How a Shared Love of Pottery Painting Led to a Hot Spot in Springfield, TN

Long before Chrissy Hinners became the owner of her Hot Spot Studio in Springfield, Tennessee, it was already woven into some of her favorite memories. “One of our first dates was pottery painting,” she recalled. What started as a simple date eventually became a tradition that followed Chrissy and her husband Jackson through the years. 

Pottery painting became part of family vacations, special occasions, and countless memories along the way. Some of those original pieces that still mean so much to the family are now displayed inside the studio. “That’s kind of been like a cornerstone of our relationship and our little family’s foundation,” Chrissy says. “Everywhere we go on vacation, we paint pottery.”

Pottery painting was simply something they loved doing together, and thats where the ambition stayed. Years later, after deciding she was ready for a career change, Chrissy was exploring the idea of owning a business, when her husband reminded her of the pottery painting that had already brought their family joy for years.

That conversation ultimately led her to open a Hot Spot Studios paint-your-own-pottery location in Springfield, TN; a growing community just north of Nashville. Springfield is a town where families, friends, and organizations are always looking for opportunities to spend meaningful time together.

A Natural Fit for Business Ownership

Before opening her Hot Spot Paint-your-own-pottery studio in Springfield, Chrissy spent more than 15 years working in human resources, helping employees navigate everything from benefits and leave management to workplace accommodations and support programs. 

Many of the skills she developed throughout her career continue to influence the way she approaches ownership today. At her core, Chrissy has always enjoyed helping people. “I loved human resources. I’ve always kind of joked that I was born to be a teacher.” she says.

Whether assisting employees, solving problems, or helping someone navigate a difficult situation, she found fulfillment in being a resource for others. Many Hot Spot Studios visitors walk through the door convinced they aren’t creative at all. Chrissy sees those moments as opportunities for encouragement. One of her favorite aspects of ownership is helping people discover confidence they didn’t know they had. “We’re here to cheer them on,” she says.

Chrissy’s people-first mindset has become one of the defining characteristics of The Hot Spot Studios Springfield. Customers are encouraged to experiment, try new things, and enjoy the creative process without worrying about perfection. She describes her studio as approachable, inclusive, and fun.

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Discovering The Hot Spot Studios

As Chrissy began exploring business ownership opportunities, she approached the process the same way many aspiring franchisees do, with plenty of research, questions, and curiosity about what the right fit might look like. What she didn’t expect was how much the people behind the business would influence her decision.

 “This was a brand new world to us,” Chrissy says. “Our big thing was, make it make sense. And they made it make sense. It was just a human-to-human conversation.” While learning about The Hot Spot Studios, she found herself drawn not only to the concept itself, but also to the culture surrounding the brand. “Very simply, it was the vibe,” she says.

From her earliest conversations, the experience felt different. The discussions focused on getting to know one another, understanding her goals, and determining whether the opportunity was a good fit for everyone involved. “It wasn’t a transaction,” Chrissy explains. “It was human.” That personal approach left a lasting impression. 

One of the things that stood out most was the sense of community within the franchise network. Existing owners openly shared ideas and experiences. Members of the support team made themselves available to answer questions and offer guidance. Rather than feeling like she was navigating the process alone, Chrissy felt welcomed into a larger group of people who genuinely wanted one another to succeed. “The franchisees that were already out there, the things that were published about their experiences…you just felt it. You felt that magic even through social media.” she says.

The Hot Spot Studios concept itself was also appealing because it offered more than a single creative activity. While pottery painting initially drew her attention because of its personal connection to her family, the broader studio model opened the door to many different experiences. Candle making, canvas projects, slime, birthday and office parties, workshops, and special events created opportunities to serve a wide variety of customers throughout the year.

Whether connecting with members of the franchise team, participating in training, or attending company events, Chrissy found herself surrounded by people who genuinely cared about helping other owners succeed. “It made me feel included,” she says.

Those experiences reinforced something she had sensed from the beginning. The Hot Spot Studios wasn’t simply a business opportunity. It was a community of owners, leaders, and supporters working together to create meaningful experiences for customers across the country.

For Chrissy, that combination of creativity, flexibility, and support made the decision feel like a natural fit. With a franchise behind her that aligned with her values, she was ready to bring The Hot Spot Studios to Springfield Tennessee.

Bringing Creativity to Springfield

Located just north of Nashville, Springfield continues to grow while maintaining the close-knit atmosphere that many residents love. Families know one another. Local businesses support one another. Community events draw strong participation. It was exactly the kind of place where Chrissy believed a creative gathering space could thrive.

One thing she heard repeatedly from local residents was surprisingly simple. “The problem that we have here is there’s nothing to do.” While Springfield offers many advantages, families often travel outside the area when looking for entertainment, creative activities, or unique experiences. Chrissy saw an opportunity to create something closer to home.

She wanted families to have a place where they could spend time together without having to make the drive to Nashville. She wanted friends to have a destination for creative nights out. She wanted organizations, clubs, and businesses to have a unique place to gather. Most importantly, she wanted The Hot Spot Studios to become part of the fabric of the community.

Chrissy looked at how people actually moved through Springfield during their daily lives. “A lot of people in our area walk,” she explains. The location allowed the studio to become part of existing routines and destinations. Residents visiting neighboring businesses could easily stop in before or after another activity.

