For the past 30 years, Charles Blanchet has helped the people of Picayune redecorate and customize the homes of their dreams.
The Louisiana native is the owner of Charlie’s Custom Colors in Picayune.
He was born and raised in Evangeline Parish and attended McNeese State in Lake Charles, where he earned his degree in general agriculture.
“I was raised on a farm and enjoy raising cattle,” Blanchet said. “After I graduated from college in 1981, I worked offshore and, after that, I worked with a cattle operation in Prairieville, Louisiana. I helped with a purebred breeding program.”
In 1983, Blanchet was offered the opportunity to open a paint retail store in Picayune, which featured the locally manufactured Var Tung paint.
“This paint was made here in Picayune from tung nuts.” Blanchet said. “My first store was on Palestine Road. After they quit making the Var Tung, we became one of the Benjamin Moore and Coronado paint dealers.”
In 2005, Blanchet moved his paint store to its current location on Hwy. 11 N.
Charlie’s Custom Colors is also a full line flooring dealer. Blanchet offers many flooring options, including carpet, wood, vinyl, ceramic and laminate. There are a number of brands to choose from, which includes Shaw, Mannington and Armstrong.
People looking to add a fresh coat of paint or a pop of color to their interior or exterior can choose from an array of paints manufactured by Benjamin Moore, Coronado and Richards. The paints are available in flat, semi-gloss, satin and eggshell finishes.
Blanchet said that bathroom remodeling is a big part of the store’s business.
“We sell backsplashes, tile and waterproofing,” Blanchet said. “We have painting supplies readily available for purchase and access to industrial coatings for painting steel.”
Blanchet has six employees, including decorators.
“Our paint department guys are a big help, they keep the business going.” Blanchet. “And our decorators assist our customers by offering tips.”
Blanchet offers free flooring estimates, which includes measurements. Blanchet said he contracts out the installation labor.
Blanchet said that owning his own business has afforded him the opportunity to continue his hobby of caring for cattle.
“It has been a great experience in providing for my family,” Blanchet said. “I’m married with four children and three grandchildren. I want to thank this community for their confidence and generosity throughout the years and we really appreciate our staff. It’s not me, but it’s our employees that make us what we are.”
Charlie’s Custom Colors is located at 3306 Hwy. 11 N. The store is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday.
For more information, contact store staff at 601-799-1955.