From Tahoe to Kauai: How a Family Vacation Sparked a Franchise Dream

From a chance encounter during a Lake Tahoe family vacation to owning a thriving creative studio in Kauai, Jannette Lambert’s journey to becoming a Hot Spot Studios franchise owner is truly inspiring. One afternoon, while on vacation, the inclement weather redirected their plans which led to a chance encounter at The Hot Spot Studios Pottery Painting, Candle Making & More in Lake Tahoe California.

When Jannette first walked into The Hot Spot Studios, she had no idea her life was about to change. Jannette was simply looking for a fun, screen-free activity she and her kids could all enjoy together. What she found was much more than a creative afternoon—it was the spark of an entrepreneurial dream that would eventually lead to the opening of her own Hot Spot Studios franchise in Kauai Hawaii.

A Family Moment Turned Inspiration

Inspiration often strikes when you least expect it. For Jannette, watching her children immerse themselves in artistic activities at Hot Spot Studios revealed a powerful truth: creative spaces can transform family dynamics. The experience showed her how art could bring families closer together, away from mobile phone or tablet screens and into the present moment.

When Jannette saw her children fully engaged in creating art, she realized she could bring this transformative experience to other families in her home town in Hawaii, a similar tourist destination. As a former massage therapist, this revelation aligned perfectly with her background in wellness and her passion for meaningful connections.

Jannette recalls that pivotal day vividly. “We were in Tahoe, and my kids and I spent time painting there. It prompted me to think of opening up a shop. It has always been my dream to open and operate a business that was in line with my interests. And I do love art—that’s one of my passions,” she said.

As a mother, she valued this moment of family bonding and saw the potential for a similar studio to resonate with families in her own community back home in Kauai. “I thought bringing this to Kauai might help other kids,” she said, reflecting on her decision. “I noticed a lot of kids are addicted to devices, and this was a moment that I was able to spend time with my kids for at least three hours without them.”

During her vacation visit, she discovered The Hot Spot was offering franchises where an established brand offering expert support and training might enable her to operate one herself. This realization was the seed for what would eventually become The Hot Spot Studios Kauai.

After witnessing children’s enthusiasm for hands-on creative activities, it’s easy to understand why Hot Spot Studios has become a family favorite. The studio’s approach combines artistic expression for painting pottery or canvases, making candles, or tiled mosaics, and more, creating an environment where memories are shaped through artistic expression.

From Inspiration to Action

Upon returning home, Jannette continued to develop the idea of opening her own paint your own pottery franchise studio. Seeing a creative business opportunity to align her entrepreneurial dream with a proven business model, she reached out to the franchising team to learn more. Her goal was simple: to open a studio that would provide both locals and tourists, a creative, welcoming space to connect and create lasting memories.

For Jannette, franchising was an ideal way to achieve her dream. “My decision to open up a franchise was to help lessen the time it would take me to find the right formula for success,” she explained. “I wanted to have a less stressful way of operating a business, because it has already well-established structure, tested and proven to be effective”.

Building a Creative Haven on Kauai

Opening a business in remote Hawaii came with unique challenges, from strict building codes to shipping delays for supplies. Jannette described the difficulty of finding a location that would allow her to install a kiln, a critical piece of equipment for her pottery studio. “In Kauai, it’s hard to find a store that fits the requirements for a kiln, especially after the Maui fire, with stricter building codes,” she explained. After an exhaustive search, she secured a spot in the Coconut Marketplace, a recently renovated open-air shopping center.

Her dedication and preparation paid off—Jannette managed to open her franchise in just eight weeks, an impressive feat in the world of franchising. She credits her organizational skills and the support from The Hot Spot Studios team for making it happen. “Jennifer Eberts [Director of Franchise Development] was the one who encouraged me to move forward and continuously connected with me every week,” Jannette said. “When I had doubts or concerns, she addressed them immediately.” Jannette was determined to make her dream a reality. 

A Business That Builds Community

From day one, Jannette’s studio has also become a creative hub for both locals and tourists. Parents often thank her for opening the shop, expressing how much their children love spending time there. “Most of the customers come here with kids, and the kids love it the most,” Jannette said. “They’re the ones pulling their parents in, and they don’t even want to leave.”

