Color Me Mine Hits Its Stride: 150th Studio Opens as Brand Invests in Technology and Franchise Equity Across the System

Color Me Mine's growth in the first half of 2026 is fueled by two forces: new franchisees joining the system and existing owners doubling down on the brand.

Read the original at Franchising.com
Color Me Mine Hits Its Stride: 150th Studio Opens as Brand Invests in Technology and Franchise Equity Across the System

TL;DR

Color Me Mine has opened its 150th studio in Marietta, GA, and has signed seven new franchise agreements in 2026, driven by new franchisees and existing owners expanding their operations. The brand has also invested in technology, including a proprietary tech platform, to help franchisees run more efficient and profitable businesses.

Growth drivers

Color Me Mine's growth in the first half of 2026 is fueled by two forces: new franchisees joining the system and existing owners doubling down on the brand. Together, they underscore the demand for the franchise opportunity and overall franchisee confidence in the brand. Highlights include:

  • New studio development: Color Me Mine has signed seven new franchise agreements in 2026 to date. In the same period, 12 new studios have opened, including three new market entries – Las Cruces, NM; Charlotte, NC and Lexington, KY – with eight more slated to open before year-end.

  • Reinvestment from proven operators: The brand’s Merit-Based Expansion Program gives qualified owners a streamlined path to add locations – letting Color Me Mine grow with franchisees who already know the system inside and out.

  • Building long-term equity value: A Color Me Mine studio recently sold, reflecting the resell strength and long-term value owners can build in an established studio.*

  • Milestone 150th studio opening: Color Me Mine opened its 150th location in Marietta, GA this summer, marking the brand's debut in the state. The milestone location was opened by husband-wife duo Alysia and David Leyva, local entrepreneurs with experience in marketing and youth mentorship.

"The moment we were introduced to Color Me Mine, we fell in love with the brand's warmth and creativity," said Alysia Leyva, co-owner of the new Marietta studio. "Since starting our journey as new franchise owners, the corporate Color Me Mine team has made every step smooth and exciting, giving us the confidence to bring our vision to life. We couldn't be prouder to bring Color Me Mine to Georgia for the first time to create a welcoming space where families can come together, express their creativity and make lasting memories."

Technology investments

Color Me Mine is building the tools to help every studio grow smarter. This year, a significant investment was made in technology to give franchisees what they need to run leaner, more efficient and more profitable businesses:

  • Proprietary tech platform for pottery studios: KIN, Color Me Mine’s proprietary technology, gives owners real-time visibility into everything from kiln room firing to customer pickup. Roughly 80% of the system has made the switch, with the rest transitioning by the end of September.

  • Financial benchmarking: A new financial roll-up initiative tracks the three biggest cost drivers in any studio: rent, labor, and cost of goods sold, against systemwide benchmarks. The result: targeted training and strategies franchisees can use to find real efficiencies in their own business.

"We are thrilled with the momentum we've built this year and inspired by franchisees who keep investing in their studios and their communities," said Teresa Johnson. "Our focus has been on giving franchisees what they need to succeed from day one – and it shows. We're proud of how far they've come, and excited to build on that in the second half of the year."

This month, Johnson was named to Forbes’ 2026 50 Over 50 list. The honor follows Color Me Mine’s recognition as the No. 1 DIY/Paint-&-Sip Studio in Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500®, the world’s first and most comprehensive franchise ranking.

The brand had an average unit volume of $513,044 in 2025 and the total estimated initial investment to open a franchise is between $219,180-$475,410. Color Me Mine’s proven model is a fit for first time business owners, families looking to build their legacy and passionate entrepreneurs who are excited about making meaningful connections with their community. For additional information regarding the total estimated initial investment and average unit volume, please refer to Items 7 and 19 of the Color Me Mine Franchise Disclosure Document.

*One studio sold for this amount. Studio resale amounts vary depending on location, studio sales, amount of time studio has been in operation and other factors. There is no assurance that you will resell your studio for this amount.

In this story

This story was originally published in Franchising.com on September 1, 2026. Burnaze summarizes and links to the original reporting.

Read the full story at Franchising.com

Liked this? Get the week's franchise news, explained

  • Sunday 8 AM ET weekly + a monthly deep dive
  • Sections picked for the industries you follow
  • Every claim linked to its source. Free.

Free. We'll ask you to confirm. Unsubscribe anytime.