Small Business Spotlight: Coco’s Chalky Paint

Coco’s Chalky Paint, owned by Hikia “Coco“ Dixon, is a store that offers an experience like no other. Opened in March of 2019, she renovated everything you see. Coco invented an all-natural paint additive that requires no primer, no sanding and can be applied directly to anything. It allows you to turn any flat latex or acrylic paint into chalk paint. Her Cleveland-made chalk powder is in four countries and over one thousand stores, including Hobby Lobby, and is about to drop in Michaels.

When Coco was younger, she spent most of her time flipping furniture to donate to single moms. For twenty years, she flipped furniture and returned it at no profit, “my profit is gratitude,” explained Coco. She worked for a chalk paint company which gave her the materials to do this for people. However, one day the company said they could no longer provide her with the needed paint, she decided to make her own. However, the process was not easy.

Coco runs an Airbnb at her house, and one guest, a man from Germany, booked for 90 days. After a particularly frustrating day with no success making the chalk paint, the guest found her in the garage. After drying her tears and apologizing, she asked what he was doing in The States. The man replied that he was a chemist in chalk, here to show Americans how to work with the material. He spent his free time after work helping Coco develop her recipe.

Coco soon opened her store in Downtown Cleveland. She has continued to flip furniture, but in her store, she has also set up shop to sell her chalky paint additive and décor and provided home to an art gallery featuring local artists.

At Coco’s Chalky Paint, it is hard to miss the must-see Wizard of Oz exhibit on the first floor. Take a walk down the yellow brick road to the exhibit that donates all its profits to inter-city youth. These kids aged 8-14 come to Coco’s every Monday and Friday afternoon to learn about business. At the end of August, Coco donated 1,500 back-to-school items.

The Wizard of Oz exhibit at Coco’s

Downstairs is the largest underground retail spot in Downtown Cleveland spanning an entire city block. Here you can find prime examples of the furniture she has upcycled using her chalk paint and all the one-of-a-kind items for sale. This hidden gem of a store has many Instagram-worthy photo opportunities. Come to Coco’s to step into a giant Barbie box, sit at a grand piano, or pose for pictures in front of the fireplace. The employees are happy to tour the store and provide the history of the space. Keep an eye out for her adorable pups, Coco and Chanel.

Coco’s also has an event space; the 250-seat ballroom can be set up and decorated however you like for your next party. Currently decorated as an enchanted garden, this space is perfect for events such as baby showers, birthday parties, or whatever big event is next on your horizon.

Coco has faced many trials while building her business. After investing much money into the renovated event space, a car crashed into the room, narrowly missing Coco and her employees. Shortly after, during the George Floyd protests, her storefront windows were bashed by rioters. Finally, a water pipe burst and flooded the entire basement precisely one year after the car incident. Not to mention the struggles Covid brought for a small business like Coco’s. Despite the difficulties Coco has faced, she remains optimistic. “There are so many miracles at Coco’s,” she explained.

A car that crashed into the underground space at Coco’s

Coco’s Chalky Paint was another one of CleCoin Downtown Dollars' early adopters. CleCoin works just like a credit card and makes it easy to shop local at your favorite restaurants, retailers, and services. Spark your creativity by purchasing some chalk paint or skip the work and buy a one-of-a-kind piece from her store with your Downtown Dollars.