Taking a board and brush and turning it into something fabulous.
Workshops at Board and Brush Creative Studio have taken off for date nights, girls night outs, and parties. They've become so popular, even the company owners are blown away by their success.
Downtown Hartland is quaint and quiet, until you step inside this studio. Women like Ronelle Christenson are pounding their way to something unique. She's hoping they will help her to make her project look good. Christenson says she has "no talent, whatsoever."
And that's what they do here. Workers help visitors pound, sand, and paint their way into turning pieces of wood into fun signs, wine holders, even bottler openers.
Julie Selby, the founder of Board and Brush Creative Studio, whether she ever thought it would take off that way it has. Selby said no. Selby is a "do-it-yourselfer" who quit the corporate world to raise three girls. When the family moved to Hartland two years ago, Selby invited her new neighbors over to make signs in her basement.
"It was fun after the workshop when we took the picture," said Selby. "And everyone shared the picture because they were so proud of what they had made. That's when I knew maybe I'm onto something."
That something turned into Board and Brush in 2015. The Hartland Studio was the first. In 2016, after just one year, more than 40 locations had opened. By the end of this month, there will be some 80 franchise and corporate locations around the country.
"A huge part of my success is my passion for what I'm doing," said Selby. "I absolutely love teaching people and talking and meeting people around the country who share my passion for DIY."
And the Facebook photo sharing Selby saw on day one has been instrumental in her growth. Selby says what she's seen happen is "someone is originally from Wisconsin or Monroe, Connecticut. They will tag themselves, their aunt will share it and someone in Texas sees it." And Selby says that Facebook connection will actually lead to phone calls from people asking about franchise opportunities.
Most of these owners are moms, looking for a work-life balance and former teachers, looking for a career change.
For more information, visit Board and Brush Creative Studio website.
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