Shelby Kirsch owns a Color Me Mine franchise location in Summit, New Jersey which she opened in the summer of 2023. Previously, Shelby worked at her local Color Me Mine as an employee in college from 2009 to 2012 and 11 years later found her way back. She also has previous experience in retail for about a decade and uses her corporate experience to help her as a business owner.

Color Me Mine was founded in 1991 and is based in New Orleans, LA. It is the only contemporary paint-your-own pottery franchise in the industry, and has an international presence with more than 130 locations across the United States, Canada, Costa Rica and the Philippines.

Acquired by Twist Brands LLC in 2020, Color Me Mine provides guests with the “The Art of Having Fun” through a unique pottery painting experience in a welcoming, relaxing environment. Guests can choose from hundreds of ceramic pieces to paint, and enjoy an hour or two of entertainment while making meaningful connections and memories with friends and family while creating a unique piece of art. Ceramic pieces are then glazed, fired, and picked up later.

Franchise Chatter (FC): You previously worked at Color Me Mine during high school and college. What drew you back to the brand years later, and how did that experience shape your decision to become an owner?

Shelby Kirsch (SK): I have always loved Color Me Mine and the creativity that comes with paint-your-own-pottery. Some of my fondest memories were made in a Color Me Mine studio, so when my mom helped me find a job there, it felt like the perfect fit. My friends and family used to joke that one day I would own my own studio and it was always a dream of mine.

Working at Color Me Mine before becoming an owner gave me an invaluable experience. I got to see firsthand how the studio operates, how customers interact with the brand and all the little details that make the experience special. That knowledge gave me a strong foundation when I decided to become an owner.

After a decade of working in corporate retail, and having a daughter, I realized I wanted something that offered more flexibility while still being personally fulfilling. I already knew how much I loved Color Me Mine, so when the opportunity came to own my own studio, it just made sense – it was the perfect blend of passion and practicality.

FC:  What aspects of your corporate career prepared you for franchise ownership, and what new skills did you have to learn along the way?

SK: My background in corporate retail prepared me in so many ways for franchise ownership. I learned the importance of continuous improvement – keeping things fresh, adapting to change and always finding ways to enhance the customer experience. In retail, staying stagnant can lead to a loss of momentum, so I knew from the start that I had to stay proactive in growing my studio. My corporate experience also instilled a strong work ethic and discipline, which have been essential in building a successful business.

Of course, there were plenty of new skills to learn along the way! One of the biggest adjustments was managing a team of high school students, many of whom are just beginning to develop workplace skills. Learning how to set clear expectations, provide guidance and help them grow has been a rewarding challenge.

Even though I chose to be an owner of my own Color Me Mine to have more flexibility, I’ve had to teach myself how to truly embrace that flexibility. After years in the corporate world, I was conditioned to a structured 9-to-5 routine, and stepping away from that mindset has been both a blessing and a challenge. Letting go and allowing myself to take a step back when needed is something I’m still learning – but I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything!

FC: What surprised you the most about being a franchise owner?

SK: I have people in my life who own businesses but none of them own a franchise, so I felt a little scared that I would be on my own island in that aspect. But with a franchise system like Color Me Mine, I have so many amazing people to lean on and a huge network of other franchisees who have been in the same boat. That was a very pleasant surprise – that I’m never truly alone in this.

FC: Can you share some strategies that have helped you grow your business and attract customers?

SK: I am extremely lucky that I bought a studio that has been in the same location since the late 90s, they are already established in the community. I did want to make sure the studio still felt like my own. I updated it and modernized it to meet the ever-changing needs and wants of the community.

A few main strategies that have helped me are leveraging social media as our world is so social media reliant. I love hosting events, especially ones that bring in a new type of demographic!

I’m always looking at what people are painting, or wanting to paint, making sure there are new pieces out every single week, since customers have to come back to pick up their pieces. They can see the new items and want to come back since I ensure it’s not repetitive.

