Key Takeaways
Antima Jain and Pooja Choudhary’s journey began 11 years ago when they met through a mutual friend at a party in Minnesota. Both immigrants from India, they shared a lot in common and lived just three minutes apart. Their friendship and shared vision led them to pool their personal funds and open a Color Me Mine paint-your-own pottery studio franchise in March 2025.
A Memorable Proposal at Color Me Mine
Recently, a customer visited Antima Jain and Pooja Choudhary’s Edina, Minnesota studio, Color Me Mine, with a heartfelt plan: to propose to his girlfriend. The customer chose a jewelry tray to paint with the question, “Will you marry me?”—a unique and personal way to pop the question.
Normally, Jain and Choudhary’s studio takes about seven days to glaze and fire painted pottery pieces. For this special occasion, they expedited the process to ensure the piece was ready sooner. They also helped set the perfect atmosphere in the studio, contributing to a memorable experience. The couple later returned with a save-the-date card that mentioned the studio, reinforcing to Jain and Choudhary the meaningful role their business plays in customers’ lives.
Building a Partnership on Shared Values
A Connection that Sparked a Business
Jain and Choudhary’s partnership is deeply rooted in their shared experiences and values. Meeting 11 years ago through a mutual friend, they connected over their immigrant journeys, family lives, and love of creative projects. Both had moved to the United States from India, and as their children grew more independent, they began to dream of building a business together.
In 2023, their search for the right opportunity led them to explore franchises, eventually discovering a nearby Color Me Mine studio. “We just loved the whole vibe,” Jain recalled. “It was such a clean environment, very organized, very colorful. It just felt calming. We both had the same impression.”
Pooling about $300,000 from their personal funds, they opened their own Color Me Mine location in March 2025. Importantly, they made a pact to prioritize their friendship above all else, agreeing to maintain open communication to navigate any challenges without letting business disputes divide them.
Their Immigrant Stories
Backgrounds That Shaped Their Journey
Antima Jain: “I first came to the United States in 2003 because of my husband’s work project. We went back and forth between India and the U.S. a few times, and then finally settled here in 2012.” Jain holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce from India and previously taught preschool there. In the U.S., she worked part-time at Kumon while raising her children, now both in college. She saw franchising as the perfect opportunity to invest time in something she enjoys.
Pooja Choudhary: “My husband was already in the U.S. when we married, and I moved here afterward. I completed my master’s in electrical engineering and lived in various states before settling in Minnesota around the same time as Antima.” Choudhary also manages an investment property business and has two daughters, one in high school and one finishing middle school.
Choosing the Franchise Path
Why Color Me Mine?
Choudhary: “We didn’t have experience running this kind of business, which was intimidating. A franchise offered a balance between owning our own business and having corporate support.”
Jain: “Everything was laid out for us. The guidance and ongoing support have been invaluable. The franchisor even introduced new systems, like a point-of-sale platform, to make operations smoother. We have no regrets about choosing a franchise.”
Finding the Right Location and Funding
Choudhary: “The franchisor provided us with a territory, and we worked with a real estate agent to find the perfect spot in Edina, close to parks and shopping areas. The franchise team helped us evaluate visibility and other factors.”
Jain: “Our startup costs were roughly in the low $300,000 range. We invested from our personal savings instead of taking out loans, which was easier as partners to split the investment.”
Strategies for Customer Acquisition and Growth
Engaging the Community
Jain: “Joining the local chamber of commerce helped us spread the word. We’ve participated in art festivals and hosted special events for occasions like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Recurring promotions and discount cards encourage repeat visits, and we advertise through franchise-recommended platforms.”
Choudhary: “We also donate to local organizations and take part in school fundraisers, which has strengthened our community connections.”
The Realities of Studio Ownership
Challenges and Daily Operations
Jain: “Hiring has been the biggest surprise. Maintaining a full staff is tough since many employees are part-time high school and college students. Their education takes priority, so turnover is constant.”
Choudhary: “We currently don’t have a full-time manager, so we handle staffing ourselves. Our days are busy with glazing, payroll, social media, scheduling, and other administrative tasks. There’s always something that needs attention.”
Jain: “One difficult part is calling customers when their pottery doesn’t come out perfectly from the kiln. Although it’s rare—less than 1% of pieces—it’s hard to deliver that news.”
Choudhary: “We offer replacement pieces and waive studio fees to ensure customers have a positive experience and want to return.”
Preserving Friendship While Growing a Business
Communication is Key
Choudhary: “We anticipated challenges because we were new to this. We committed to keeping an open dialogue and addressing issues as they arise. Our friendship is the foundation; without it, the business wouldn’t work.”
Jain: “We’re like sisters. Disagreements happen, but I wouldn’t choose anyone else as a partner. If we open another studio, it would definitely be with Pooja.”
Future Goals
Jain: “We hope to open another studio and break into the top five of the franchise’s sales rankings. So far, we’ve ranked as high as sixth and have consistently been in the top 25.”
Choudhary: “We share a vision and goals, which makes our partnership strong. Most of the time, our thoughts align, which helps keep us moving forward.”
For a detailed look at Antima Jain and Pooja Choudhary’s inspiring entrepreneurial journey, visit Here.
