The Alchemy of the Finish For the last thirty years, I have dedicated myself to the "alchemy" of this trade. I don’t just open a can of paint; I mix traditional glazes with unexpected elements—crushed crystals, glass beads, and minerals—to create textures that catch the light and the imagination.
From those early Saturday mornings learning from legends like Glenwood Sherry to the bespoke projects I lead today, my philosophy has remained the same: the learning never ends. I believe a home is a canvas for your life’s story, and every layer should be applied with the meticulous care of a master artisan and the respect I would show my own home.
The Artist & The Artistry
A View From The Scaffolding My career in decorative arts didn’t start in a pristine studio; it started in 1995, looking up at my mother. I walked into her home to find her three stacks high on a scaffold—no safety bars, just her, a sea sponge, and a vision. When I nervously asked why her cordless phone was sitting on the floor far below her, she laughed and said, “In case I fall, I can call someone!”
That blend of fearlessness, humor, and creativity sparked something in me. At the time, I was a middle school teacher, spending my days helping students navigate life's challenges. But that summer, I picked up a brush to transform my own home. Neighbors began to notice the soul I poured into my walls, and I realized I could teach through beauty just as well as I could in a classroom. I retired from teaching, picked up my trowel, and never looked back.
A Note from the Studio:
To step into my world is to leave the noise behind.
Whether in my South Tampa studio or a home across the country, I believe a space should feel like a deep breath—a sanctuary filled with imagination, the scent of fresh orchids, and the quiet glow of a vanilla candle.
For over thirty years, my work has been an alchemy of nature and artistry. I find my inspiration in the delicate shimmer of a butterfly’s wing, the layering of the morning sky, and the grounded peace of the woods. I bring those organic rhythms into your home through finishes that don't just sit on the wall, but live within the room.
When we work together, the process is as intentional as the result. We’ll pour a glass of champagne, settle into the comfort of the studio, and listen to what your home is asking for. My goal is to translate who you are and what you love into a tactile reality—creating a space you wake up to every day that brings you profound joy and comfort.
Welcome to Painted Finishes. Let's create your sanctuary.
~Sylvia Shofi ♡
Paint, Paws, and Patience While my hands are often covered in plaster, my heart is deeply rooted in local animal rescue. I’ve found that the same patience required to layer a complex Venetian finish is the exact patience needed to help a resilient soul learn to trust again.
When you invite me into your home, you are partnering with a mission. Through my "Clean Start" initiative, I ensure that the cherished items you no longer need find a second life at Animal Based Charities (ABC), where 100% of the proceeds directly fuel local rescue efforts.
Beyond the studio, I am a dedicated advocate for "Adopt, Don't Shop." My newest fur-babies and studio companions, Autumn and Aurelio, are proud alumni of Rescued Hearts ♡ of Sarasota, a group dear to my heart that specializes in the rescuing, vetting and fostering of small dogs. My goal is simple: to leave your home—and our community—more beautiful than I found it. ♡♡