“They’ll put their name in at the sushi restaurant, and come over here and paint while they wait.” Even local teenagers found creative ways to make the studio part of their day. “The teenagers home for the summer love going thrifting and then coming in and painting.”

Whether working with neighboring businesses, participating in local events, or creating experiences designed specifically for Springfield residents, the goal has always been the same; build something that feels connected to the community. 

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Generating Excitement

Before her studio officially opened, Chrissy was already introducing the business to the community. “It takes a village,” Chrissy says. Throughout the opening process, she found support from local business owners, community organizations, neighboring merchants, and residents who were excited to see a new small business coming to town. “We call it a labor of love from the community.” That spirit of collaboration helped inspire one of the studio’s most memorable marketing campaigns…The Mystery Mug Hunt.

Chrissy partnered with local businesses throughout Springfield and hid handcrafted pottery mugs around town. Residents were encouraged on social media to visit participating businesses, search for the mugs, and learn more about The Hot Spot Studios along the way. Chrissy’s goal wasn’t simply promoting her own business. “We’re driving business from our social media to your company,” she explained when introducing the idea to local merchants. The response exceeded expectations.

Businesses embraced the concept. Residents started searching. Social media engagement increased. More importantly, people began talking about the studio before it had even opened. “People are coming in, they’re talking to you,” Chrissy says. The campaign created a sense of anticipation that spread far beyond Springfield itself. “We had people driving from surrounding cities into Springfield to go find them.” That’s exactly the kind of community engagement she hoped to create.

Chrissy saw opportunities for collaboration. If visitors came to Springfield looking for Mystery Mugs, they might discover a new restaurant, explore a local shop, or support another small business while they were there. That philosophy continues to guide her approach today. “We’ll support you, you support us.”

“We had cheerleaders here that made it happen.” Looking back, she sees those relationships as one of the most important parts of the studio’s story. The campaign created excitement. Even now, after the final Mystery Mug was found, residents still ask about it. “We’ve been asked, ‘Are you going to do this again at Christmas?'” The community didn’t just notice the studio. They became part of it.

Opening the Doors

By the time The Hot Spot Studios Springfield officially opened, the community was invested. Months of conversations and excitement had created genuine anticipation for the studio’s arrival.  When the doors finally opened, the response exceeded expectations. “We were a packed house,” Chrissy recalls. The excitement wasn’t limited to future customers. Local organizations had been following the studio’s progress as well. “Even before the official opening, chamber members were checking in, stopping by, and asking when they could schedule the ribbon cutting,” Chrissy says.

Throughout the planning process, she had heard the same thing repeatedly. “The problem that we have here is there’s nothing to do.” That message even found its way into the grand opening celebration. Reflecting on the studio’s arrival, one local leader joked that Springfield finally had “something to do that’s not eating!” 

The response from customers quickly confirmed what Chrissy had hoped all along. Families embraced the concept. Friends scheduled creative nights together. Parents brought children. Couples stopped in for date nights. Community groups began exploring opportunities for events and gatherings.

More importantly, people came back. The first visits turned into repeat visits. The curious observers became regular customers. Business owners who participated in promotions became advocates. Community members who helped spread the word became regular visitors. Relationships that began before opening day continued to grow after the ribbon was cut. As the crowds filled the studio and projects began covering tables, it became clear that while The Hot Spot Studios Springfield had officially opened its doors, the community had already opened its arms.

More Than a Studio

As The Hot Spot Studios Springfield has grown, one of the biggest surprises for Chrissy has been seeing how many different ways people use the space. Of course, there are families painting pottery together and friends enjoying creative nights out. But over time, the studio has become something more than a place to complete a project.

It has become a place where people connect. “We’re sharing life with our community,” Chrissy says. That connection often shows up in unexpected ways. One day, while shopping, she ran into a customer who had previously made a candle at the studio. The encounter quickly turned into a conversation about the project. “Does it still smell good?” “Is it the color you wanted?”

For Chrissy, those moments represent one of the most rewarding parts of ownership. Customers become familiar faces throughout the community. Conversations continue outside the studio. “The people who work here are just as excited about your art as you are,” Chrissy says when describing the type of experience she hopes every customer receives.

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Looking Ahead

“I think right now, the sky is the limit,” she says. That openness has already inspired new ideas from creative nights for adults to private events, team-building activities, and opportunities for local artists. Chrissy sees the studio as a place that can continue evolving with the people it serves.

“Getting creative and listening to our customers,” she says, “is one of the most important parts of the business.” Each visit gives Chrissy and her team a better understanding of what Springfield wants and how The Hot Spot Studios can continue meeting that need.

For future aspiring franchise owners, her story offers a positive reminder that ownership does not require having every answer on day one. It requires curiosity, consistency, support, and a willingness to keep learning from the people around you. 

Looking ahead, Chrissy is excited to continue building a place where customers feel welcome, supported, and encouraged. After years of pottery painting being part of her own family’s story, she now gets to help other families, friends, coworkers, and neighbors create stories of their own. 

As The Hot Spot Studios Springfield continues to grow, Chrissy looks forward to welcoming new customers, creating new memories, and discovering new opportunities to make a positive impact throughout Springfield. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a paint-your-own-pottery franchise owner, you can reach the Hot Spot Studios franchising team here.