High Desert Locals Bring A Creative Destination to Their Community

The California High Desert has always had a reputation for being a place where people say there’s “nothing to do.” With wide stretches of open land, miles of desert scenery, and families spread across Victorville, Apple Valley, Hesperia, and Adelanto alike, locals have long joked about the area being full of heart and community, but light on activities. For Marissa and her husband Brendan, who both grew up there, those comments were part of everyday life. However, as lifelong residents, that empty space wasn’t a drawback…it was opportunity knocking.

Recently, the couple opened a Hot Spot Studios in the High Desert, a new creative destination that introduces hands-on art, family activities, and community-centered experiences to the place they’ve always called home. The studio brings pottery painting, creative projects, gatherings, and events to a region that has needed more options for families, friends, and kids of all ages.

From reconnecting as adults after first meeting in elementary school, to building a family life surrounded by the familiar landscape of their childhoods, their story is rooted in the same streets and neighborhoods they now serve through their studio. Residents have responded with enthusiasm, stopping in, showing support, and expressing gratitude that something creative and family-friendly has finally arrived.

The Spark – Searching For The Right Business

The idea of owning a business wasn’t something Marissa initially chased. In fact, when the topic first came up, it was Brendan who led the charge. Marissa said, “He’s always had a drive to create something more for their family”, multiple income streams, long-term stability, and a vision for building something of their own. But aligning that ambition with something they both could genuinely enjoy took time.

They looked at several business ideas, including a few franchise opportunities that Brendan found appealing, but those concepts didn’t click with Marissa. She was honest about the kind of work that wasn’t a match, and she didn’t want to force herself into a business she wouldn’t enjoy long-term. They agreed they needed something they both felt excited about; a business that fit not only Brendan’s entrepreneurial spirit but also Marissa’s desire for meaningful, enjoyable work.

At first, they didn’t know exactly what they were looking for, but they knew it needed to be something creative, family-friendly, community-based, and financially feasible. That’s when the spark hit, starting with a simple idea they both found appealing…a pottery painting studio.

At first, they looked into a competing franchise brand, but the cost was far beyond what they could commit. That disappointment was real, because for the first time, they had found something they both aligned with, and it suddenly felt out of reach. But instead of letting that stop them, Marissa did what she always does…she kept searching.

She went back online, typed in variations of pottery studio concepts, and explored other creative business models, which ultimately pointed them toward something they didn’t know existed yet…a franchise that matched both sides of their personalities, their lifestyle, and their desire to bring something special to the community where they grew up.

Finding The Hot Spot Studios

“I stumbled upon The Hot Spot, and they reached out almost right away”, she recalls. That quick response set everything in motion. Conversations started, meetings were scheduled, and they had the chance to learn more about the company, the culture, and the team behind the brand. The more they spoke with The Hot Spot franchising team, the more it felt like the perfect fit, not just financially but creatively and personally.

What surprised them most was discovering that Hot Spot offered so much more than pottery painting. They loved that pottery was there, but they hadn’t realized the franchise included multiple project types like canvas painting, tile mosaics, house made candles, succulent mini gardens, slime for kids, and more. That variety immediately stood out. “Every time we’d have a meeting, it was like…this is way too good to be true” she recalled.

The Hot Spot Studios unique concept resonated with both Marissa and Brendan. The pricing was accessible, the creative environment matched their personalities, and the franchise team made them feel supported from the start.

Support From The Franchise Network

As first-time business owners navigating an entirely new industry, Marissa and Brendan expected the learning curve to be steep. What they didn’t expect was just how valuable the support system behind Hot Spot Studios would become throughout the process. From the moment they purchased the franchise, they weren’t left to figure things out alone. Instead, they were guided step-by-step by a team that felt invested in their success.

For Marissa especially, this support made all the difference. She was honest about how overwhelming the journey could have been without it. At one point she reflected, “If I tried to start this on my own… I absolutely 100% would have quit a long time ago.” Launching a business comes with a constant stream of decisions, large and small, and the weight of those choices can easily build into frustration or doubt. Having knowledgeable people available to answer questions, break things down, and keep the process moving gave her the confidence she needed to stay on track.

Beyond the core franchise team, the network of other franchisees played a huge role in helping her feel supported. Hot Spot owners across the country regularly share their experiences, what worked, what didn’t, what they wish they had known earlier. Whenever Marissa had a question or hit a moment of uncertainty, she quickly received insight from people who had lived through the same stage. As Marissa put it, “Reaching other franchise owners helps, because it makes you feel not alone.”

Questions about layout, supplies, ordering, scheduling, or marketing didn’t have to sit unanswered. Whether it was formal guidance through weekly calls or informal support through the owner community, Marissa and Brendan always had someone to turn to that understood where they were in the process and could offer real-world advice. That support gave them confidence in their decisions, helped them avoid missteps, and reinforced that they were part of something larger than themselves. 

Related Article: The Creative Franchise Thats Capturing Nationwide Attention.

