The Best DIY Craft Studio Franchises Today

The Do-It-Yourself (DIY) crafts industry is a diverse community where creativity knows no bounds. It caters to a range of inspired artistic activities, including home décor, paper crafts, sculpting, ceramic painting, and even knitting.

According to Gitnux Market Data, the global craft industry was valued at roughly $43.85 billion in 2019. North America accounted for 32.8% of this sector in 2020. The industry continues to bloom rapidly, with many entrepreneurs wanting in.

If you wish to start your own business in the DIY crafts industry, becoming a franchisee might be a great investment opportunity. In this article, we’ve curated a list of the best DIY craft studio franchises to help you get a head start.

The Rise of DIY Craft Studio Franchises

Joining a DIY craft studio franchise can be very profitable considering these key factors:

The Boom of DIY Culture

The DIY culture has been in existence for decades. The term was coined in 1912 in relation to home improvement and craft projects. However, the DIY culture experienced a significant boost, primarily, during the pandemic years. 

According to Civic Science, 62% of US adults surveyed spent money on pursuing their hobbies in the May-June period of 2020. People initially involved themselves in little projects around the house to give their spaces a more cozy feel. Since then, the DIY industry has seen engagement in many other creative avenues.

The Rise of Craft Studios

To cater to people’s increased interest in creative activities, craft studios have been popping up everywhere. Getting involved in DIY projects gives people a creative outlet and a chance to de-stress. What attracts many customers is a sense of belonging, regardless of experience, age and background.

The Role of Social Media

Social media has played a pivotal role in booming the DIY crafts industry. Popular DIY profiles across TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest have risen in popularity. Many people see the appeal in watching short-form videos to pick up new and creative skills.

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Types of DIY Craft Studio Franchises

The realm of DIY crafts is immense. It opens up a world of new possibilities for people to express their creativity and tune into their inner artists. Here are some popular types of DIY craft studio franchises you can dip your toes into:

DIY Franchise Types

Paint and Sip Franchises

These franchises combine a painting class with the opportunity to enjoy beverages in a relaxed atmosphere. Paint and Sips utilize local talent to guide the audience through the process of creating a piece of art while everyone enjoys a drink.

Ceramic and Pottery Franchises

Ceramic painting studios allow customers to turn existing ceramic pieces into their personal works of art. Some studios also allow customers to throw pottery on a wheel and create new pieces from scratch.

Woodworking Craft Studios    

Participants can learn to create custom wooden décor pieces to spruce up their home and office spaces, using a set of new skills that they learn in the workshop.

Mixed Media Craft Studios

Mixed media art franchises offer a wider variety of DIY crafting options. These often include woodworking, canvas painting, calligraphy, and textile crafts like knitting.

Craft Studios for Kids  

Some franchises are focused on providing creative and engaging crafting opportunities for children. Kid craft studios offer a wide range of projects suitable for a young audience. They often include play-dough crafts, DIY stickers, painting, and origami.

Jewelry-Making Franchises

These studios offer classes and supplies for customers to learn to create personalized items of jewelry.

General Craft Studios

General craft studios offer a variety of DIY opportunities, from painting to knitting to scrapbooking and much more.

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The Leading DIY Craft Studio Franchises

Here are some of the top operating DIY craft studio franchises you can check out:

