1991
130
$180,000
$30,000
$437,700
No
Color Me Mine is a leading paint-your-own-pottery franchise that offers a unique and creative experience for individuals and groups of all ages. Founded in 1991 in Pasadena, California, the brand has grown to over 130 locations across the United States and internationally, including Canada, Costa Rica, and the Philippines .
Each studio provides a welcoming environment where guests can choose from a wide selection of unpainted ceramic pieces, such as mugs, plates, bowls, and figurines, and personalize them with their own designs and colors. The process is designed to be fun and accessible, requiring no prior artistic experience.
Color Me Mine's mission is to make the creative process of ceramic painting affordable, fun, and accessible to everyone. The brand emphasizes family bonding, enrichment, and entertainment, positioning itself as a destination for memorable experiences rather than just a retail store.
Investing in a Color Me Mine franchise offers several compelling advantages:
Proven Business Model: With over three decades of operation, Color Me Mine has refined its business processes, established vendor relationships, and developed comprehensive training programs.
Strong Brand Recognition: The franchise has a well-established brand with a loyal customer base, contributing to its sustained growth and success.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support, including marketing assistance, operational guidance, and access to a network of experienced professionals.
Flexible Investment Options: Color Me Mine offers various investment levels to accommodate different financial capabilities, making it accessible to a wide range of potential franchisees.
Established Year: Color Me Mine was founded in 1991 in Pasadena, California.
Founders: The brand was created by Robin Monroe and Josh Culver, who envisioned a creative and fun space where people of all ages could paint and personalize their own pottery.
Franchise Launch: The first franchise was launched in 1996, allowing the brand to expand rapidly across the United States.
Franchise Units: Today, Color Me Mine has over 130 locations in the U.S. and internationally, including countries like Canada, Costa Rica, and the Philippines. This demonstrates a strong and growing market presence in the family entertainment and arts & crafts industry.
Ownership & Corporate Structure: In 2020, Color Me Mine was acquired by Twist Brands LLC, a company that focuses on franchising and expanding creative studio concepts. This acquisition has strengthened the brand’s operational support and expansion strategy.
Brand Journey & Company History:
Early Years: Started as a single studio in Pasadena, CA, focused on providing a unique painting experience for families and friends.
Franchise Expansion: Within five years, Color Me Mine began franchising, creating a nationwide network of creative studios.
Market Positioning: Today, it is recognized as a leader in the arts & crafts family entertainment sector, combining creativity, social engagement, and retail.
Innovation: The brand has continuously updated its studio offerings, including birthday parties, private events, and workshops to enhance customer experience and revenue opportunities.
Industry Category: Arts & Crafts, Family Entertainment, Creative Studio Experiences.
Market Presence in the USA: Color Me Mine studios are located in major urban areas and suburban communities, targeting families, school groups, and adult hobbyists. Its appeal spans across demographics due to the universal interest in creative, hands-on activities.
Other Information:
The franchise emphasizes community engagement, often participating in local events and promoting educational programs for children.
Studios provide all-inclusive services, including supplies, equipment, and instruction, which allows franchisees to focus on customer experience and business growth rather than logistics.
Color Me Mine offers a robust support and training program to ensure franchisee success:
Pre-Launch Training: New owners begin their training at the Beverly Hills studio, spending four days receiving hands-on experience before classroom training.
Ongoing Support: Business consulting and training are provided free for as long as you own your franchise. Training materials are updated regularly and available through Color Me Mine's Online University.
Marketing Assistance: Franchisees receive centralized marketing support, including advertising materials and promotional strategies, to drive customer engagement and sales.
Operational Guidance: Comprehensive operational manuals and regular updates ensure that franchisees maintain consistency and quality across all locations.
Community Engagement: Color Me Mine encourages franchisees to participate in local events and community activities to build brand awareness and customer loyalty.
The ideal franchisee for Color Me Mine combines creativity, business acumen, and a passion for customer experience. This profile ensures success in running a creative studio that caters to families, hobbyists, and community groups.
Passion for Creativity and Arts
Enthusiasm for arts, crafts, and hands-on creative experiences.
Interest in fostering creativity in children, families, and adults.
Willingness to actively participate in workshops, events, and community activities.
Customer-Focused Mindset
Strong commitment to delivering memorable experiences and excellent service.
Ability to create a welcoming, family-friendly environment where customers feel engaged and valued.
Skills in handling group events, birthday parties, and private sessions professionally.
Business Acumen
Experience in managing a small business or retail operation is highly advantageous.
Knowledge of budgeting, staffing, inventory management, and operational oversight.
Understanding of local marketing strategies and community engagement to drive sales.
Financial Capability
Sufficient capital to meet the total investment requirement ($180,000 – $437,700) and sustain operations during the initial growth phase.
Willingness to reinvest in marketing, staff training, and local promotions.
Community-Oriented and Networked
Active involvement in the local community is preferred, including schools, recreational centers, and social clubs.
Ability to build relationships with customers, suppliers, and community partners.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Self-motivated, proactive, and ready to take ownership of the business.
Resilience and adaptability to manage challenges in a dynamic family entertainment environment.
Location Preference
Ideally, franchisees should target urban and suburban areas with high family traffic, strong school networks, and local interest in creative activities.
Locations near shopping centers, entertainment districts, or residential neighborhoods are most effective.
While artistic skill is not mandatory, an appreciation for creativity is essential.
Previous experience in customer service, education, or event management can be an added advantage.
Franchisees should value ongoing learning, as Color Me Mine provides continuous operational and marketing support to maximize studio success.
| Financial Category | Details / Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $30,000 |
| Total Investment Required | $180,000 – $437,700 |
| Working Capital | $20,000 – $60,000 |
| Royalty Fee | 5% of gross sales |
| Marketing Fee | 2% of gross sales |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Cost | Included in total investment (varies by location and size) |
| Expected Break-Even Time | 18 – 24 months |
| Average Unit Volume (AUV) | $443,436 (2023) |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Studio sales, birthday parties, private events, group workshops |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $60,000 – $100,000 |
| Projected ROI | Varies by location; generally achievable within 3–5 years |
| Franchise Units (Current) | 130+ locations across the U.S. and internationally |
Notes:
The total investment includes the franchise fee, leasehold improvements, equipment, initial inventory, signage, and initial working capital.
Revenue streams are diversified, making the business resilient through seasonal fluctuations and allowing additional income from events and workshops.
Marketing support and operational guidance are included, helping reduce operational risk for franchisees.
