Co