By Ellen Sherberg – Bizwomen Contributor, The Business Journals
Oct 18, 2024
There are many unlikely paths to success, but few match Teresa Johnson’s journey from the HR department at a casket company to paint-your-own pottery CEO.
As a female leader in my position as CEO of Color Me Mine, it is important to reflect on all the experiences that have gotten me to where I am today.
I started my career in the legal field while still in high school when I began working in court reporting. This job and the next one at a law firm inspired me to pursue my undergraduate degree in pre-law, but I realized I enjoyed working rather than being in the classroom at law school. I found myself working in the human resources department at a casket manufacturing company, and it was here I discovered my passion for working with people which was pivotal to my career growth.
Looking to expand my knowledge and skills, I decided to pursue my MBA. At this time, I was working at a boat manufacturing company, but ultimately decided to move on from the company due to significant changes that were being made there. In 2006, I was preparing to co-found my own boat manufacturing company, but was stuck in a one-year non-compete agreement. As a single mom to my daughter, while also juggling a mortgage, I knew I had to keep looking for opportunities.
That year I was presented with the unexpected opportunity to purchase my local paint-your-own-pottery studio I had frequented with my daughter. This was my chance to learn what it took to run a business and purchased the studio on my credit card for $25,000.
Over the next decade, I steadily grew my network of studios while also continuing to pursue additional entrepreneurial endeavors. The franchising industry sparked my curiosity, and I soon became a franchisee with Painting with a Twist. After a few years and honing my leadership skills, I became a partner in Twist Brands LLC, and in 2021 I became CEO of the largest paint-your-own pottery franchise, Color Me Mine. Since then, I have worked to reinvigorate the brand through innovation and inspiration, nearly doubling our sales numbers. We are now working toward our goal to have 300 studios open over the next five years.
As a female leader, I recognize the unique opportunity I have to help foster the growth of other women in their own entrepreneurial journeys. This has shaped my leadership style which is rooted in servant leadership. I’ve worked my way up, and have touched every aspect of each of my businesses giving me the necessary experience to serve as a guide to my team. It is important to lead from the front and I never ask my team to do anything I wouldn’t do myself. A key aspect of my leadership strategy is encouraging an environment where my team’s unique strengths and interests are nurtured and helps them achieve their goals as well as our goals as a team.
I am an advocate for lifelong learning and continuous self-improvement and I hope my career empowers both established and aspiring entrepreneurs to persevere and remain resilient in the pursuit of their dreams.
In Her Own Words is a daily Bizwomen feature edited and curated by Ellen Sherberg and written by individual contributors. If you would like to contribute to this ongoing narrative, please send an email to Esherberg@bizjournals.com.