Fired Up & Open for Business: Kristine’s Hot Spot Studio Takes Off

When Kristine Wolcott opened the doors to her new Hot Spot Studios franchise in Sherwood, Oregon, she brought more than just pottery painting to the community; she introduced a creative destination where residents could connect, express themselves, and make lasting memories. Only a few weeks after opening, the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

Kristine’s paint your own pottery studio sits within a brand-new construction site, and for now, Kristine is the only business open in the complex. The surrounding spaces are still under development, but the anticipation is growing. With nearby businesses like a swim school, a KinderCare, and a brewery preparing to open soon, the area is shaping up to be a vibrant hub for local families. 

As the first pottery painting studio to open in the area in nearly 10 years, she was met with enthusiasm from the locals. From pottery painting to candle making and more, her space offers a wide variety of engaging activities that invite people of all ages to spend time together, and leave happy with something they made.

With early buzz, strong community support, and a packed calendar of upcoming events, her studio is already becoming a creative anchor…and she’s just getting started.

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A Background in Education and Business

Kristine’s path to business ownership is diversely rooted in education, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Before deciding to open her new business, she spent 15 years as an elementary school teacher just 15 minutes from where her pottery and art studio now stands. With over two decades in the local community, Kristine built strong ties to families, schools, and neighborhoods; relationships that would later play a key role in launching her business.

“I’ve been in the area for 25 years, so I know this community really well,” Kristine says.

In 2019, she stepped away from the classroom to help run an aerospace manufacturing company she co-owned with her former spouse. Though it was a major career shift, Kristine quickly adapted. She managed human resources and finance for a growing team of 30 employees and was responsible for the company’s financial operations during its transition from private to public.

Even after the business was sold, Kristine stayed on for a year under the new ownership. But as time passed, she began thinking about her next chapter, an entrepreneurial venture she could truly call her own.

The Search for a Meaningful Business

When Kristine began exploring business ownership, she approached it with an open mind. Having already experienced both teaching and corporate management, she knew that whatever came next needed to bring her personal fulfillment as well as professional satisfaction.

She researched a variety of franchise opportunities, weighing the pros and cons of each. What guided her search was a simple but important attribute, “I wanted to own a business that I was passionate about,” she explained.

While she considered different industries, she kept coming back to her love of art and her interest in building something that could connect people in her community. That personal pull toward creativity became the lens through which she evaluated her options.

Why The Hot Spot Studios Was the Right Choice

Discovering The Hot Spot Studios was a turning point. Hot Spot Studios’ unique concept stood out immediately because it offered more than one way to be creative. Pottery painting was at the center, but the brand also embraces a wide range of projects from candle making to succulent gardens and other crafts.

“Some people may not love painting, but they can still come in with their friends and make something else,” Kristine says. “That variety was really important to me.”

Beyond the offerings, Kristine valued the support and professionalism she encountered in the franchise team. She’s already seen firsthand the challenges of starting a business from scratch, and wanted a system that provided guidance while still allowing her to bring her own personality into the studio.

“I really wanted the support of a franchise and a proven model,” she explains. “Knowing there were other owners I could reach out to was very enticing.” The Hot Spot Studios offered that balance, and Kristine says she felt comfortable with the team from the very beginning.

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Getting Started

Once the process of building her studio began, The Hot Spot Studio’s support system was there every step of the way. From the franchise agreement through site selection, training, and studio layout, Kristine was equipped with the tools she needed to launch with confidence.

She completed her franchise training in San Diego, CA where she received hands-on instruction and had the opportunity to visit two operating studios. For Kristine, this was an invaluable part of her preparation, especially when it came to learning how to operate the kiln, handle glazing techniques, and understand the practical flow of a functioning studio.

“The hands on training was really valuable. I took a lot of notes, a lot of pictures. I felt very confident after my training, coming back and being ready to open,” she explained.

Kristine selected a location in a brand-new shopping complex being developed in her area. The franchise team helped her evaluate the right square footage and provided layout guidance based on what they knew worked best. From kiln placement to the kids’ craft area, Kristine worked closely with an architect to customize the space to suit her vision while aligning with brand best practices.

To personalize the space even further, she brought in a local muralist to paint a custom Hot Spot-themed design across three walls of the studio, a colorful centerpiece that now gives the studio a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. “It turned out awesome,” Kristine says.

Grand Opening & Community Response

Kristine’s grand opening was a community celebration. Held with a red ribbon-cutting ceremony and attended by city council representatives, the event marked a major milestone not only for her, but for Sherwood residents eager to welcome something new and creative to the area.

She went all-in on the experience. A local coffee shop provided drinks, custom cookies featuring The Hot Spot Studios logo were made for guests, and Kristine had the studio ready for walk-in creativity on opening night. “It was such a fun night, we had people painting, making candles, and celebrating with us right away,” Kristine recalls.

