LEADERSHIP
Brush Strokes
Where art and wine combine to fuel customer creativity and franchisee success.
“
T
he paint and sip industry has really taken off within the last three years, creating a totally new avenue for social interaction. We first saw the industry exploding in the US market, and knew it would be perfect for Australia,” says Kathy Chalker, founder and franchisor of Paint and Sip Studios. Kathy launched her business as a mobile operation in 2018 before opening her first studio in Newcastle, New South Wales, that same year. Since then, a second studio has opened in Penrith, with franchise outlets at Rockhampton and Liverpool launching soon after. “Expanding Paint and Sip Studios is something I am extremely passionate about and franchising is such a natural pathway to grow a business. It also doesn’t require
anyone to be naturally artistic, just enthusiastic about providing a five-star experience,” Kathy says. Paint and Sip franchisees are offered a fixed price turn-key investment, so costs are known upfront before they proceed. The emphasis is on providing an experience that does not require a lot of labour or time to prepare, the online booking and payment service means the franchisee runs a cashless business and can focus on creating fun, engaging, and memorable customer experiences. “As a franchise business, our philosophy is about making our customers feel good and providing a memorable art event experience through simple, special moments regardless of the occasion.” The feel-good philosophy continues into the relationship between franchisor and franchisee, she says and transparent, honest communications with franchisees is crucial. Advice from Kathy for a future
MAY/JULY 2021 | 36 | WWW.FRANCHISEBUSINESS.COM.AU
