05/28/2026
I am sweating profusely.
When I decided to open The Paint Riot, there was not an ounce of doubt in my mind. Yes, opening a business is scary and hard and there were a lot of tears along the way. But never once did I question what I was doing.
I have been a part of the Cambridge community for almost 11 years now. I have worked for half a dozen businesses around the city, some independent and some massive corporations. And they have all taught me something. I learned qualities of good business and bad, mentored under amazing management and some not so amazing. But with every position I held, between now and when I got my first job at the age of 14 back in 1998....no need to do the math, I always made it my mission to provide my customers with the best possible customer service that was within my power.
So when I officially opened the doors to The Paint Riot in October of 2025, all of that stress and frustration didn't matter because I knew that the community had a place where they could come for fun, creativity and acceptance. It was my personal mission to build a place that was accessible financially, mentally and emotionally. And a place where I could try to teach both children and adults that it is okay to make a mess and be messy. Because it is in those messes that you learn, you let go and you open up to possibilities that the world sometimes closes off to you.
There is a time and place for rules and order, but not when you are at The Paint Riot.
So thank you so much to whoever nominated us and to for this honour. But to our rioters, it is everyone who comes through our doors and feels seen, gets messy and leaves with a smile on their face, you are what truly makes us feel special.
I am sorry we have to close tonight but we are wide open tomorrow and would love to have you come in and make a mess. ❤️
