The Art of Partnership: How Two Friends Turned a Shared Vision into a Thriving Creative Hub

In the quiet, suburban landscape of Edina, Minnesota, a vibrant splash of color is redefining the local retail experience. Antima Jain and Pooja Choudhary, two entrepreneurs who bonded over their shared immigrant experiences and a love for creative expression, have transformed a storefront into a sanctuary for connection. Their venture, a Color Me Mine franchise, has become more than just a pottery-painting studio; it has become a cornerstone of the community where life’s most significant milestones are literally etched into clay.

The Heart of the Studio: Crafting Moments that Matter

The true measure of a business is often found in the stories of its patrons. A few months ago, an unassuming customer walked into the Edina studio with a nervous energy and a specific request. He wasn’t looking for a standard afternoon of painting; he was planning to propose to his girlfriend.

The couple’s vision centered on a custom-painted jewelry tray, inscribed with the words, "Will you marry me?" Under normal circumstances, the studio’s glazing and firing process—the essential steps that transform raw paint into a durable, glossy finish—takes approximately seven days. Recognizing the weight of the moment, Jain and Choudhary expedited the process, ensuring the piece was ready for the life-changing question.

They didn’t stop at logistics; the pair helped orchestrate the atmosphere within the studio to ensure the proposal was perfect. When the couple returned later to show the owners their save-the-date cards, it served as a powerful validation of the founders’ mission. For Jain and Choudhary, the business isn’t about the pottery—it’s about the memories that remain long after the kiln has cooled.

A Journey of Parallel Paths: The Chronology of a Partnership

The story of this successful franchise began long before the doors opened in March 2025. Jain and Choudhary met 11 years ago at a party in Minnesota through a mutual friend. Both women had immigrated to the United States from India, were navigating the complexities of raising children in a new country, and shared a passion for creative projects.

Living just a three-minute drive from one another, their friendship deepened over the years. As their children grew more independent, the two friends began to discuss the possibility of professional collaboration. By 2023, the search for a business venture began in earnest.

• 2023: Initial research into potential franchises and business models.
• Late 2023: A visit to a nearby Color Me Mine studio convinced them that this was the right fit. The environment, which they described as "calming, organized, and colorful," matched their personal values.
• 2024: Finalizing the financial logistics and scouting the ideal location in Edina.
• March 2025: The grand opening of their Color Me Mine franchise.

Before signing a single contract, the two made a critical pact: their friendship would always supersede the business. They pledged to maintain radical transparency and open dialogue, ensuring that the inevitable stresses of entrepreneurship would never erode the bond that brought them together.

The Economic Foundation: Building a Business from the Ground Up

Operating a franchise requires a delicate balance of capital investment and operational strategy. For Jain and Choudhary, the startup costs hovered around $300,000, a sum they raised by pooling their personal funds rather than opting for traditional business loans. This decision reflected their shared risk tolerance and their desire for total autonomy within the framework provided by the franchisor.

Choosing the Franchise Model

When asked why they opted for a franchise rather than an independent startup, the answer was rooted in practicality. Neither woman had prior experience running a pottery-focused retail business. By choosing Color Me Mine, they gained access to a proven platform, branding, and operational support.

"It felt like a balance between owning an independent business and working in a corporate environment," Choudhary explains. "They provide the infrastructure, but we retain the independence to run the studio as we see fit."

The franchise support has been instrumental, particularly in navigating the evolving landscape of retail technology. From updated point-of-sale systems to marketing guidance, the franchisor has provided a safety net that allowed the duo to focus on the customer experience rather than the administrative minutiae.

Professional Insights: Navigating the Realities of Ownership

The day-to-day reality of running a small business is a far cry from the serene atmosphere the customers experience. The owners act as the primary operators, managing everything from payroll and social media to the physical labor of glazing and kiln maintenance.

The Challenge of Human Capital

One of the most unexpected hurdles has been staffing. Because their team largely consists of high school and college students, turnover is a constant, rhythmic cycle.
"I never thought keeping a full staff would be such a challenge," says Jain. "It’s a constant process of hiring and rehiring. We give opportunities to young students, and we respect that their education comes first, but it requires a high level of agility on our part."

Managing Perfectionism

Another unique challenge is the inherent risk of the kiln. While a failure rate of less than 1% is remarkably low, the emotional impact of a ruined project can be significant for a customer.
"Calling customers when something goes wrong in the kiln is the hardest part of the job," admits Jain. "They’ve spent hours on these pieces. We always try to make it right by offering a replacement piece and waiving the studio fees, but it’s still a moment that tests our service philosophy."

Community Engagement: Marketing with Purpose

The success of the studio is inextricably linked to its integration into the local Edina community. Their marketing strategy is built on genuine outreach rather than passive advertising.

• Local Partnerships: Joining the local Chamber of Commerce was their first step toward visibility.
• Event-Driven Revenue: By hosting targeted events for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and participating in local art festivals, they have created a "repeat visitor" culture.
• Philanthropy: Donating to local organizations and school fundraisers has cemented their reputation as a community-first business.
• Incentive Programs: By providing discount cards with finished pieces, they create a clear path for customers to return within the month, effectively shortening the customer lifecycle.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the Partnership

As the business matures, the duo has set their sights on growth. Their primary goal is to ascend into the top five in the franchise’s system-wide sales rankings—a feat they have come tantalizingly close to already. Looking further ahead, both women have expressed interest in opening additional locations, provided they can maintain the culture they have so carefully cultivated.

The success of Jain and Choudhary serves as a compelling case study for partnership-based entrepreneurship. By prioritizing the "friendship-first" rule, they have effectively mitigated the power struggles that often sink small businesses.

"We’re like sisters," Jain notes. "There will be disagreements, but I wouldn’t have chosen anyone else to do this with. If I open another studio, I’ll do it with Pooja."

For these two entrepreneurs, the future is as bright and varied as the paints on their studio shelves. By focusing on the human elements of business—connection, empathy, and mutual support—they have ensured that their studio is not just a place to paint, but a place where the community can gather, create, and celebrate the milestones that make life meaningful. Whether it’s a nervous groom-to-be or a family enjoying a weekend afternoon, the studio in Edina stands as a testament to what is possible when vision, hard work, and a strong partnership converge.