Color Me Mine is preparing to expand its footprint in North Carolina with two new studios slated to open in 2026. The announcement marks a significant step for the paint-your-own pottery franchise, which has long championed creativity as a form of connection for families and communities. One location will open in South Charlotte, led by franchisee David Diaz, while another will debut in Raleigh under the direction of Maria and Tim Kenney.
For Diaz, the move represents both a personal and professional milestone. A former police officer, he described how visiting pottery studios in New York City with his family instilled a deep appreciation for creative spaces. Now, he hopes to bring that same sense of tradition and togetherness to South Charlotte. “Those experiences taught me how powerful these environments can be,” he said, adding that he wants his studio to serve as a place where neighbors gather to create lasting memories.
The Raleigh location will be guided by the Kenneys, who bring varied experience in sales, engineering, and entrepreneurship. Their goal is to cultivate a space where art and business meet, providing families with a welcoming setting to experiment with pottery and design. They view their studio not only as a business venture but also as a way to contribute to Raleigh’s growing arts and culture scene.
Color Me Mine’s CEO, Teresa Johnson, sees the expansion as part of a broader effort to connect with markets that value creativity and family interaction. She praised North Carolina’s entrepreneurial spirit and said the new studios will reflect the brand’s mission, which she calls “The Art of Having Fun.” Johnson emphasized that each location is designed to be more than a studio, envisioning them as community gathering points where artistry and bonding intersect.
The brand already has roots in the state, with a long-standing studio in Cary, and sees the South Charlotte and Raleigh openings as an opportunity to deepen its presence. With these additions, Color Me Mine is positioning itself to meet rising demand for hands-on, family-friendly activities while strengthening its franchise network. For North Carolina, the arrival of two new studios reinforces the state’s reputation as a vibrant hub for arts and innovation.
