Pam Bartlett is the franchise owner of Pinot’s Palette in Naperville, Illinois, a paint-and-sip studio that’s become a vibrant community hub for creativity, connection and celebration. Since opening her doors in 2013, Pam’s business has made waves both locally and within the franchise system: she launched the first Pinot’s Palette in Illinois, quickly rose to become a top performer, and was the first franchisee in the system to surpass $1 million in annual revenue.
Now 12 years in, Pam’s studio continues to rank among the top locations in the brand—an impressive feat for someone who jumped into entrepreneurship after nearly a decade away from the workforce. So, what’s been the secret to her lasting success?
Passion-Driven Performance
Pam with Team
Before franchising, Pam worked as a corporate marketing executive in the healthcare industry. But when she chose to step back from the workforce to raise her son, she found a new creative outlet: painting. She began auditing local college art classes and developed a love for the craft that would lay the foundation for her next chapter.
Years later, as Pam was looking to reenter the workforce, she attended a paint-and-sip night at a local restaurant with a friend. Falling in love with the experience that brought people together with joy and creativity, Pam began to research franchises with a similar concept. She discovered Pinot’s Palette and immediately knew that this was how she was going to get back to work—by bringing that experience to her community.
Pam still evokes that passion into her studio every day. She is an active presence, frequently on the studio floor chatting with guests and spearheading creative events that appeal to all ages and demographics. From date nights to kids’ camps to take-home kits, Pam knows the power of art and connection and works to bring it to her community every day.
A Deep Commitment to Community
As the daughter of an Army veteran, Pam learned early how to adapt, connect and build community wherever she landed. After settling down in Naperville more than 30 years ago, she brought those values to her role as a local business owner and made it a point to become deeply involved in the local scene.
Pam regularly gives back to the community through donations, events, and partnerships. She hosts free painting stations at events like the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and Naper Nights, a local summer concert series. She also collaborates with schools, nonprofits and fellow small businesses. Her commitment earned her a local award for community service.
Pam’s impact extends beyond Pinot’s Palette. She has served as a Naperville Riverwalk Commissioner for the past six years, helping to preserve and beautify one of the city’s most beloved public spaces. In 2024, her efforts were recognized by the mayor with a special award for civic leadership.
She firmly believes that when you give to your community, the community gives back—and her customer loyalty proves it. Many guests return week after week, and one regular even has a personal apron hanging in the studio. Pam set out to create a place where people would feel at home, and that vision has translated into both financial and emotional
Creative Leadership in Action
With more than a decade in business, Pam has seen her fair share of ups and downs—but she’s never let challenges scare her. She approaches every obstacle as an opportunity to innovate. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she spearheaded a system-wide pivot to virtual innovation. Pam’s studio launched at-home painting kits and hosted virtual classes, sharing those resources with other franchisees in the system to help her peers stay afloat.
But her creativity doesn’t stop at crisis response—it’s woven into her everyday leadership. Pam’s calendar is packed with engaging, one-of-a-kind experiences designed to keep her studio fresh and fun. From Swifty-themed paint nights and trivia-paint combos to charcuterie board painting and custom team-building events for local companies, she’s always dreaming up ways to keep guests coming back.
Pam understands that being a small business owner requires resilience, adaptability and heart. She meets every challenge with the same energy and drive that fueled her from day one. Her leadership is proof that with creativity, grit and community focus, small businesses can thrive for the long haul!