Houston’s Jennifer Collins Named 2026 Franchisee of the Year

Collins transitioned into childhood education after a 13-year career in corporate loss prevention. Alongside her husband, Brian, she launched the West 34th Street studio to provide a creative outlet for local children. The business has since expanded its reach through a mobile program that delivers art instruction directly to charter schools, daycares, and community centers throughout the area.

Beyond her local operations, Collins chairs the Kidcreate Studio Franchise Advisory Council, representing the interests of fellow owners nationwide. Justin Nihiser, managing partner of the brand, noted that Collins sets a high standard for operators by balancing business growth with a consistent focus on neighborhood families. The award ceremony, scheduled for September 15, highlights the broader impact of the franchising sector, which currently supports nearly 8.8 million jobs and generates over $907 billion in annual economic output across the United States.