Specialty painter enjoys job’s flexibility

Donna Wood is a specialty painter for Linda Kaye Originals.

She paints girls’ names on barrettes that are sold in children’s boutiques, children’s shoe stores and toy stores and even in some convenience stores.

“The biggest challenge is keeping up with the changing names,” Wood said. “These days, boys’ names such as Riley, Addison, Ryan, Payton and Peyton are popular as girls’ names. I also see names spelled in unusual ways – Jorga for Georgia and Amelie for Emily. The most challenging are the names with ethnic spellings.

“I paint in the comfort of my home,” Wood continued. “I work flexible hours without a two-way daily commute. I love the flexibility of working at home and setting my own hours. As long as I get the work done, no one cares when I do it.”

What is your hometown? Canandaigua, N.Y.

What town do you live in now? Hayden

How long have you been doing your current job? Six years

What do you enjoy the least about your job? “The work has to be turned in every day. I have to drive to Rathdrum every morning so the barrettes can be in the morning mail.”

What is your dream job? “I enjoy the weather. My dad grew up on a farm, and he enjoys the weather and wants to know what’s happening with it constantly. If I could have my dream job, it would be as a meteorologist.”

If your life were a movie, whom would you want to portray you? “I enjoy Glenn Close. She is an independent person, and I consider myself an independent person, too.”