Single Mother Transforms $25,000 Investment into $55 Million Business

In 2005, Teresa Johnson, a single mother with no prior business experience, made a bold move by charging $25,000 on her credit card to purchase a pottery studio. Two decades later, that decision has blossomed into a thriving pottery franchise, Color Me Mine, generating over $55 million in annual global sales. Johnson’s journey from a corporate HR employee to the CEO of the largest paint-your-own pottery franchise in the world is a testament to her tenacity and entrepreneurial spirit.

Johnson’s entry into the business world was serendipitous. While visiting a local paint-your-own pottery studio with her daughter, she learned that the owner was selling the business. Seizing the opportunity, she charged the full amount to her credit card, despite having no prior knowledge of running a business. Reflecting on her decision, Johnson stated, “I didn’t know anyone who ran their own business, but I had always been drawn to entrepreneurship.”

Initially, managing the pottery studio was a challenging endeavor. Johnson and her daughter, Scout, who was only in second grade at the time, worked together to learn the ropes of business ownership. Johnson recalls late nights during the busy December season, when they tied ribbons on ceramic ornaments. One evening, when she discovered that Scout’s friends were studying for finals, she recognized the sacrifices they both made for the business.

As time progressed, Scout became involved in the family business. By the time she was a sophomore in high school, she approached Johnson about opening a fourth studio. Johnson humorously noted, “You don’t even have a driver’s license,” to which Scout replied, “You don’t need a driver’s license to open a business.” Scout proved her capability by attending town meetings and handling hiring processes, ultimately securing a college scholarship for entrepreneurship.

Johnson’s ambitions extended beyond pottery. In 2007, she attracted investors for a boat manufacturing company while continuing to expand Color Me Mine. According to Franchising Magazine USA, Johnson opened a new studio every two years from 2005 to 2011, achieving a total of four successful locations. By around 2010, she began to explore franchising opportunities, aiming to empower others to pursue their business dreams.

Her franchise experience came to fruition in 2021 when she became co-owner and CEO of Color Me Mine. After years of stagnation, Johnson revitalized the brand that had been struggling for a decade. Under her leadership, Color Me Mine franchises generated over $55 million in revenue in 2024, with plans to expand to 300 locations by 2029. The brand now boasts over 120 locations across the United States, Canada, Costa Rica, and the Philippines.

Reflecting on her journey, Johnson acknowledged the difficulties she faced when leaving her corporate job. “I didn’t grow up with wealth, so I didn’t miss it,” she explained. “Scout and I were always fine, and she learned hard lessons about work ethic.” For Johnson, the essence of entrepreneurship lies not in financial gain, but in altering the trajectory of her family’s life.

In addition to her business success, Johnson has dedicated herself to mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs. She has guided over 35 individuals through the complexities of starting their own businesses. Her commitment to education is further highlighted by her decision to pursue a PhD in 2019, emphasizing her belief in lifelong learning.

Looking back, Johnson’s initial £20,000 investment was not just a financial gamble; it transformed her life and her daughter’s future. What could have been a disastrous leap into the unknown instead laid the groundwork for a multimillion-dollar empire. Johnson concluded, “Buying a business changed my life, and Scout’s life, too. I’m grateful to be able to help other families do the same.”