23 October 2024

Highlight: How a Fun Evening Out Resulted in a Thriving Business Opportunity

By Ronald Smith

Picture this: You and your partner decide to have a special night out together, just the two of you. Little did you know that this simple date night would turn into something much bigger. It became the stepping stone to a successful franchise that would change your lives.

Imagine going out to a nice restaurant. You’re in the mood for some delicious food, great ambiance, and an enjoyable time. As you sit down at a cozy table, you can’t help but notice the wonderful atmosphere surrounding you. The soft lighting, gentle music, and friendly staff instantly make you feel welcomed and relaxed.

While perusing the menu, you spot an interesting dish that you’ve never heard of before. Curiosity takes over, and you decide to give it a try. To your delight, it turns out to be absolutely delicious! The flavors dance on your taste buds, making every bite a delightful experience.

During the meal, you and your partner engage in lively conversation, sharing stories and laughing together. The joy and happiness fill the air, creating a magical moment that you’ll cherish forever.

As the night comes to a close, you can’t help but reflect on the amazing experience you’ve had. The thought of recreating this enchanting atmosphere and mouthwatering cuisine starts to form in your mind.

The next day, you find yourself researching and dreaming about opening your own restaurant. You imagine creating a space where people can come to enjoy delicious food, relax, and make lasting memories. The dream starts to take shape, fueled by your passion and the desire to share the wonderful experience you had on that special date night.

Fast forward a few years. You’ve turned that dream into a reality. Your restaurant is now a thriving franchise, loved by many. People from all walks of life come to indulge in the delectable flavors and inviting ambiance you’ve worked so hard to create.

You’ve built a team of dedicated staff who share your vision and are committed to providing exceptional service. The laughter and joy that once filled the air during that memorable date night now permeates through every corner of your establishment.

Looking back, it’s incredible to think that one casual evening out with your partner sparked the journey that led to this incredible success. The passion, determination, and love for what you do have turned your dream into a reality.

So next time you’re enjoying a special night out, remember that it could be the start of something amazing. Who knows, your own date night adventure might just be the catalyst for a flourishing franchise.

Highlight: How a Fun Evening Out Resulted in a Thriving Business Opportunity

Back in 2009, I went with my wife to a Painting with a Twist class on Valentine’s Day. It was an interesting concept – a place where we could paint and bring our own wine to enjoy with friends. I have to admit, I wasn’t too keen on the idea at first. But the experience turned out to be quite enjoyable, so much so that it inspired me to open my own franchise.

Now, I am the proud owner of five Painting with a Twist studios in the Houston area. And I have big plans to open two more by 2016. It’s amazing how a simple date night turned into one of the most successful franchises nationwide. Let me share with you the story of how it all came to be in this week’s Small Business Spotlight.

So, What exactly does my business do?

We provide painting classes where guests have the option to bring their own wine.

I own five Painting with a Twist studios in Houston, Katy, The Heights, Cypress, and Sugarland, Texas. At Painting with a Twist, you can have a fun night out with friends while painting and sipping on wine or other drinks.

Most of our classes are held in the evening and are perfect for enjoying a glass of wine. However, we have recently introduced a new program called Coffee and Canvas. This is the first program of its kind in the paint and sip industry, allowing you to join daytime classes while enjoying a cup of coffee instead of wine.

Highlight: How a Fun Evening Out Resulted in a Thriving Business Opportunity

Business Niche:

Imagine a franchise that’s known all across the country, but still feels like a local gem. That’s what I found with Papakyriacou and his wife’s business.

Like many franchise opportunities, Papakyriacou saw the benefit of running a business that already had a well-known name. But what set them apart was their ability to use their connections in the Houston area to make the business truly local.

What’s even more amazing is that Painting with a Twist, the franchise they joined, has a special program called Painting with a Purpose. This program allows franchisees like Papakyriacou to give back to their local community in a big way.

How the Business Got Started:

Believe it or not, it all started with a Valentine’s Day date.

When Papakyriacou’s wife suggested they go to a Painting with a Twist class, he wasn’t too sure about it. But he decided to give it a try, and surprisingly, he had a blast. Still, when his wife mentioned the idea of opening their own Painting with a Twist franchise, he couldn’t help feeling a bit skeptical. Here’s what he says:

When Alejandra said she wanted to open our own studio, I didn’t really want to go for it because I thought it was just a trendy idea. But now, after a few years, we’re one of Painting with a Twist’s most successful franchisees. We’re on track to have seven Painting with a Twist studios in Houston!

Highlight: How a Fun Evening Out Resulted in a Thriving Business Opportunity

My Greatest Achievement:

I have had the privilege of organizing special events for large companies in our area. It has been an incredible experience to see these businesses come together and have a blast. One event that really stands out is when I hosted a team-building activity for Shell, a major player in the oil and gas industry. We had a unique concept called dueling artists, inspired by the popular dueling pianos concept. For this event, we set up a painting that was divided into two parts, allowing guests to pair up and work together. Each artist instructed half the room on how to paint their assigned portion. The result was a collaborative and competitive masterpiece. The event received rave reviews and positive feedback from everyone involved.

My Boldest Move:

In my career, I have taken some risks, but the biggest one was purchasing a failing business. It was a leap of faith, but I saw the potential in turning things around. Despite the challenges, I was determined to make it successful. With hard work and dedication, I was able to transform the business and bring it back to life. It was a rewarding experience to see the business thrive and become profitable. Taking that risk turned out to be a defining moment in my professional journey.

Highlight: How a Fun Evening Out Resulted in a Thriving Business Opportunity

How I’d Spend an Extra $100,000:

If I had an extra $100,000, I would open another studio. I already have five studios, and I have big plans to open two more in the next couple of years. I’m not planning to stop anytime soon!

Favorite Quote:

“Strong minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, weak minds discuss people.” — Socrates (a fellow Greek)

Learn more about the Small Biz Spotlight program.

Images: Painting with a Twist