July 2024 – America's Color Consultants

Looking for a side hustle? America’s Color Consultants might be right for you.

America’s Color Consultants (ACC) franchisees work from home offices.

#1 Franchises discourage creativity/freedom While franchises create the basic framework for a business, that doesn’t mean they would micromanage all decisions that a franchisee makes. In fact, most of the day to day dealings are up to the franchise owner. The guidelines put in place by the franchisor aren’t there just to tell people what to do – they’re tried and proven methods for success. Many of the guidelines are there to maintain the franchise brand and reputation. America’s Color Consultants (ACC) encourages creativity and allows their franchisees the freedom to work full or part-time.

#2 Franchises are too expensive While the startup costs for certain franchises can be expensive, that doesn’t mean all of them are: the price is much less if you’re operating a home-or service-based franchise rather than a chain restaurant or storefront business. The largest fee in franchising is a one-time franchise fee which is used to set-up and train the new franchisee. In addition, a monthly/quarterly royalty to the company is also required. These pay for being able to use the franchise’s established brand recognition and reputation, and other business resources. America’s Color Consultants are home-based businesses that require very little in terms of required physical materials – a phone, car, and computer. There are no storefront requirements and the materials needed to begin color consulting are provided as part of the franchise fee. Extensive training is provided and the support for success is ongoing. ACC is considered a “boutique” or “niche” franchise and has a franchise fee under $15,000. It is the perfect “side hustle” business for those who want/need flexibility in their work schedule and/or for those who want additional family income in all stages of their life.

ACC franchisees live in the communities they serve… and love it.

#3 Franchises are not small businesses Franchises like McDonalds and Taco Bell number in the hundreds, even thousands. But did you know the majority of franchise companies have an average of 5 locations? And while there are numerous fast food franchises, there are also doggie daycare centers, real estate offices, pest control services, and tutoring franchises. Many franchisees are owned and operated by people who live in the communities they serve. America’s Color Consultants is such a franchise: our talented franchisees love helping their neighbors choose the perfect paint color for their spaces.

#4 Having a franchise will instantly make you rich If only THAT were true! In many ways, being a part of a franchise is like taking a shortcut in building your business: the trickier parts are already set up for you, and there is built-in support and experience to make it work. But it takes dedication and determination to make a business successful, even if you have a franchise system backing you up. And It certainly helps if you are passionate about your work. If you have an eye for color, love meeting and helping people, exercising your creative muscles and utilizing your life/work experience, you may be a fit for America’s Color Consultants! Ready to find out more?

ACC takes their office on the road PT or FT.

When thinking about ways to add interest to your space, consider decorative painting techniques. These include ragging, strie, faux marbling and wood graining, and Venetian plaster. You might also consider hiring a fine artist who specializes in murals and “trompe l’oeil” (“fool the eye” with its realism).

While trained craftsmen can apply stucco and Venetian plasters and even paint graphic designs in your space, muralists are fine artists with years of training and experience. Often their work is underappreciated and, if found in a newly purchased home, are often painted over without much thought. Although tastes (and quality of art product) differ, don’t forget that the money spent on the artwork’s production is an added value to the home – give it a chance to grow on you!

One of our favorite local artists is Steve Dueño. He has been creating beautiful art for local homeowners, businesses and museums for years. He was recently called in by ACC’s Florence Jones when her client needed a match for her painted marble moulding and chair rail following a renovation. Steve did a great job, making a seamless match. Also pictured below are other examples of his work.

Stephen Dueño was interested in art as a kid, drawing and painting from an early age. He worked as a sign painter’s assistant in his teens and after high school started taking art classes at the Prince George’s Community College in Maryland. He worked as a house painter in his early twenties and joined the painters Union and worked for large unionized paint shops in the DC area. Although he had many years experience in art making, it was while working in these shops that he learned to do fine finishes, lacquering, spraying, faux finishing, gilding and other fine finishes.

In his late twenties Stephen went on to full time college, working his way through and eventually gaining a Masters degree in art from The Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore Md. While still in school he launched a mural and decorative painting business called – Steve’s Murals and Faux Finishes. Thirty years later he’s still at it. Contact Steve at 703-217-1101 or email at ddueno@cs.com

Other ways to add unique large format features to your home are custom printed wallpapers. Check out local artist casartcoverings.com and sites like spoonflower.com or on Etsy.com

ACC encourages support of artists (especially local): we need their creativity in our lives! Florence Jones and Susan Mintz (ACC Co-Founders ) also enjoy painting projects. Florence (America’s Color Consultants – DC Metro) recently was asked to restore a faux-finished sink surround and faucet that the client loved. She’s also handpainted a bench to grace a client’s foyer and stenciled her bathroom vinyl floor, among other projects! contact Florence at 703-725-6871, or email at florence@AmericasColorConsultants.com

Susan (America’s Color Consultants-Malibu) has been painting and decorating old, forlorn wood dressers, tables and vanities for the past several years in addition to paint color consulting. She’s thrilled to be using the training she received at the Torpedo Factory years ago in decorative painting techniques, including faux wood graining and stone looks. She combines these techniques with the beautiful decorative elements available on the market to elevate painted furniture to pieces of art. Contact Susan at 703-362-3131 or email at susan@AmericasColorConsultants.com

Month: July 2024

4 Misconceptions about Franchises

Faux Painting: a Dying Art Form? NO!