Creators, we are delighted to share that we have another top notch Rust-Oleum team member joining the Studio - meet Noor (@NBatista)!
Hi, Creators! My name is Noor Batista. I live in Chicago, IL, with my husband, Rick, and our two cats, Thomas O’Malley and JJ Onyx. I am so excited to be part of the community and can’t wait to see all your amazing projects and feedback. Below is a little more about me.
How long have you worked for Rust-Oleum?
I have worked at Rust-Oleum for almost eight years!
What is your job at Rust-Oleum?
I am the Assistant Manager of Public Relations & Corporate Communications.
How would you describe yourself/occupation to a complete stranger?
I would say I am reliable, creative and loyal. As for my occupation, I like to describe it as communicating all things internal and external.
What's your favorite part of the Creator's Studio community?
I love the camaraderie and creativity. It's so important to have a community and these days; it is not easy to find it.
What creative areas do you like to focus on?
I love to DIY. Recently, I have been working with Varathane stains, but I love it all. I have done several spray paint and brushed projects in the past.
What is your favorite Rust-Oleum product? How has it helped with your DIY projects?
OMG! That is a hard one. I think it is a toss-up between Painter's Touch 2X Ultra Cover and Varathane Premium Stains. They both have amazing color options and can be applied really easily.
What interests you most about DIY projects?
I love the idea of reusing something that was made a long time ago. I love the beauty of vintage items and that just a little paint/stain can bring them back to life.
What's the best DIY project you have completed and how did you accomplish it?
I am very proud of this bookshelf I was able to refinish. I bought this piece second hand in high school and I could not find anything similar to replace it. So, I decided it was staying and I was going to give it a much-needed facelift. I used Varathane Dark Walnut stain on the outside and Milk Paint in Highland Blue on the inside.
What's the most difficult project you have tackled?
I just finished reviving the shelves in a 100-year-old built-in hutch in our new home. I was so happy with how they turned out, but it was challenging to strip. The original wood was top coated with shellac and it did not want to come off. After multiple attempts, I was able to strip them down and re-stain them to match perfectly. I was so happy that it worked and we didn't have to cover up this original woodwork with paint.
If you could create any type of project (with no limitations), what would you design and why?
I would create my own line of furniture. I love unique pieces of furniture and would love to woodwork and finish my own pieces.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don't know about you.
I am a dual citizen. I am a US citizen and was born in IL, but I am also a Jordanian citizen.
What's the best advice that anyone has ever given you?
Learn from the good in a situation and forget about the rest. The rest will not benefit you.
What book(s) are on your nightstand right now?
I am reading Atomic Habits by James Clear. So far, it is a great book. I would highly recommend it.
What's your all-time favorite food?
I don’t think I can answer this one. I will say my husband and I are huge foodies. I love it all, but I would have to say that Vietnamese food is one of my top 5.
Thanks so much for having this little Q&A with us @NBatista! Creators, feel free to ask her any questions in the comments below - be sure to tag her using our nifty "@" mention feature! 😉