After eight years in the Navy, Nedy Trent turned a longtime love of pottery painting into a growing Color Me Mine franchise in Winter Garden, Florida.
- Nedy Trent is a Navy veteran who owns a Color Me Mine franchise.
- Trent's studio ranked among the top 25 for growth within the franchise.
- She values discipline from her Navy service in her business operations.
Nedy Trent spent eight years in the U.S. Navy before finding a new mission in franchise ownership. Today, she operates a Color Me Mine paint-your-own pottery studio in Winter Garden, Florida, where customers choose ceramic pieces and personalize them with paint and guidance from studio staff. Her location has ranked among the brand’s top 25 studios for month-over-month growth, reflecting the consistency and leadership she brought from her military career into business.
The idea grew from a family connection to the brand. Trent first experienced Color Me Mine in California during a pottery-painting outing with other military families. Years later, when she could not find a similar studio near her Florida home, her daughter Kiara encouraged her to consider opening one. An art major who shares her mother’s interest in creativity, Kiara now works alongside her at the studio.
Trent credits the discipline and structure she developed in the Navy with helping her manage the demands of ownership. She oversees daily operations, supports her employees and promotes the business through social media, themed painting events and community partnerships. Her team of 10 employees has also played an important role in creating a welcoming environment that encourages customers to return. Consistent local outreach, including the kind of audience engagement supported by Social Media tools available through Gorilla Dash, can help franchise operators maintain visibility within their communities.
The early stages brought practical challenges, particularly during the studio buildout and coordination with subcontractors. Trent said one unexpected outcome was how quickly the team was able to open its doors. Since then, balancing business responsibilities with personal life has remained an ongoing challenge, but the rewards have extended beyond the studio’s growth. After years of military-related moves, she values the sense of belonging that comes from becoming a familiar presence in Winter Garden. Customers now recognize her as the “Color Me Mine Lady,” a nickname that reflects the business’s place in the community.
Trent hopes to open a second studio in the future and eventually pass the business on to her children. She also sees franchising as a practical path for other veterans considering life after military service. The established systems and resources offered by a franchise can provide structure for people entering entrepreneurship, although success still depends on commitment, adaptability and the ability to build strong relationships. For Trent, the studio has become more than a new career: it is a family venture and a lasting connection to the community she now calls home.
Key Facts:
| Owner's Background | Nedy Trent served 8 years in the Navy, bringing her military discipline to business. |
|---|---|
| Studio Performance | Trent’s Color Me Mine studio is among the top 25 for month-over-month growth. |
| Daughter's Role | Kiara Trent, an art major, suggested opening the franchise and works there. |
| Color Me Mine Network | The franchise has 150 studios across multiple countries, owned by Twist Brands. |
| Challenges Faced | Trent faced early business challenges with studio buildout and subcontractor interactions. |
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