Behind the scenes, Kristine had already been laying the groundwork for local awareness. She appeared in a feature within the city’s Women in Business magazine prior to the opening, introducing herself and her studio to residents. She joined the Sherwood Chamber of Commerce early on, which not only helped her connect with other local business owners, but also gave her access to promotional resources and networking opportunities.

Kristine hired a local social media manager who also happened to run the city’s Chamber of Commerce, giving her a direct connection to local promotional channels. Through coordinated efforts, her grand opening reached over 2,000 people on social media, generating buzz and excitement that extended beyond the event itself.

In the first few weeks of being open, Kristine saw encouraging signs of momentum, repeat customers, birthday party bookings, and strong interest in upcoming events. Some visitors came to pick up their finished pottery and ended up staying to paint something new.

“My favorite thing now that we’re open, is just seeing how creative people are.” Kristine says. “Some come in and pick up their pottery, and stay to paint something else.”

Events and Outreach

She began attending networking events, connecting with neighboring businesses, and building partnerships. That groundwork quickly paid off. Local business owners reached out to collaborate, and Kristine started scheduling events like birthday parties and paint nights within the first few weeks of operation.

She’s also planning to bring paint nights off-site, partnering with local wineries and breweries in the area to host art nights in new venues. With Sherwood’s strong wine culture and community-centered businesses, the idea of offsite paint-and-sip events has strong potential.

As her studio continues to grow, so does her role as a connector in the community. Whether it’s partnering with nearby businesses in her shopping complex or planning joint events across town, Kristine is positioning The Hot Spot Studios as more than just a place to paint.

Managing a Team and the Studio

Shaped by her previous experience managing teams, Kristine hired a team of five staff members who helped her prepare the studio, assemble furniture, and get everything in place. That early collaboration helped build a sense of camaraderie from the start.

Kristine describes her team as a great fit for the studio, bringing energy and enthusiasm that enhances the guest experience. They’ve embraced new product launches, gotten excited about seasonal inventory, and jumped in to create examples for new craft offerings like the body scrub bar, the seventh creative experience now offered in her studio.

In these early weeks, Kristine is still working every day, side by side with her team, helping define processes for tasks like glazing, kiln loading, and customer service. For now, she’s focused on establishing routines, building consistency, and leading by example. Her experience in HR and finance has helped her manage the administrative side of things, but she’s also intentional about creating a positive, creative atmosphere where both staff and guests feel welcome, supported, and inspired.

Looking Ahead

Though Kristine’s studio is only a few weeks into operation, she’s already thinking about the future. Her long-term vision includes the possibility of opening a second Hot Spot Studios location, a goal that speaks to both her confidence in the brand and her passion for the business she’s building.

The potential for growth is clear. The surrounding retail center is filling in with kid-friendly and family-oriented businesses, many of which are already expressing interest in partnerships and collaborative events. With birthday parties, paint nights, and craft experiences underway, and more community engagement on the horizon, the foundation for long-term success is taking shape.

“Eventually I’d love to open a second location,” Kristine says. “For now I want to be very hands-on here, but once everything’s running smoothly, I can see myself expanding.”

Her focus for now is on refining systems, leading her team, and building strong community connections. But she is clear about one thing…this is only the beginning!

Reflections and Advice

When asked what advice she would give to someone considering franchise, she emphasizes the importance of going in with open eyes, understanding the level of work, time, and financial commitment required. Having previously co-owned a company, Kristine knew what she was signing up for. But even with that experience, she says the process of building internal systems, assigning roles, training staff, and developing routines is something that takes time and close attention. She encourages future owners to be honest with themselves about their willingness to put in the work and to be prepared for the full-time effort a new business demands.

She also offers a gentle reminder to customers who walk through her doors: art is for everyone. “You don’t have to be an artist to paint,” she says. “It’s not about comparison or perfection, it’s about expression. It’s about having fun, making something you enjoy, and sharing that moment with the people around you.”

That perspective is what defines Kristine’s approach to business ownership. She’s building something that reflects not only her professional background, but her personal values as well. And in the process, she’s giving her community a space to slow down, create, and connect.

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Concluding Kristine’s Journey

From Kristine’s background in education and corporate leadership to the colorful walls of her custom-built studio, every step has been intentional. In just a few weeks, she’s transformed a brand-new space into a welcoming destination for families, artists, and anyone looking to unwind and create. With the support of the Hot Spot Studios franchise network, a strong local foundation, and a clear vision for the future, Kristine is proving that starting fresh doesn’t mean starting over…it means building something that finally feels like your own!

Learn more about how you can start your own Hot Spot Studios franchise by contacting The Hot Spot Studios creative art franchising team.