Meet Rashida Ali, The Hot Spot Studios’ newest paint your own pottery franchise owner in North Austin Texas! For Rashida, life has always been a canvas—rich with color, creativity, and connection! As a former textile designer turned teacher, she thrived on bringing beauty and innovation to everything she touched. But the idea of owning her own business, especially a paint your own pottery art studio wasn’t even on her radar. That is, until The Hot Spot Studios entered the picture.

In her past role as an educator, Rashida found fulfillment in shaping young minds and developing creativity, but the demands of the education system left her searching for something more personal and balanced. The desire to build something of her own, combined with her deep love for art and community, led her to explore potential business opportunities in her area.

Her journey with The Hot Spot Studios began serendipitously. With a background in technology, she was locally known as “The Hot Spot”. On a whim searching for a likeness to the nickname, she discovered The Hot Spot Studios through a seemingly random Google search.  She was instantly captivated by the user-friendly website and opportunity offered, to blend creativity with business ownership. Rashida recalls, “From the moment I landed on the website, I just knew it in my gut, in my heart, that this is what I wanted to do.”

Today, Rashida stands as the proud owner of a next-to-open Hot Spot Studios location in Austin, Texas. Her studio is more than just a business—it’s a space where creativity and community intersect, a place where people of all ages can connect, create, and celebrate art together.

Through her story, Rashida hopes to inspire others to embrace the possibilities of owning a franchise that not only supports individuality but also empowers its owners to make a meaningful impact.

Discovering The Hot Spot Studios

For Rashida, it was love at first click. The franchise’s branding and culture resonated deeply and she felt an instant alignment with The Hot Spot Studios’ values and its mission to develop creativity and community. The franchise wasn’t just about business—it was about connection. 

“I’m a very people’s person. I love bringing people together. I’m all about bringing joy to people and spreading good energy, good vibes. That’s just my personality,” she says, reflecting on how the franchise seemed tailor-made for her. Her decision to move forward with The Hot Spot Studios was not only fueled by her own passion but also supported by her family. 

The Transition to Franchising

Before Rashida embraced the world of franchising, her professional path was filled with creative exploration and a passion for helping others. During her career as a textile designer, she worked with companies in San Francisco and New York, creating vibrant patterns and designs for high-end markets. But when she started a family, Rashida stepped back from her demanding design work, seeking stability while raising her children.

Her pivot to teaching began unexpectedly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Encouraged by a friend, Rashida took a position as a substitute teacher. It didn’t take long for her talent and charisma to shine. Soon, she transitioned into a full-time role as an art and technology teacher, where she excelled at inspiring her students and colleagues alike. “I’ve always been the kind of person who gets a lot of energy from people,” she recalls. “Students gravitated toward me, and so did the teachers.”

Over time, Rashida’s role evolved. She became a course leader, training educators and contributing to her school’s A-rated status. However, the demanding environment of education took its toll. Rashida eventually found herself at a crossroads, questioning whether she wanted to continue teaching.

“I was feeling really burned out.” she shares. “I wanted to try something new—something that would let me be creative again and focus on people in a different way.” Her passion for art and her love of working with people made the opportunity a natural fit. But owning a franchise was an entirely new concept for her.

Rashida recalls how the franchise’s team helped her feel confident about the transition. “When I talked to Emma and Jen [The Hot Spot Studios’ Franchising Team], I felt like they really understood me and where I was coming from,” she says. Their supportive approach reassured her that she was making the right decision.

Rashida was determined to succeed. Her entrepreneurial spirit, honed through years of creative and educational leadership, gave her the tools she needed to make the leap. “I never imagined myself owning an art studio,” she admits. “But when this opportunity came, it felt perfect for me.”

Her husband, a consultant in the tech and pharmaceutical industries, provided encouragement as Rashida embraced her new venture. Rashida also reflects on how her teaching background compliments her new role as a business owner. “Teaching taught me how to connect with people, build trust, and inspire them. Those skills are just as valuable in running a business,” she explains.

Rashida’s Vision for Her Studio

One of Rashida’s first creative decisions as a franchise owner was commissioning a mural for her studio. This project was deeply personal, blending her background as a textile and surface designer with her vision for the studio. “I worked with a muralist to create something truly special. I wanted people to walk in and feel a ‘wow’ effect,” she explains. The mural, she adds, sets the tone for the studio and serves as a centerpiece for customers and community members alike.

While Rashida created the mural to make her customers feel welcome, she admits it was also a way to connect with her own creative roots. “The mural is for the customers, but honestly, I did it for myself too,” she says with a smile.

Her attention to detail doesn’t stop at the mural. Rashida is committed to ensuring every element of her studio feels cohesive and aligned with the brand’s aesthetic. This dedication to design has not gone unnoticed. By blending the franchise’s established guidelines with her own artistic flair, Rashida has made the studio a reflection of her personality and values.

