Conversations with the Inspiring Becky O’Toole

Today we’d like to introduce you to Becky O’Toole.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
While I majored in photography at Rochester Institute of Technology, I spent the years after college working in interior design in New York, then in advertising in Boston. I spent most my 20’s and 30’s paying rent and bills, never finding my creative outlet. When I was 37, I was diagnosed with breast cancer (weeks after my mom was diagnosed). Being a mom at home with two young children, I needed to do something creative to release my stress. I found my only free time was in the evening and I started painting. My husband encouraged me to sell my paintings and donate a portion of every sale to Dana-Farber. The first store that welcomed my pieces was Joye Gifts in Scituate Harbor, MA. Shortly after that, Acquire Good in Hingham, MA agreed to sell some of my work. Just before my 40th birthday, I was diagnosed with leukemia. In the hospital for over 100 days in 6 months, I found the only way to survive was to bring my canvases and paints into the room and paint my time away. The more each store sold, the more I could donate, and equally important, the more I needed to paint to keep up inventory. In a world where I wasn’t in control of anything, it gave me a sense of pride and purpose. Through 6 months of treatment, painting saved me. And now, I paint to donate, giving back to as many of those who have helped me. Pinkergreen in the South End did my website, Katina Bentley Photography took my photo, and Tin Bucket Shop in Reading, MA welcomed my work into their store. I was fortunate enough to tap into a loving network of women-owned businesses that lifted me up and helped make my dream come true during a not-so-dreamy time in my life.

Has it been a smooth road?
One of the greatest things I have learned is that genuine women, especially those who own their own businesses, want to help other women. Nancy Levanchy, owner of Joye Gifts, has basically held my hand as I figured out how to actually sell my art in a store. I met Tamala Levin, owner of Acquire Good, over 15 years ago when I worked at Lucca in the North End. I mentioned my paintings and she was looking for more local artisans. I believe that good energy finds good energy. Kelley Shaw-Wade, an owner of Pinkergreen, has been a friend for over 20 years and stepped right up to help me with my website. My aunt, Trudi Gilliam is a metal sculptor in Montana and she gave me lots of advice on how to sell art and protect what you own on consignment. My mom inspired me, now in remission, by constantly creating art. I have learned from other artists on the South Shore about how to take pride in your work and who you are as an artist. The nurses, doctors and other patients I have known through this experience have also inspired me. On my darkest days, I had amazing friends and family who would keep me positive. And those who have commissioned my work have been especially amazing for my motivation to do more. I would encourage all younger women to take chances at an earlier age, but also realize that dreams may not come true until you are much older. And you may just be better prepared for it by then!

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Pink Frame story. Tell us more about the business.
From Manasquan, NJ to St. Croix, to Turks & Caicos and to the rocky coast of New England – and of course, my forever home of Scituate, MA – each painting is from beaches in my mind. Each painting is unique and is dependent upon the stress I need to paint away that day. I called my business The Pink Frame because I do give a portion of every painting sold to Dana-Farber, as a way to give back to help other cancer patients. I donate paintings to area organizations to help them raise money. And each month when I go back to Dana-Farber for checkups, I bring paintings to give to current leukemia patients. There is nothing that brings hope to a hospital room like an “ocean view”.

Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
I had some amazing mentors and bosses throughout my career – both men and women. I don’t think we, as women, generally feel comfortable asking for help. Whether it be working, setting up a new business or at home with children. The conversations I have had with local businesswomen have been the most helpful I have had in my life. There is something about the small business personality that lends itself to be helpful, which is why I will always sell in small businesses and ideally women-owned businesses. My experience with them has just been amazing and there is a level of care that is just really special and coveted.

Contact Info:

• Website: thepinkframe.org
• Phone: 617-283-0075
• Email: rcotoole@yahoo.com
• Instagram: thepinkframe
• Facebook: thepinkframe

Image Credit:
Katina Bentley Photography

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