Painting Her Own Path: Mireille Hutt Breaks Barriers with Hutt Painting
In a trade where women are often few and far between, Mireille Hutt is making a name for herself — one brushstroke at a time. As the proud owner of Hutt Painting, based in West Hants, Nova Scotia, Mireille has built a thriving business providing high-quality interior and exterior painting services, all while navigating the balancing act of business ownership and family life.
Hutt Painting officially opened its doors in July 2022. Mireille’s path into painting, however, began nearly a decade earlier, almost by chance. "I accidentally started painting about nine years ago at a university," she recalls. "They just needed someone - they weren’t very picky - and that’s how I learned." From there, friends and family began calling on her talents, setting the foundation for what would eventually become her full-time profession.
When Mireille sought to turn her passion into a career, she quickly encountered the realities of a traditionally male-dominated industry. After reaching out to several companies urgently seeking painters, she noticed a cold reception. "I didn’t even realize it at first," she says. "It was my husband who pointed out, 'It’s because you’re a girl.' That’s when I decided - why waste my time trying to fit in? I’ll start my own business."
Determined to forge her own path, Mireille sought support from the Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC), enrolling in the Self Employment Benefits (SEB) program. "David Merrill at the CBDC was a huge help," she says. "Having someone I could talk to who really understood what starting a business was like made a big difference. The accountability, the mentorship - it helped me feel like I wasn’t doing it all alone."
Today, Hutt Painting has become a respected name in Hants County, known for attention to detail, professional service, and community spirit. Mireille offers a full range of services but admits to a soft spot for outdoor work. "Exterior painting is good for the mind," she explains. "I love being outside - and I don’t feel like I’m intruding in someone’s private space."
Her journey has already featured several proud milestones. Early in her career, Mireille secured a contract to paint for one of the region’s largest employers. "I wasn’t fully ready — I needed more supplies - but I was proud to be painting for such a large, well-established company," she says. Another highlight: successfully leading a team to repaint the interior of the local Schoolhouse Brewery in a single day, a feat of planning and teamwork.
As a socially conscious business owner, community involvement is close to Mireille’s heart. She frequently volunteers her services for local projects, often with the generous support of suppliers like Benjamin Moore. One particularly touching moment came when she saw a Facebook post about a local church vandalized with graffiti. "It was my birthday," she laughs, "but I grabbed my supplies and showed them how to fix it. Just a few minutes of my time, but it made a big impact."
Running a small business has been full of learning curves. Mireille emphasizes the importance of pricing work appropriately and managing finances wisely. "Don’t undervalue yourself," she advises. "Charge the full value of your work. And hire a bookkeeper early - it’s one thing I wish I had done from the start."
As Hutt Painting grows, Mireille is open to new opportunities, including larger commercial projects. But at the end of the day, her passion remains simple: the joy of painting itself. "Sometimes I envy the retired painters who just show up with a brush," she jokes. "There’s something really satisfying about just focusing on the work you love."
With grit, heart, and a steady hand, Mireille Hutt is not only building a successful business - she’s opening doors for other women to follow. In every corner of Hants County where a home or business shines with fresh paint, Mireille’s impact is clear: a reminder that determination, skill, and passion are always in style.