ArteVino Studio Offers Franchisees a Uniquely Satisfying Opportunity

For its owners, the New Jersey-based art-and-wine concept is more than just a business, it's a way to meet people and share the joy of art. 

Just under six years old, New Jersey's ArteVino Studio is one of the youngest and most exciting brands making a splash in the franchise world. The fledgling paint-and-sip brand has already taken over New Jersey, with six locations throughout the state, and the brand's development team is looking to expand throughout the East Coast in 2018, with states like Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and New York targeted as key development markets.

Much of ArteVino's rapid growth can be attributed to increasing consumer interest in the concept—art classes, studio time, and parties offered in a comfortable, judgement-free environment have proven to be a big hit among artists of all experience levels looking for an alternative to expensive and bleak rental studios—but the franchise's growth has also been hastened by a surge in interest from potential owners eager to get involved with a business that is both professionally and personally fulfilling.

ArteVino Studio co-founder Jakop Eskinazi said that what separates the brand from every other franchise venture is a certain kind of satisfaction that comes from working with art.

"The satisfaction you get from doing this, there's nothing like it in the corporate world," Eskinazi said. "I've had other jobs, so I speak from experience. There's a satisfaction you get from running a business and working for yourself, and ArteVino takes that and adds the satisfaction of working to help people create art. Some customers have never painted before, or they used to paint and they want to try again, and the feeling of helping those people create something beautiful, something that they love, there's just nothing like it."

ArteVino Studio's franchise development director, Tom Parks, said the fulfillment that comes from working with people to create art makes the franchise an especially appealing opportunity for entrepreneurs who have already have a job and are looking for a second income.

"So many of the people who approach us with interest in joining ArteVino already have an income," Parks said. "Either they have a day job or their spouse has a job that supports the family, and they are looking for a second income, but more importantly, they are looking to dedicate their time and energy to something they believe in."

For people who want to invest themselves in their community, Parks said ArteVino Studio offers a unique opportunity to build strong connections in both the arts and business worlds surrounding each studio.

"There is a lot of collaboration with the local arts and business scenes," Parks said. "ArteVino studios often have fundraisers for local non-profits, they'll work with the local arts council, host events for businesses, and because wine is such a big part of the business, ArteVino Studio owners will even build partnerships with the local wine shops."

While high-level operations give ArteVino owners the chance to connect with local businesses and organizations, Parks said the day-to-day work allows them to work closely with individuals from their community.

"The daily operations of the business don't require a lot of back-end work or technology," Parks said. "Owners spend most of their time working directly with guests, giving encouragement, helping to provide materials and instruct on their use. It's a very warm interpersonal environment, and since all of our guests have at least a passing interest in art, you're working with all sorts of people from all different backgrounds who are connected by that interest."

Because personal interaction is such a large component of running an ArteVino studio, Eskinazi said interpersonal skills are the most important qualities an ArteVino owner must possess to run the business.

"Ultimately, it's a business and you are doing it to make money, so you need to have some business acumen, but more than anything else you've got to be excited to work with people," Eskinazi said. "You've got to want to be a present owner. This is not a business for someone who wants to install a manager and then sit back in the office. ArteVino Studio is for people who have that passion for meeting and working with people, every day. That's why I love the business. Everybody you meet has a different story, and I love learning those stories."

Eskinazi said for him, the most fulfilling part of running an ArteVino studio is discovering the talent hidden throughout every community.

"Recently my mother-in-law sent us on a cruise as a gift," Eskinazi said. "On the cruise, there was an art auction, so I was excited to check that out. I couldn't believe what I saw. People were paying thousands and thousands of dollars for art, all of it lovely, but I see the same beauty created every day in our studios. There is so much talent all around us, and we don't always have our eyes open to it. ArteVino is a great opportunity to discover and appreciate that talent.