This take is inspired by a convo with Teresa Johnson, CEO of Color Me Mine. It’s been edited for clarity.

In 2005, I was knee-deep in a corporate HR role, thinking I had it all. Then the president dropped a bomb. The business was tanking, and it was time to start our own venture. I was tempted but cautious. As a single mom juggling a mortgage, pragmatism was key.

The Leap Into Pottery

I had dabbled in entrepreneurship fantasies before. But reality kicked in when an email pinged from a paint-your-own pottery studio. The owner was selling, and I took it as a sign. So, $25,000 on a credit card later, I was a business owner.

My Daughter Joined the Business

Running the pottery venture was intense. We were open every day, and my daughter, Scout, was often there, setting up brushes and cleaning tables. She was just in second grade! Over time, we learned the ropes of entrepreneurship together.

Late Nights and Life Lessons

December is crazy time. One late night, as we tied ribbons on ornaments, I asked Scout about her friend’s plans. “Studying for finals,” she replied. Finals were the next day. There I was, with my teenager working instead. Parenting win? Not quite.

Adding More Locations

Despite the hustle, Scout loved it. Once, as a sophomore, she summoned me to lunch with a real estate agent! She wanted to partner on a fourth location. I laughed, “You can’t even drive!” But she shot back, “You don’t need a license to open a business.”

From Franchisee to CEO

Scout ran that place like a pro, attending town meetings and hiring staff. Her work even snagged her a college scholarship. Just like her, I learned loads. In 2010, I opened a Painting with a Twist franchise to peek into franchising.

By 2020, I had amassed five studios: a mix of independent spots and Painting With a Twist franchises. Fast forward to 2021, I got a shot at buying into Color Me Mine, and boom, I’m the CEO.

Businesses Family Transformation

Last year, Color Me Mine franchises pulled in over $55 million globally. Amazing, right? Yet, chatting about my financial status still makes me squirm. Growing up without wealth means I don’t miss it. Scout and I were just fine, learning the grind.

Why It’s Never About the Money

For me, entrepreneurship isn’t about cash. It’s about shifting family dynamics. Watching our franchisees transform lives is the real payday. Buying a business was a game-changer for me and Scout. I’m grateful it lets other families rewrite their own stories.