Today we’d like to introduce you to Colleen Coppenger.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was a dental hygienist for 34 years. In April 2009, I was visiting my sister in my hometown of New Orleans and she suggested we paint at a new business called Corks and Canvas. I overheard the employees talking about how the owners were going to franchise.
On my drive home, I called one of the founders, Cathy Deano to find out more information and by the time I got home I had figured out how I was going to open a franchise.
I honestly don’t know what got into me, I had no experience running a business. I borrowed the money from my father and opened my studio on August 6, 2009.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Initially, I kept my full-time dental hygiene job and took care of running my studio. I did not borrow enough money to cover operating expenses, so I ended up charging up all of my credit cards. Things were slow to take off. It never occurred to me that it wouldn’t be successful, had I known how close to disaster I would come before it caught on, I likely would never have done it.
Thankfully, about six months in, things picked up and I was able to retire from dental hygiene in August of 2010. Things went really well until 2015 when the franchisors began a very aggressive growth plan and opened almost two dozen PWAT in the DFW area. My income dropped appreciably and I had to make some tough decisions with regard to my personal expenses. I’ve been fortunate that my studio is still profitable even with the tough competition.
Please tell us about Painting with a Twist Grapevine.
I think what sets my studio apart from others is that my studio is really an extension of my home. I think people are comfortable and find our space very cozy and welcoming. I have a terrific staff and a great location. All of that contributes to our success.
What I’m most proud of is my Painting with a Purpose events, where once per month, I donate 100% of my proceeds to a local non-profit organization. My studio has allowed me to be more generous than I ever dreamed possible.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Playing with neighborhood friends and riding my bike all over the place.
Pricing:
- 2 hour canvas paintings $35
- 2 hour wooden pallets $40
- 2 hour Rebeca Flott screen art $45
Contact Info:
- Address: Painting with a Twist Grapevine
203 E. Worth St.
Grapevine, TX 76051 - Website: https://www.paintingwithatwist.com/studio/grapevine/
- Phone: 817-328-8788
- Email: grapevine@paintingwithatwist.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/pwatgrapevine
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/pwatgrapevine
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