FC: What advice would you give to other aspiring franchisees who may not have prior business ownership experience?

SK: My biggest piece of advice is to find the right franchise system for you. Color Me Mine has an incredible support system in place to help franchisees succeed, and that sense of community has been so valuable. Don’t be afraid to lean on others in the network or ask questions – chances are, someone else has been in your shoes and can offer guidance from their own experience.

I also took the time to visit other Color Me Mine studios and similar concepts in my area to see what was working for them and what inspiration I could bring to my own studio. Understanding your local market, knowing what resonates with your customers and being aware of the competition are all critical to success. Research is key – take the time to learn, observe and adapt to what will work best for your business!

FC: One of your main motivations for franchising was achieving a better work-life balance. How has owning a Color Me Mine studio allowed you to be more present for your family?

SK: Owning my studio has been truly life-changing in the aspect of my work-life balance. If my daughter needs me, I don’t need to feel guilty if I have to leave work, no one is making me feel bad for being with my family, they all understand. My team knows what they’re doing, I just need to get better at delegating!

FC: You’ve mentioned how Teresa Johnson (CEO of Color Me Mine) has influenced you as she is a CEO and mother. How has her example shaped your vision for raising your daughter while running a business?

SK: Teresa is an incredible leader, mentor and mother. She truly crushes it in every way and I look up to her daily. Teresa inspired her own daughter to be a successful business owner, and I can only hope to be that same inspiration to my daughter one day.

She is an amazing example for owning a business as a woman, especially because she had to do everything on her own. I want to be like her “when I grow up” and hope I can be an example for other young girls who want to be entrepreneurs, just like Teresa is to me.

FC: Color Me Mine is all about creativity and connection. How do you see your studio making an impact in your local community?

SK: Now that I’m over a year into my ownership, my goal is to continue the incredible legacy that previous owners have built in Summit. My studio has been a community staple for 30 years and I want to ensure it remains a welcoming, creative space for everyone. I’m committed to strengthening and expanding our partnerships with local churches, temples, schools and senior centers – these relationships are at the heart of what makes Color Me Mine such a meaningful part of the community.

More than just a pottery studio, Color Me Mine is a place where people can disconnect from the outside world, embrace their creativity and make lasting memories. I love that guests don’t just leave with a fun experience but also with something tangible that they’ve created themselves. My hope is that my studio continues to be a space where people of all ages come together, express themselves and feel a true sense of connection.

FC: As a female business owner, what unique challenges and/or opportunities have you encountered?

SK: Before buying the store, I worried that being one of the younger franchisees in the system might make it difficult for people to take me seriously. But I quickly realized while there may have been initial doubts, people trust my business instincts. Stepping into this role as a young woman was far less intimidating than I expected.

One of my biggest strengths as a female business owner is my ability to truly listen to every customer, regardless of their age or background. I genuinely care about creating the best experience possible and making sure everyone feels welcome in my studio. That personal touch goes a long way in building strong relationships with my guests.

Characteristically, I am a people pleaser at heart, which has influenced how I run my studio. I want every customer to walk in and find exactly what they’re looking for. If I don’t have it the first time, you can bet I’ve taken note and will have it available the next time they visit. It’s that attention to detail and customer care that keeps people coming back, and I love being able to create a space where everyone feels heard and inspired.

FC: Where do you see yourself and your business in five years? Any plans for expansion?

SK: When it comes to my expansion, I never say never – but right now, I’m incredibly happy with my one location. Owning my studio has given me the flexibility to be there for my daughter while she’s still young.

My primary goal is to continue the success of my studio and further strengthen my connections within the community. I feel so fortunate to run a business where people are genuinely excited to visit, and I want to keep that energy going.

Beyond that, I hope to bring the joy of pottery painting to even more people, including those who might not be able to visit the studio, like the senior centers I partner with. My vision is for Color Me Mine Summit to remain a cherished space where creativity and connection thrive, ensuring that the “Art of Having Fun” continues for generations to come.