• Board & Brush: The Board & Brush franchise is massive, with over 240 studios across the US. They are also working on establishing their presence in Japan and Canada. These studios offer guided DIY workshops where participants can create unique wooden pieces. They also host private events, kids’ parties, and virtual workshops.
• The Mad Potter: With a focus on pottery painting, The Mad Potter studios offer a fun and engaging environment. These classes provide unique DIY experiences for both kids and adults. Their customers can choose from over 250 pottery items to paint, such as plates, pet bowls, piggy banks, and cute little containers.
• The Rustic Brush: This DIY wood design franchise offers an engaging environment where customers can create unique décor items. People of all ages can take part and express their creativity by making custom cake stands, centerpieces, and wall hangings.
• AR Workshop: With over 120 US locations, the AR Workshop franchise is one of the most booming mixed-media DIY craft studio franchises today. These studios offer workshops on wooden signs, canvas pillows, wreaths, and knitted blankets.
• Nailed It DIY: This franchise offers a variety of DIY classes focused on creating wooden pieces of art and décor. These include wall hangings, stove-top covers, holiday-themed signs, room tags, and keychains. They host private and virtual events, including special programs for their younger audience.
• Pinspiration: This DIY craft studio gives customers a great outlet to bring all their creative ideas to life. The Pinspiration franchise has an extensive variety of DIY projects for kids and adults to get their hands dirty! Customers can create unique DIY pedestal stands, pumpkins, flower pots, canvases, dreamcatchers, and wooden signs; to name a few.
• Kidcreate Studio: The Kidcreate Studio franchise offers unique DIY classes where children and teens can learn to doodle, sculpt, paint and create fun pieces of origami. These studios offer private and at-home classes, camps, and workshops where creativity and fun reign supreme.
• Hammer & Stain: This franchise specializes in DIY workshops where customers can create wooden décor from scratch. Their business model empowers customers to build unique, trendy pieces of home décor. These include porch signs, decorative mantels, resin wall hangings, and more.

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FAQ

How profitable is a DIY craft studio franchise?

The profitability of a DIY craft studio franchise can vary widely. Important factors to consider are location, studio size, niche, pricing strategy, and operational efficiency.

Generally, craft studio franchises can be profitable. This is especially true where there is high consumer interest in DIY crafts and a strong local economy. A well-managed franchise can see healthy margins due to the high markup on supplies and the income from classes.

However, it’s crucial to note that like any business, it may take time to become profitable. You must consider the initial investment — franchise fee, supplies, space, and marketing.

What kind of support can I expect from a franchise company?

Franchise companies typically provide a wide range of support to their franchisees, including:

• Training: Initial training on business operations, customer service, and sometimes, specific craft techniques.
• Marketing: Marketing strategy guidance, access to branded materials, and local market analysis.
• Operations: Detailed operations manual, inventory management systems, and support with studio setup.
• Ongoing support: Regular check-ins, advice on problem-solving, and updated training as required.
• Network: Access to a network of fellow franchisees for advice and support.

The exact level of support can vary from one franchise system to another. So, it’s essential to bring it up during your initial discussion with the franchisor.

How to handle customer satisfaction in a craft studio franchise?

Customer satisfaction is crucial for any business to succeed. Here are a few strategies you can execute to ensure happy customers:

• Offer Quality Service: Ensure that your staff is well-trained and that you’re offering a welcoming and well-organized space.
• Listen to Your Customers: Actively seek feedback from your customers. This could be through in-person conversations, feedback forms, or online reviews.
• Be Responsive: Respond quickly and professionally to any customer complaints or issues. You must show them that you value their opinion and are committed to improving their experience.
• Personalize the Experience: Where possible, personalize the experience for your customers. This could be as simple as remembering a customer’s name and their preferences or offering tailored advice on craft projects.
• Run Engaging Classes: The quality of your classes is key to customer satisfaction. Ensure that they are fun, engaging, and led by knowledgeable and enthusiastic instructors.

Surprise and Delight: Consider surprising your customers with unexpected perks or bonuses. You could offer a free craft supply on their birthday or a surprise guest instructor for a class. This can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Conclusion

With the growing popularity of the DIY industry, one might contemplate the business opportunities of opening their own studio. Instead of starting from scratch, why not join any of the DIY craft studio franchises that people already love? You can enjoy the perks of receiving ongoing support and an established consumer base from the get-go.

References and Further Reading

• 12 Most Interactive Art Therapy Group Activities For Adults
• The Most Surprising Craft And Hobby Industry Statistics And Trends in 2023
• Spending on Hobbies Reached 62% During Lockdowns
• Our Top 11 Creative Workshop Ideas For Adults
• The Ultimate Guide To Starting Your Own Paint And Sip Business
• Mixed Media Art Guide: 4 Types of Mixed Media

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