When did the store open and why did you decide to open it?
MARIA HUI, originally opened in 2017, in what was essentially a backroom. I had studied acting and worked as an actress for many years, but after having two children and moving back to my family home in Passau, I felt the need to express my creativity again. I had always dabbled in furniture upcycling, so I made it the focus of my creative life and set up a small workshop. I discovered Annie Sloan paints and loved them so much that I wanted to became a stockist.
After about six months, I moved the store into my late father’s former pharmacy, right in our family home, transforming the space into a creative hub called “Schwägerlwirtschaft- die Verwandelei.”
What inspired the shop’s name?
In 2025, we renamed the store MARIA HUI, inspired by the original name of my father’s pharmacy, Maria Hilf-Apotheke. By modifying the name slightly, we honoured the past while creating something new, reflecting our upcycling philosophy: taking what exists and turning it into something unique. “Maria” represents femininity, creative power, and courage, while “Hui” stands for beauty, joy, and creativity.
What it’s it like visiting the shop?
Our store is vibrant, creative, and full of colour! We stock everything for DIY and furniture upcycling, including Annie Sloan Chalk Paints, stencils, transfer foils, silicone moulds and stamps, decoupage papers, and other creative materials.
It’s also a concept store selling unique, hand-embroidered cushions, original vases and ceramics, quirky mugs, statement socks, special soaps, unusual jewellery, lava lamps, fun postcards, and much more. In short, our shop is a space that inspires creativity at every corner.
What’s the local area like?
We are located in the heart of Passau, right by the Inn River, one of the three rivers that give our city its nickname, the “City of Three Rivers” (the Danube, the Inn, and the Ilz). Passau is often called a small Bavarian Venice, thanks to its beautiful architecture, waterways, and almost Mediterranean flair.
Visitors should definitely walk to the point where all three rivers meet, explore the historic Oberhaus fortress for panoramic views of the city, and visit the cathedral with the world’s largest organ. For art and culture lovers, there are wonderful museums, such as the Museum of Modern Art, as well as the Scharfrichterhaus, which hosts excellent cabaret performances. Beyond sightseeing, Passau is perfect for strolling, enjoying local cafés, tasting the delicious regional cuisine, and simply soaking in a bit of Bavarian “Dolce Vita.”
How did you discover Annie Sloan paints?
I started painting my furniture and walls in bright colours as a teenager. Growing up in my family’s old house surrounded by antiques, I was always fascinated by the contrast between old items and new life; repurposing things, giving old forms a fresh look with colour. For many years, I used sandpaper and whatever paint I could find at the hardware store, experimenting as I went.
Then, one day, I walked past a small Annie Sloan store and saw the sign: “Chalk Paint – no sanding required.” I couldn’t believe it! It was a revelation. I bought my first two litres of paint Antibes Green and Antoinette and created my very first piece. Ever since then, I’ve been hooked. I’ve used Annie Sloan paints for 15 years, and I never tire of it. The possibilities are endless, and the colours continually inspire me.
Tell us about the Chalk Paint workshops you run
Our Chalk Paint workshops are very popular, and I personally lead all workshops that involve Annie Sloan Chalk Paints. We offer a variety of courses:
Chalk Basic: a beginner’s course where participants learn all the essential Chalk Paint techniques.
Chalk Magic: an advanced course focusing on decorative techniques and how to use materials like stencils, stamps, and transfer foils.
Wall Art Course: a canvas workshop exploring wall-painting techniques.
Frida & Friends: a creative workshop using decoupage paper, stencils, stamps, transfer foils, and Chalk Paint, where everyone creates a unique artwork to take home.
We also host workshops for children’s birthdays and bachelorette parties, where participants choose a wooden blank, like a box or tray, and decorate it with Chalk Paint. Kids can select papier-mâché animals to paint as well.
In addition, we offer a wide range of other creative workshops, such as hand lettering, beadwork, giant paper flowers, stamp carving, tufting, sewing, natural cosmetics, and colour consulting led by different instructors. Our goal is to make MARIA HUI a centre for creativity, offering something for everyone, no matter their age or interest.
What’s the most memorable customer experience you’ve had?
One of the things I love most is seeing customers proudly share what they have painted or created, and how often they are complimented on their work, it’s incredibly rewarding to see their joy.
The most recent memory that stands out is an elderly lady came in, and at first, I thought she might be in the wrong place. But she ended up buying a large amount of creative materials and shared that she wanted to make the most of her time and continue creating, even at her age. Seeing her embrace creativity so passionately and joyfully was both inspiring and heartwarming. It reminded me why I love running this store.
Why is running a creative business important to you?
To everyone who thinks, “I’m not creative, but I wish I were”— just give it a try! That thought is simply not true. It may have been instilled in you at some point, but it’s a false mindset. Everyone is creative. You just need to be brave, take the first step, and allow yourself to try. My message is simple: go ahead, be bold, and just do it!
