Robin Nasatir, Founder of The Painted Penguin
Name: Robin Nasatir
Founder: The Painted Penguin
Who is Robin Nasatir?
Started my first business in 7th grade selling crafts. Went to University of Illinois in Champaign. Started The Painted Penguin in 2001. Currently have 3 locations in Illinois (Northbrook Court, Hawthorn Center, and Water Tower Place) and one leased store in Ohio.
In less than three sentences tell us about your company and what you do.
The Painted Penguin is a family activity center, where people come to get away from it all and spend quality time together while painting ceramics, canvases, wood and fabric items, making jewelry or slime, learning techniques like dry brushing and graffiti, taking workshops and having parties and events. Events are our specialty and parties are a piece of cake. Walk-ins are welcome and no experience is necessary.
What does BEING a FoundHer mean to you?
I love that We have created an environment that people can get away from it all and have fun talking with each other, and expressing themselves though different forms of art. Creating memories and keepsakes for myself and others. It allows me to add to and pivot as needed to stay viable. I love helping others and do so through donating and hosting events in my studios to supporting others in their entrepreneurial journey.
How do you support other female founders and women in business?
I support several small women owned businesses by utilizing their services and products. Helping them network to find other opportunities and supporting them on social media. I have also walked several women through starting their own businesses
At what point did you make your company a full time gig? How did you know the time was right?
My company has always been a full time gig working on the business but not until my kids were older did I work full time in the business.
What lesson or skill did you take with you from a prior job to help you succeed in your role today?
Managing a group. Customer support.
Let’s talk social media—who handles it for your company (you, an internal team member, an outsourced solution?) and what is the secret to making it successful? What is the biggest challenge?
Currently I do. That being said I have hired companies to do it for me. Staying up with it for each of the stores.
How did you land your first client?
I opened our first studio on Fox Valley mall in 2001. We advertised with direct mail, emails and through the mall. We held an open house for the other mall employees before our official opening days and people came to check it out and paint. At that time activity stores were rare in retail malls.
What is something you do differently from the industry standard?
One price system. The price includes everything you need to complete whatever project you choose to do.
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