In the world of franchising, success isn’t just about the bottom line; it’s about the legacy you leave behind and the lives you touch along the way. Teresa Johnson, CEO of Color Me Mine, has made a profound impact not only on her brand but on the lives of countless others who have been inspired by her entrepreneurial journey. Her leadership goes beyond steering one of the fastest-growing brands in its category — it’s about empowering people to take control of their futures and build businesses of their own.
From Corporate Stability to Entrepreneurial Risk
Teresa’s path to becoming one of the most influential women in franchising didn’t start in the way many might expect. In 2005, Teresa was working at a stable corporate job with a boat manufacturing company. Though the work provided security, she felt a pull to take a different path as the company underwent significant changes. She quit her corporate job with plans to start her own boat manufacturing company with her colleague, but then a non-compete agreement stood in her way. She didn’t have a clear blueprint at the time, but she understood that she had to keep looking for opportunities.
That’s when an unexpected opportunity landed in her inbox: the local paint-your-own-pottery (PYOP) studio she and her daughter frequented was up for sale. She put the $25,000 down payment for the studio on her credit card, committed to learning the ropes of business ownership and never looked back.
“I had an opportunity to become an entrepreneur, and I knew it would be tough,” Teresa reflects. “But I wanted to show my daughter that anything was possible. That was the moment I decided to start.”
By 2007, she had secured the investors needed to launch the boat company while simultaneously growing her pottery business. As she grew, she began to see the power of franchising as a means to scale her success and had a desire to gain experience in business management and leadership, so in 2010, she became a multi-unit franchisee with Painting with a Twist. By 2011, she had expanded her PYOP operations to four studios, one of which she co-owned with her daughter, who was 15 at the time.
Revitalizing a Brand: Teresa’s Vision for Color Me Mine
In 2021, after leadership changes and acquisitions, Teresa became co-owner and CEO of Color Me Mine. She embraced this new role with a clear vision: to revitalize the brand and provide customers with a therapeutic escape that allowed them to leave their worries at the door.
Since becoming CEO at Color Me Mine, the brand has experienced a dynamic resurgence. Under her leadership, sales have surged, with Average Unit Volume (AUV) up by 32% in just three years, and a record-breaking $1.447 million in highest gross revenue for a single unit achieved. After a decade of stagnation, new Color Me Mine studios are now opening across the country, and the company is on track to reach 300 locations by 2029. The brand’s revitalization under Teresa is a testament to her ability to drive growth and innovation in an ever-evolving market. But for Teresa, the business success is only part of the story — her true passion lies in helping others achieve their entrepreneurial dreams.
Empowering Others: Teresa’s True Passion
Teresa has made it her mission to empower others to follow in her footsteps. She’s mentored more than 35 individuals, helping them navigate the complexities of business ownership and build their own businesses. Perhaps one of her greatest accomplishments is the success of her daughter, who, inspired by Teresa’s example, opened her own business at just 15 years old. Today, at 30, she and her husband own five businesses in Nashville, a testament to Teresa’s lasting influence on the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Mentorship in Action: Stories of Transformation
One of Teresa’s most fulfilling experiences as a leader comes from mentoring those who work with her. “I always talk with my team members about their dreams,” she says. “It’s likely not working in a PYOP studio forever, but if I can help them realize what they want to do next and be their ‘dream manager,’ that’s the most fulfilling role for me.”
Teresa’s mentorship has impacted not just her family, but countless individuals who have crossed her path. One story that stands out is of Katy, a young woman who had her seventh birthday party at Teresa’s studio years ago. As fate would have it, Katy returned to the studio at 17, seeking a job while in college. Teresa hired her, offering guidance not only on the technical aspects of the business but also on leadership.
Over time, Katy faced challenges while learning to manage the studio on her own. When she expressed doubts about her abilities, Teresa reassured her and gave her the confidence to excel. With Teresa’s support, Katy grew in both skill and confidence. After college, she transitioned into a career as a high school English teacher and eventually became a school principal. Years later, Katy shared a powerful message with Teresa: “I learned how to be a leader from YOU. Truly. You instilled such great wisdom and I’m excited to put it in to practice.”
Building More Than Businesses: Teresa’s Leadership Legacy
This is just one of many stories, including that of Teresa’s daughter, who has also been shaped by her mentorship. These moments highlight Teresa’s ability to help individuals — whether family or strangers — unlock their potential and grow in both business and leadership.
Teresa’s commitment to both business growth and the success of others is the cornerstone of her thriving career in franchising. Through her example, she’s proving that a true leader not only drives innovation and business success but also nurtures the next generation of leaders.