In the heart of Edina, Minnesota, a quiet, colorful storefront has become a nexus for community connection. Color Me Mine, a pottery-painting studio, is more than just a business for co-owners Antima Jain and Pooja Choudhary; it is a manifestation of a long-standing friendship and a shared vision for community engagement. Since its grand opening in March 2025, the studio has transformed from a mere hobby space into a local landmark where residents capture life’s most significant milestones in ceramic form.
The Catalyst: Moments of Meaning
The true measure of the studio’s impact became evident just a few months ago when a customer approached the duo with a unique request. He wasn’t just looking to paint a bowl or a mug; he was looking to orchestrate a life-changing event. He wanted to paint a jewelry tray inscribed with the words, “Will you marry me?” to serve as the centerpiece of his proposal.
Typically, the studio requires a seven-day window to glaze and fire ceramic pieces, ensuring the kiln processes result in the professional-grade finish Color Me Mine is known for. Recognizing the gravity of the request, Jain and Choudhary expedited their production schedule. Beyond the logistics, they assisted the customer in curating the perfect atmosphere within the studio, ensuring the space was conducive to the romantic gesture. When the couple later returned to the studio with a save-the-date card that prominently featured their Color Me Mine experience, it served as a poignant validation of the partners’ mission: to create a space where art facilitates human connection.
Chronology: A Partnership Forged in Minnesota
The story of this franchise began long before the doors opened in Edina. Jain and Choudhary’s partnership is rooted in a friendship spanning over a decade. The two women first met 11 years ago at a party in Minnesota, introduced by a mutual friend. Both had navigated the complexities of moving from India to the United States, balancing the demands of raising children, and maintaining a deep-seated appreciation for creative expression.
Living only a three-minute drive from one another, their bond grew organically. As their children entered school and gained more independence, the two friends began to pivot from their personal lives toward a collective professional endeavor. By 2023, the idea of a joint venture shifted from casual conversation to a concrete business plan.
After researching various options, they stumbled upon a Color Me Mine location. “We just loved the whole vibe,” says Jain. “It was such a clean environment, very organized, very colorful. It just felt calming.”
In March 2025, after pooling approximately $300,000 of their personal savings, they launched their own Edina location. Crucially, before signing any paperwork or securing a lease, they established a foundational pact: their friendship would always supersede the business. They agreed that if a disagreement threatened to compromise their personal relationship, they would prioritize dialogue and conflict resolution over profit.
Supporting Data: Navigating the Franchise Landscape
For many aspiring entrepreneurs, the choice between an independent startup and a franchise model is the first major hurdle. For Jain and Choudhary, the franchise route provided a necessary safety net.
“We didn’t have experience running this kind of business,” admits Choudhary. “A franchise felt like a balance between owning an independent business and working in a corporate environment.”
The support from the franchisor was instrumental, particularly regarding location scouting and operational infrastructure. With the help of a real estate agent and the franchise’s guidance, they identified a prime spot in Edina, chosen for its proximity to high-traffic shopping areas and parks.
Financial and Operational Snapshot
- Initial Investment: Approximately $300,000, funded entirely through personal capital rather than debt financing.
- Staffing Model: A rotating roster of high school and college students, which presents both opportunities for mentorship and challenges in turnover.
- Quality Control: While kiln failures are rare (occurring in less than 1% of pieces), the owners maintain a "customer-first" policy, offering replacement pieces and waived fees when errors occur.
- Performance Metrics: The studio has consistently ranked in the top 25 of the franchise’s system-wide sales, with peak performance reaching 6th place globally for a single month.
Official Perspectives: The Realities of Ownership
In an exclusive interview, Jain and Choudhary discussed the nuances of transitioning from their previous careers into the role of franchise owners.
Jain, who moved to the U.S. in 2012, brought experience in education and administration, having worked at Kumon. Choudhary, who holds a master’s degree in electrical engineering, continues to manage an investment property business alongside her duties at the studio. Both women emphasized that their diverse professional backgrounds provided the grit necessary to handle the day-to-day unpredictability of small business ownership.
“Hiring was the biggest surprise,” says Jain. “We give opportunities to students, but we understand their education comes first. It is a constant process of hiring and rehiring.”
The daily operational load is significant. Without a full-time manager, the partners handle everything from payroll and social media marketing to the physical labor of glazing and kiln maintenance. Despite the grueling schedule, their alignment remains a competitive advantage. “We have similar goals and the same vision,” notes Choudhary. “That alignment is what makes the partnership special.”
Implications: Building a Lasting Legacy
The success of the Edina Color Me Mine location serves as a case study in the efficacy of values-based business partnerships. By formalizing their commitment to friendship, the duo has avoided the common pitfalls that plague many co-founded businesses. Their ability to manage the emotional weight of their customers’ experiences—such as the aforementioned proposal—has helped them cultivate a loyal customer base that views the studio as an essential community asset.
Future Objectives
Looking ahead, Jain and Choudhary have set ambitious targets:
- Market Expansion: They are currently exploring the feasibility of opening a second studio location.
- Sales Benchmarks: Their primary operational goal is to break into the top five in the franchise’s system-wide sales rankings, a milestone they have come close to achieving.
- Community Integration: Continued investment in local school fundraising and chamber of commerce events remains a core pillar of their growth strategy.
When asked about the future of their partnership, the answer is unequivocal. “We’re like sisters,” says Jain. “There will be disagreements, but I wouldn’t have chosen anyone else to do this business with. If I open another studio, I’ll do it with Pooja.”
As the Edina studio continues to fire up its kilns, it stands as a testament to the idea that business is most successful when it is built on a foundation of mutual respect, shared vision, and an unwavering commitment to the people it serves. In a digital age, the tactile, communal nature of a pottery studio provides a rare and necessary space for human connection, ensuring that Jain and Choudhary’s investment will pay dividends not just in revenue, but in the memories of the community they serve.
