Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Schroeder.
Hi Julie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story started in 2010 when I opened my first Color Me Mine store in Eagan. I was ready to start something new and this was the perfect path for me. It Combined my interest in business and my passion for art. I purchased my store as part of a franchise that I have grown to love. It helps me with technology, marketing, business practices, while allowing me to run my own business as I see fit. We are definitely independently owned and operated! My business grew to the point where I purchased an already running Color Me Mine in Rochester in 2014 and then opened a 3rd in Woodbury in 2019….yes 2019! Months after opening we shut down. Scary is an understatement! Trying to keep going with the mandates and daily changes was almost impossible. The following year I lost my Rochester studio and hung on to the other 2 desperately! Being a small business owner is the most fulfilling and exhausting job I have ever had! It allows me to work in the community with so many different people, offer a service that I believe brings a moment of low stress and creativity to peoples lives and employ many young and creative individuals. Personally, I have been married for 35 years, have 2 married children who both live in the area. I love the outdoors, running, and spending time in northern Wisconsin at our cabin.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Small business ownership is nothing you can prepare yourself for, no matter how much business experience you have! You need to know how to be a general contractor, bookkeeper, accountant, IT person, HR person, mentor, marketing specialist, leader, and inventory specialist. It’s empowering to have total control and mentally exhausting to have total control. With that being said, you have control of your business but not of the world around you. When a pandemic hits, supply chain runs dry or you have ZERO applicants for 5 positions day to day life gets really tough! Pivoting becomes a regular part of your vernacular but for the love of the business, you just keep plugging away.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I love art! I have loved it since I was a little girl. It’s something you can do on your own, which was important to me. I like that it is accessible to individuals, couples, families, or large groups! Art therapy is a real thing! My philosophy since I opened was to provide a relaxing and comfortable space, like walking into your home, where you can create and enjoy connecting with others. I love what we offer the community!! I want people to not be intimidated by painting. I hate perfect. I think the best art has many imperfections and comes from someone’s imagination. In today’s world especially, take some time to disconnect and just paint.
How do you think about happiness?
I am happy with my life in general. I love my job, Have a great family. We spend alot of time together and really enjoy one another. It makes a huge difference in life if you love what you do. Working is a majority of my day….days! If you are committed, passionate and truly love it your life will be far more pleasant.
Contact Info:
- Website: eagan.colormemine.com or woodbury.colormemine.com
- Instagram: colormemineeagan or colormeminewoodbury
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colormemineeagan or https://www.facebook.com/colormeminewoodbury
