Hawaii Fluid Art has finally solved the problem that many of us face: what to get the person who has everything. The studio creates an uplifting blend of retail and art studio space, where customers can create something unique and take home a memory that will last a lifetime. By Elice Morgenson
Hawaii Fluid Art has finally solved the problem that many of us face: what to get the person who has everything. The studio creates an uplifting blend of retail and art studio space, where customers can create something unique and take home a memory that will last a lifetime. Founded by Maya Ratcliff in 2020, the studio offers artists the opportunity to use a method of acrylic paint pouring, where special paints are poured onto a surface to make a flowing design.
Since franchising in April this year, the brand has opened its first locations in Frisco, Texas, and Oklahoma City, with an additional 37 locations opening in the next six months. Ratcliff attributes the rapid growth to the outstanding franchisee infrastructure the brand has created. “From our marketing team to our real estate team, we assist the zees with every aspect of planning, opening and running their franchise. We have eight corporate team members who specialize in helping our zees, and we expand our team as needed to ensure the best possible service,” Ratcliff explained.
Do you need a background in art to succeed with your own Hawaii Fluid Art studio location? The simple answer is ‘no.’ Ratcliff shared that none of the current or future owners had a background in the arts before joining, and her team’s support makes successful franchise ownership possible. “All of our zees have unique backgrounds, from pharmacists to teachers. None of them have an art background,” she said. What unites those who love the brand is the ability to change lives through the power of art.
At the heart of Hawaii Fluid Art is a commitment to give back to the community, franchisees and students. Ratcliff created a program to donate a franchise location to a nominated individual. “We gift one franchise to a qualified protected class individual by waiving the fee. I wanted to give back, and this is a way that I can do it. I was raised by a blind father, and we have a deaf franchisee. Helping a differently abled person achieve a life dream is something we are passionate about,” she said.
Elice Morgenson