Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Palacios.
Courtney, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My journey started when I got my first nanny job right out of high school and continued with multiple families over a ten-year span. During that time I did the same things with the children like Groundhog Day and always felt there was a void in the market when it came to offering art & music for children. Not to mention a place that you felt was clean and well-done for the children and yourself to be at!
After leaving the domestic world behind I went corporate and started a nationwide assembly company for Walmart. In the eight years of owning that business, I learned a lot and found myself still wanting to do something more with my life than work to make money.
In 2015 I took a leap of faith and started to build a new concept of what at the end became “Rhythm & Hues” a children’s art & music center for all ages. I felt there was a need and a desire for a place like this in every community so I built it as a franchise concept from the start. We have been open almost three years and it’s all been happiness & rainbows for sure! People with children of all ages come to us for all things art, music and parties!
In conjunction with the center, we have created a children’s art & music festival known as Rainbowpalooza! The festival is a great way to bring the community and it’s families together for a fun day filled with art, music and kindness! The goal is that each center will have a Rainbowpalooza in their community on the same day across the map! This year we are partnering with The Cotton Bottom Diaper Bank to help end the diaper crisis that affects so many children in every community on a daily basis.
Has it been a smooth road?
Once we got past the construction phase and opened everything fell in place and the brand came to life. Since opening, people have always assumed it was a franchise with multiple locations which led us to know we were on the right track.
The road of center operation has been a smooth one. We have built a strong team since day one and they are the core of the center. I am the first to say that we would not be who we are today if it wasn’t for the team who built it. Yes, I created the concept. Yes, I designed the building. Yes, I hired the team. But at the end of the day, they have made the dream come to life and I’m forever grateful to them for that.
Rhythm & Hues – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are so proud of the brand we’ve created. The fact that we are known for being “the happiest place in town” is a wonderful feeling. We set out to make a place where everyone could enjoy a space regardless of their age or life circumstances. Where when you walk through the doors it’s all happiness and rainbows, kindness and creativity.
The fact that so many of our local businesses want us to be a part of their programming also makes us feel so proud of what we are creating. I think the thing that sets us apart the most is our true desire for a great customer experience for all who come in to see us. Clean space, friendly staff, tons to do and a bottle of water… what more is there to ask for!
What’s your outlook for the industry over the next 5-10 years?
The industry for children’s activities was on a decline for the last decade. We are hopeful that the trend of people wanting to invest in community and the children of the future will continue to rise. People need to realize that with temperatures rising, etc, that there will continue to be a need for an air-conditioned facility people can go with their four-month-old or their 10 years old.
Making R&H a neighborhood staple across the country would allow families to have that place while also receiving the benefit of pure happiness while there.
Pricing:
- Anytime Painting 18m+ $20-27
- Music Classes 3m-5y $22-25
- Instrument Instruction 3y-12y $40
- Birthday Parties (custom!) $475+
- Art classes 3y-12y $27-35
Contact Info:
- Address: 5016 South Dixie Highway
West Palm Beach, FL 33405 - Website: www.rhythmandhues.com
- Phone: 561-216-1027
- Email: email@rhythmandhues.com
- Instagram: @rhythmandhues
- Facebook: @rhythmandhues
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