Jannette’s journey with Hot Spot Studios is deeply rooted in her own experience as a tourist in Lake Tahoe, where the concept first captivated her. Now, by establishing her studio in Kauai, she is offering the same sense of discovery and creativity to others who visit her island. Her studio is ideally positioned to attract both locals and visiting tourists. “There were even some tourists from San Diego who didn’t know there was a shop there too, so I told them about the Hot Spot in Liberty Station,” Jannette explained. This connection between locations builds not only community in Kauai but also brand recognition among vacationing travelers.

Appeal for Tourists

Families visiting Kauai often look for activities that allow them to spend time together in ways that go beyond the usual outdoor excursions. Jannette’s studio offers a welcome break from the island’s beaches, hiking trails, and water sports, giving families the opportunity to create lasting memories indoors. “This shop is not just about painting pottery or making candles; it’s about families connecting, finding joy, and locals sharing in the experience,” Jannette said. She is proud that her studio has become an essential part of many visitors’ itineraries.

At the same time, Jannette remains deeply committed to serving the local community. She actively participates in outreach efforts, visiting nearby hotels to distribute small gifts and introduce her shop to concierges who can recommend the studio to guests. She has also formed partnerships with organizations like the Lions Club to host fundraising events that benefit the island’s residents. One such event, currently in planning, will involve creating custom-painted tiles for a school fundraiser, an activity that blends artistry with a meaningful cause.

The feedback Jannette receives from locals has been overwhelmingly positive. Many residents have expressed their gratitude for having a creative space like Hot Spot Kauai available in their community. “Parents often tell me how thankful they are for a place where their kids can spend time off their devices and engage with art,” she said. “It’s fulfilling to know I’m making an impact on families here.”

From team-building events for local businesses to art workshops for schools, her studio provides a platform for people to come together. Immediate future plans include themed holiday events and hosting birthday parties, which she anticipates will further strengthen her ties to the community.

The Joy of Creation

For Jannette, the most rewarding part of running Hot Spot Kauai is watching the joy on her customers’ faces as they create something unique. “My favorite time is when they leave their pottery here, and I start glazing and firing it,” she said. “Seeing how it looks afterward and then seeing their reaction when they pick it up—it’s so fulfilling.”

Her shop offers a wide range of activities, including pottery painting, candle making, mosaics, canvas painting, and even slime-making for kids. Jannette takes pride in ensuring there’s something for everyone, whether they’re first-time artists or seasoned creators. “I always tell my customers, whatever you feel in your heart, just paint it. There’s no right or wrong way to create,” she said.

Looking Ahead

As Hot Spot Kauai continues to grow, Jannette is already thinking about the future. She hopes to eventually open a second location in Hawaii, possibly on Oahu, once her Kauai shop is more established. In the meantime, she’s focused on building deeper connections with her community and providing a space where people of all ages can disconnect from technology and rediscover their creativity.

“I feel like I’m helping people take the stress out of their day-to-day lives, even in a small way,” she said. “No one ever leaves the shop unhappy. They always leave with smiles on their faces.”

Why The Hot Spot Could Be Your Next Opportunity

Jannette’s journey from a family vacation to franchise ownership is a testament to the power of following your passions and taking action on your dreams. By bringing Hot Spot Studios pottery franchise to Kauai, she has created not just a successful business, but a place where people can connect, create, and share moments that matter. For Jannette, the joy of seeing her community embrace her studio is the ultimate reward—and it all started with one afternoon of painting pottery in Lake Tahoe.

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!

Key Takeaways:

• Inspiration from Unexpected Experiences: A rainy day led Jannette and her children to The Hot Spot Studios in Lake Tahoe, where the engaging artistic activities inspired her to consider bringing a similar creative space to her community in Kauai.
• Enhancing Family Connections through Art: Observing her children deeply involved in art without the distraction of electronic devices underscored for Jannette the value of such activities in strengthening family bonds and fostering meaningful interactions.
• Aligning Personal Passions with Business Ventures: With a background in wellness and a passion for art, Jannette found that opening a Hot Spot Studios franchise allowed her to integrate her interests into a business that serves both locals and tourists, providing a space for creative expression.
• Leveraging Franchise Support for Entrepreneurial Success: Opting for a franchise model provided Jannette with a tested and effective business structure, reducing the stress associated with starting a new venture and offering the support needed to navigate challenges unique to operating in a remote location like Kauai.

Featured Below: Painted Pottery From The Hot Spot Studios Kauai Hawaii.