Building Momentum

With the lease signed and the studio buildout underway, Marissa and Brendan shifted into one of the most challenging parts of launching their business: letting people know they exist. They were so focused on getting the studio ready that promoting it didn’t get the attention it needed in the early weeks. Their soft opening was a wake-up call. The day was meaningful, but the turnout made one thing very clear: most of the High Desert still had no idea Hot Spot Studios had arrived. As Marissa put it, “After the soft opening, I realized…okay, we really have to get the word out.” So they made marketing a priority.

Mornings started with printing stacks of flyers and heading out to hand them around local shopping centers, places families already frequent, and places where people gather. Marissa would go out before the shop opened, walking storefront to storefront to introduce the studio. She also leaned into Instagram, posting consistently and sharing everything from projects to behind-the-scenes moments. Any opportunity to collaborate with local residents, businesses, or even realtors was welcomed. As she explained, “Anytime someone wanted to collaborate with me, I jumped right on it.”

Brendan tapped into his strengths as well. Because he also works at a school and is well-connected with staff, word spread quickly among his colleagues. He offered a small discount to teachers and staff, a gesture that resonated deeply, especially because so many educators are always searching for creative, stress-free activities for themselves, their students, or their own families. The school community responded, and many of his coworkers came in to support them.

And then there was a moment of unexpected momentum – a relative of Marissa dropped by, filmed a simple video while painting, and posted it online. The post picked up traction, surprising everyone and bringing in a wave of new visitors who had never heard of the studio before, providing social proof that even small organic posts from the community could have a big effect.

Piece by piece, day by day, the awareness grew. Flyers, conversations, early visitors sharing their experience began to build a foundation of community recognition. It began to accelerate, and before long, people were walking in saying they’d “heard about this new place” or had “seen it online,” curious to check it out.

By focusing on local outreach and personal connection, Marissa and Brendan found their footing. It set the stage for a grand opening that would confirm their belief that the High Desert was ready, and excited for a creative destination like Hot Spot Studios.

Related Article: Art Franchises Build Community Loyalty

Grand Opening & Community Support

When the doors officially opened for Hot Spot Studios High Desert, Marissa and Brendan finally saw the community response they had been hoping for, and it started the moment the day began. They partnered with the local Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon cutting, and what they expected to be a small, symbolic gathering turned out much more meaningful. As Marissa put it, “It made the day super special.”

What struck them most wasn’t just the number of people who showed up, but the spirit of the visitors who came early, stayed long, and genuinely wanted to support them. One guest who had visited before the grand opening arrived a half hour early, simply because she “didn’t want to miss it.” That kind of enthusiasm set the tone for the entire day.

Inside the studio, the energy never slowed. Families, friends, and new faces filtered in steadily from morning through evening; a constant, comfortable busy-ness that made the studio feel alive. For a brand-new location in a region where people have long said there’s “nothing to do,” it was a powerful validation.

Marissa remembers the pace vividly: “It was a huge success. We were busy constantly throughout the day.” People walked up to Marissa and Brendan offering heartfelt thanks for bringing something creative to the High Desert. Some shared stories about how excited they were to finally have a place like this in their community. They proved to themselves they had chosen the right business, the right location, and the right moment to bring something new to the High Desert. 

In the days following the event, the momentum continued. People kept coming back. Families who visited once were soon returning again with new relatives or friends. Parents came back with their kids. Grandparents came back with their grandkids. After the ribbon was cut, the consistency of visits became the strongest sign that they were becoming a part of daily life in the High Desert.

Related Article: Are Paint Your own pottery Franchises Profitable?

Looking Ahead: Goals, Plans, and Vision

With a successful opening behind them and strong early support from the community, Marissa and Brendan are already looking ahead, not just at the business they’ve built, but at the impact they want it to have on the High Desert for years to come. Their vision isn’t rapid expansion or big, flashy changes. It’s grounded in something far more personal: creating a space that people look forward to visiting, a place that feels welcoming, relaxing, and genuinely enjoyable for years to come.

For Marissa, the experience people have inside the studio is at the heart of everything. She wants guests to feel comfortable and at ease. As she explained, “I want them to have a relaxed feel…you can be here as long as you want. I don’t want anyone to feel rushed.” Her goal is for every person who walks through the doors to leave feeling lighter, happier, and eager to return.

Creatively, they’re excited to explore new ideas and introduce activities that will appeal to different ages, interests, and comfort levels. Paint nights, themed events, and hands-on techniques are all part of their future plans. Marissa has ideas for classes that go beyond canvas painting, like teaching unique pottery painting techniques that help guests feel proud of what they create. As she put it, “I want people to leave with a good piece, something they’re proud of.”

They’re also looking forward to building deeper ties with the community. Whether it’s working with local schools, exploring partnerships, or collaborating with other small businesses, their goal is to be an active part of the High Desert’s growth. They want the studio to be a place where families gather, where kids celebrate milestones, where teachers unwind, and where friends come together to make memories.

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about owning a Hot Spot Studios franchise, contact The Hot Spot Studios franchising team to get started on your journey toward ownership.