2015
270
$62,000
$25,000
$90,000
No
Board & Brush Creative Studios is a rapidly growing DIY (Do-It-Yourself) paint and sip franchise that blends the charm of hands-on creativity with the excitement of a social experience. Known for its custom wood sign workshops, personalized projects, and engaging instructor-led sessions, Board & Brush has positioned itself as a leading lifestyle and entertainment franchise brand in the United States.
Unlike traditional art studios, this franchise concept is built around offering customers a fun, social, and memorable night out where they can craft custom décor pieces, enjoy beverages, and build lasting connections. The business has become a top destination for group activities, corporate team-building events, private parties, and special occasions, driving steady customer demand across suburban and urban markets.
Board & Brush combines creativity, entertainment, and entrepreneurship—making it a standout franchise opportunity in the arts, crafts, and experiential retail sector.
Proven Business Model – A blend of paint-and-sip fun with profitable DIY retail experiences.
High Demand Market – Growing popularity of experiential entertainment and social creative outlets.
Low Overhead – Studios require modest square footage, keeping operational costs manageable.
Recurring Revenue Streams – From workshops, retail sales, private events, and gift card purchases.
Strong Brand Recognition – Board & Brush is a trusted name in the DIY studio industry with loyal customers nationwide.
Community-Centric Appeal – Builds local engagement by bringing people together in creative environments.
Established Year: 2015
Founder: Julie Selby
Franchise Launch: 2016
Industry Category: Arts & Crafts, Paint & Sip, Experiential Entertainment
Headquarters: Hartland, Wisconsin, USA
Franchise Units: 270+ locations across the USA (and expanding internationally)
Board & Brush began as a single DIY workshop in Hartland, Wisconsin, where founder Julie Selby envisioned creating a space where people could combine social fun with creative expression. The concept quickly gained traction, and by 2016, the brand had officially started franchising. Today, it has become a nationally recognized brand with hundreds of studios across America, offering a unique blend of hospitality, entertainment, and personalized décor creation.
Its success lies in bridging two booming industries—entertainment and lifestyle retail—while providing entrepreneurs with a franchise model that is easy to operate, scalable, and community-driven.
Board & Brush Creative Studios takes pride in setting up every franchise owner for success with a comprehensive support and training program that covers every stage of the business journey—from pre-launch to ongoing operations. The franchise ensures that new owners are never alone and are fully prepared to run a profitable DIY studio.
Site Selection & Lease Assistance: Guidance on choosing the right location in high-traffic areas or community-focused neighborhoods.
Studio Design & Build-Out: Support in creating the signature Board & Brush look, including layouts, décor, and workshop space setup.
Vendor & Equipment Setup: Assistance with sourcing supplies, furniture, and studio materials from approved vendors at competitive prices.
Pre-Opening Checklist: Step-by-step roadmap to ensure a smooth launch process.
Headquarters Training: Hands-on workshops and classroom sessions at the corporate office in Hartland, Wisconsin.
Workshop Facilitation: Training in how to lead engaging DIY classes, manage group events, and provide exceptional customer experiences.
Operations Training: Instruction on daily management tasks such as scheduling, staffing, inventory control, and financial tracking.
Technology Training: Access and training on the proprietary booking, scheduling, and POS systems for seamless operations.
National Marketing Campaigns: Benefit from brand-wide promotions and seasonal campaigns.
Local Marketing Guidance: Strategies for social media advertising, community outreach, and event promotions.
Promotional Materials: Professionally designed templates, flyers, and graphics provided for local campaigns.
Digital Marketing Assistance: SEO, email marketing, and online advertising support to boost local studio visibility.
Field Support & Coaching: Regular check-ins from franchise business consultants to optimize performance.
New Project Designs: Continuous updates with new DIY project designs to keep workshops fresh and exciting.
Refresher Training: Additional training sessions for franchisees and staff as needed.
24/7 Access to Resources: Online franchisee portal with manuals, marketing assets, and operational updates.
Franchisee Network: Access to a strong community of like-minded entrepreneurs for idea-sharing and collaboration.
Annual Conferences: Opportunities to learn best practices, discover new trends, and strengthen brand loyalty.
Board & Brush Creative Studios is looking for passionate, motivated, and community-driven entrepreneurs who are eager to blend creativity, entertainment, and business ownership. The franchise is designed for individuals who want to own a rewarding, lifestyle-focused business while making a positive impact in their local communities.
Passion for Creativity & Social Experiences: While you don’t need to be an artist, you should love bringing people together in fun, engaging, and creative ways.
Strong People Skills: Board & Brush thrives on customer interaction, so being comfortable hosting events, leading groups, and building relationships is essential.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Self-motivated individuals who can manage operations, staff, and growth strategies while keeping the business customer-focused.
Community-Oriented Mindset: Owners who enjoy networking, building partnerships, and supporting local causes will excel in this franchise.
Hands-On Leadership: Ideal for franchisees who want to be actively involved in running workshops, managing teams, and ensuring every customer leaves with a memorable experience.
Board & Brush franchise owners often come from diverse backgrounds, including:
Educators and Trainers – Used to leading groups and fostering creativity.
Event Planners & Hospitality Professionals – Experienced in customer service and creating memorable experiences.
Retail & Small Business Owners – Comfortable with operations, staff management, and community engagement.
Corporate Professionals Seeking Lifestyle Change – Looking for a business that offers flexibility, creativity, and a better work-life balance.
No formal art or carpentry background is required—Board & Brush provides all the training necessary to deliver workshops and manage the business.
Ability to meet the minimum investment requirement of $62,000–$90,000.
Prepared to cover working capital and operating expenses during the early months.
Long-term vision to grow the brand locally and reinvest in marketing and community partnerships.
The ideal franchisee is open to operating in:
Suburban Areas – Strong appeal to families and local communities.
Mid-Sized Cities & College Towns – Perfect for group events, celebrations, and social gatherings.
Lifestyle-Oriented Communities – Areas with high demand for entertainment, team-building, and creative outlets.
| Financial Category | Estimated Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $62,000 – $90,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | $62,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 – $30,000 |
| Studio Build-Out/Infrastructure | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Marketing Budget (Initial) | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| Working Capital | $10,000 – $15,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 6% of gross sales |
| Franchise Units | 270+ in USA |
| Expected ROI | Typically within 18–24 months |
| Break-Even Time | 12–18 months |
| Revenue Streams | DIY workshops, private events, retail sales, gift cards, partnerships |