Connecting with the Community

Rashida’s vision extends to building a strong connection with her local community. Drawing on her experience as a teacher, she has already begun building trust and relationships within her Austin neighborhood. “As a teacher, I used to go block walking and promote my school. That same approach works here—I want people to know me and trust me,” she explains.

One of her key strategies has been collaborating with other local businesses, such as Simply Sorted TX, an organizing and staging company. Rashida describes their partnership as mutually beneficial: “Every time they do a story, their audience sees it, and when I post about them, my audience sees it. It’s all about collaboration.”

By leveraging her community connections, Rashida has already generated interest and excitement for her soft opening. Even during the studio’s preparation phase, Rashida has found creative ways to engage with her neighbors. With the doors often open during setup, curious passersby have stopped to ask about the new space. Rashida took the opportunity to hand out flyers with QR codes linking to her Instagram page, encouraging locals to follow along and share in the studio’s journey.

Rashida also taps into local community groups, including a vibrant network of moms in Austin using popular social media apps. “We have groups where we plan activities for our kids, and I’ve shared the studio there. It’s been a great way to get people interested,” she says.

Her efforts to engage the community have already caught the attention of local organizations. A business located next to her studio, has already expressed interest in hosting team-building events. Additionally, Rashida’s past connections and associations with local medical and legal fields have also led to interest from local professionals eager to use the studio for team activities.

“My vision is for the studio to be a hub for people to come together,” Rashida explains. “Art has a way of bringing people together—it’s something we can all connect over.”

The Support and Training Behind Rashida’s Success

Stepping into the role of a business owner can be daunting, but Rashida credits The Hot Spot Studios’ comprehensive training and support with giving her the confidence to succeed. As someone entirely new to franchising, she valued the structured guidance that helped her transition from teacher to entrepreneur.

“Everything from opening to closing, from the first thing you do in the morning to handling customer issues—it was all covered in the training,” Rashida says. “It was so natural and organic.”

The training program not only prepared Rashida for the operational aspects of running the studio but also instilled a deep understanding of the brand’s philosophy. From learning customer service best practices to navigating the challenges of day-to-day operations, the training left her feeling fully equipped. “I didn’t even realize how much I had learned until I started putting it into practice,” she shares.

Rashida’s Vision for the Future

For Rashida, her journey with The Hot Spot Studios is only beginning. As she prepares to open her studio, her ambitions extend far beyond the initial launch. She envisions her studio as a place where people can come together to create lasting memories.

“Art has always brought people together,” she says. “Whether it’s through pottery painting, candle making, or just spending time in a beautiful space, I want this studio to be a place where people connect—not through screens but in real, meaningful ways.”

One of Rashida’s primary goals is to cultivate a sense of purpose and heart in her business. She plans to align her studio with values that matter deeply to her, such as women’s empowerment, sustainability, and inclusivity. “I want people to feel proud of coming to our studio because we stand for something,” she explains.

Rashida also hopes to engage prominent community members and thought leaders in the Austin area. “Whether it’s an educator, an artist, or a philanthropist, I want to invite people who are making a difference to be part of what we’re building here,” she shares. By developing these relationships, she aims to elevate her studio’s profile and inspire her customers.

In addition to community-focused goals, Rashida is committed to creating a welcoming environment that reflects her artistic vision. Her passion for design is evident in every aspect of the studio, from the carefully chosen color palette to the thoughtful layout of workspaces and displays. “I want people to walk in and immediately feel the care and creativity that went into this space,” she says.

Rashida also sees potential for her studio to serve as a model for other Hot Spot Studios locations. “I think Austin can set the standard for what a Hot Spot studio can be,” she says. “With the mural, the cohesive design, and the way we’re engaging with the community, I hope it inspires others.”

Her enthusiasm is contagious, and it’s clear she takes great pride in her work. “I never expected to own a franchise, let alone one as fun and creative as this,” she says. “It’s not just a business; it’s a way to make people happy and bring them together.”

Conclusion: From Vision to Reality

Rashida’s journey to becoming a Hot Spot Studios franchisee is a story of resilience, creativity, and community. Her transition from a career in textile design and teaching to business ownership reflects her ability to adapt, innovate, and embrace new challenges. For Rashida, the studio is more than a business—it’s a canvas for her creativity.

By combining her artistic vision with The Hot Spot Studios’ proven franchise model, Rashida has created a space that reflects both her personal values and the brand’s identity. “This studio isn’t just about making art,” she says. “It’s about bringing people together, spreading joy, and creating something that matters.” 

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a creative art business, The Hot Spot Studios might be the perfect fit. Visit The Hot Spot Franchise to learn how you can bring art, joy, and connection to your community. After all, Every Town Needs A Hot Spot!

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