By Les Ong on September 2, 2025
After 25 years as a software consultant, Nitu Singh thought she was ready to retire and enjoy well-deserved downtime. But life had different plans for this Jacksonville area resident, and today, she’s the proud owner of The Hotspot Studios in St. Johns County: a vibrant creative space that’s quickly becoming the community’s favorite gathering spot.
Nitu’s path to entrepreneurship began in 2023 when family health issues required her to return to India to care for her parents. The experience prompted reflection about what she truly wanted from the next chapter of her life. “I decided I was done with the corporate world,” she recalls. “My kids were in high school, I’d worked long enough, and I thought I’d just enjoy my time.”
But retirement didn’t suit her restless spirit. After just four months of volunteering, Nitu realized she needed something more meaningful. “Every night, I would think, ‘I need to do something else with my time,'” she explains.
The answer came from an unexpected place: her fondest childhood memories. “One of my happiest memories is doing crafts with my mom,” Nitu shares. “We connect at such a different level when we’re crafting together. I realized this brings me personal joy and something I wanted to share with my community.”
When Nitu discovered The Hotspot Studios franchise opportunity, she knew she’d found her calling. Unlike single-project craft studios, The Hotspot Studios offers six different creative activities: pottery painting, candle making, mosaics, succulent and fairy gardens, canvas painting, and slime making, with an optional body scrub making workshop.
“I wanted to bring something to my community that wasn’t available,” Nitu explains. “When my kids were younger and I wanted to do creative activities with them, I’d have to drive far distances.”
The studio operates as a walk-in creative space where visitors can choose their projects and work at their own pace, or make reservations for special events. “It’s not by appointment only,” Nitu emphasizes. “People can just come in, choose a project, sit, and create.”
What makes The Hotspot Studios special is its inclusive approach to creativity. “We serve ages 5 to 95,” Nitu proudly states. The diverse clientele includes families, couples on date nights, corporate teams, church groups, and individuals seeking a peaceful creative outlet.
“Just yesterday, I had a grandmother, mother, and child come in together,” Nitu recalls. “The mother was doing pottery, the kid was making slime, and the grandmother was there enjoying the experience. That’s exactly what we’re about – bringing people together across generations.”
The studio has become popular for birthday parties, bachelorette celebrations, team-building events, and fundraisers. Nitu’s vision extends beyond just crafting; she wants to create a “third space”: somewhere between work and home where community members can relax, connect, and express themselves without judgment.
The Hotspot Studios isn’t just about crafts; it’s about creating a safe, supportive environment for the community. Nitu has partnered with Heart for Minds, a suicide prevention and mental health organization that holds special meaning for her family. The organization’s mascot, a dragonfly, is featured in a mural at the studio.
“Mental health and suicide prevention are really close to our hearts,” Nitu explains. “I want this space to be a safe place for people to come in and talk about mental health without feeling judged in any way.” The studio will feature a QR code linking to mental health resources, reinforcing Nitu’s commitment to supporting the community’s wellbeing.
The Hotspot Studios has quickly become more than just a craft destination; it’s a hub for community engagement and charitable giving. Nitu actively seeks partnerships with local organizations, particularly those focused on education and wellness. She’s reached out to PTSOs and booster clubs to host fundraising events, helping schools generate funds while providing families with memorable creative experiences.
“I want to support the community that has supported me,” Nitu explains. Her approach to business reflects her values of giving back and creating meaningful connections. The studio regularly hosts special events that bring different groups together, from corporate team-building sessions to church gatherings, each fostering new relationships within the St. Johns community.
The welcoming atmosphere extends to every interaction, with Nitu personally ensuring that each visitor feels valued and encouraged in their creative journey.
One of Nitu’s favorite aspects of running the studio is encouraging people to discover their creative potential. “So many people come in and say, ‘Oh, I’m not an artist,'” she observes. “I tell them they’ll be surprised by what they create. You don’t need experience; just come as you are, express yourself, and your end product will turn out beautiful.”
This philosophy of accessible creativity permeates everything at The Hotspot Studios. The welcoming environment encourages experimentation and celebrates the joy of making something with your own hands, regardless of skill level.
Since opening on August 1st, The Hotspot Studios has already garnered positive Google reviews and is building a loyal customer base through word-of-mouth recommendations and community engagement. Nitu is actively involved with the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce and is planning to join local networking groups.
Her five-year vision is ambitious yet heartwarming: “I envision this place where the community comes to hang out, their third space. I want to be so full and so booked that I open another studio and expand.” But expansion isn’t just about business growth; it’s about creating more spaces where people can come together, relax, have fun, and connect without judgment.
For Nitu, The Hotspot Studios represents more than a career change; it’s the fulfillment of a dream to combine personal passion with community service. After moving around the country during her husband’s medical residency, she’s found her home in Florida and is committed to giving back to the community that has embraced her family.
“I’ve lived in my house for the same 10 years,” she says. “I just love the community here. People are accepting, and I’ve never felt out of place.” Now, she’s creating a space where others can feel that same sense of belonging and acceptance.
Ready to unleash your creativity? Visit The Hotspot Studios in St. Johns County and discover the artist within you. Whether you’re planning a family outing, date night, birthday party, or just need some peaceful creative time, The Hotspot Studios welcomes you with open arms. No experience necessary – just bring your imagination and let the magic happen.
Connect with The Hotspot Studios:
550 Durbin Pavilion Dr. Suite G105 St. Johns, FL
Join a community where everyone can paint, create, laugh, and celebrate together. Your next creative adventure awaits!
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