Since 2021, Hawaii Fluid Art has offered an experience unlike any other. Fluid art is unique because it involves pouring colors and tilting the canvas to create a one-of-a-kind piece. The company also offers classes for resin tumblers, glass painting and resin beach scenes. Regardless of which class a customer takes, they’ll leave with so much more than a piece of art. By Shelby Green
Since 2021, Hawaii Fluid Art has offered an experience unlike any other. Fluid art is unique because it involves pouring colors and tilting the canvas to create a one-of-a-kind piece. The company also offers classes for resin tumblers, glass painting and resin beach scenes. Regardless of which class a customer takes, they’ll leave with so much more than a piece of art.
“It’s about feeling good about yourself the entire time you’re creating the art,” Founder Maya Ratcliff said. “The entire time you’re in our studios, you’re encouraged constantly and given words of affirmation.”
Ratcliff created Hawaii Fluid Art to be an outlet for individuals who have experienced traumatic brain injuries. Ratcliff came to understand how therapeutic art could be after being raised by her father, who was blind. She wanted to create an inclusive environment where individuals of all abilities could come to let their creativity flow and thrive.
“In art everybody is equal. I wanted to offer a safe place for people to create art, memories and self-confidence,” Ratcliff said. “It’s a place people come back to over and over because of the experience and the way we make them feel. We can work with anybody with any ability and help them create something beautiful and feel good about themself.”
In 2022, the company decided to expand its feel-good environment through franchising. Today, there are 15 Hawaii Fluid Art locations across the country, and many more are planned for 2024. When evaluating potential franchisees, Ratcliff doesn’t look for the most experienced artists but for individuals who want to do good in their community and are willing to put in the work. When someone becomes a franchisee for Hawaii Fluid Art, they become a member of the family.
“The relationships are the most important. I wake up every morning to text messages from franchisees with pictures of their kids and families,” said Ratcliff. “That’s the best part for me: building these personal relationships with our franchisees.”
With the help from a franchise success manager, master brokers and a construction manager, franchisees are supported every step of the way. They receive help finding prime real estate, building a studio and planning a grand opening.
The company offers a mentorship program where new owners are paired with established franchisees to help them get up and running. New owners have weekly calls with their franchise success managers and have access to hundreds of training videos and manuals.
The future is looking bright for Hawaii Fluid Art, which recently has launched in Canada and plans to launch in Asian markets in 2024. Ratcliff hopes to have 500 locations in North America within the next two years.
“I love seeing the magic in people’s eyes when they realize they can create something beautiful,” Ratcliff said.
“Or seeing someone who has had a bad day and watching all of the sadness leave once they step into the studio. It really is about what we can give to them for that hour they’re in class.”
Shelby Green