Paint and Sip Studios has just opened its first two franchises, and is looking to establish at least seven more in the next 12 months.
Founder and franchisor Kathy Patatou told Inside Franchise Business Executive “We’d love to have a studio in every town across Australia, we’re about accessible art. We’re going territory by territory, moving into capital cities first and then the regions.”
Patatou launched the art sessions business as a mobile operation and opened the first studio in Newcastle after trialling a pop-up store in the Westfield shopping centre.
Now there are three outlets in New South Wales: a second studio in her home town of Penrith and the newly-opened franchise in Liverpool.
The other franchised studio is in Rockhampton.
There are numerous pop-up locations through clubs and pubs and the business model allows for franchisees to take up both mobile and studio opportunities in their designated territory.
Paint and Sip requires retail spaces of between 80 and 120sq m.
“We like a big open space. We don’t like to squish people in. It has saved our business through Covid,” said Patatou.
The business pivoted to virtual sessions for about two months through lockdown until studios reopened.
A studio of 100sq m holds 15 people for a session, which sits under the current restrictions. Full capacity in the largest studio is 60.
Franchisees are expected to hold at least five weekly sessions.
Patatou has been running the business for three years, bringing her business management experience to play.
“I’m really passionate and franchising is a natural pathway to grow the business. It’s about bringing on people who are just as passionate about being creative.
“We only hire accomplished artists as our staff, we focus on making sure we’re giving employment to local artists. We use artist quality materials so people are getting a proper experience.”
