Community Highlights: Meet Ailene Laufer of Color Café

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ailene Laufer.

Hi Ailene, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m an entrepreneur and founder, and over the years I’ve really focused on reimagining what a paint-your-own pottery studio can be. What started as a childhood activity for me eventually turned into a more modern, lifestyle-driven creative experience.

I was born in Israel, but I actually grew up in Los Angeles and lived in the San Fernando Valley from about age 10 to 20. Paint pottery studios were a big part of my childhood — birthday parties, after-school activities, just places we’d go to create and hang out. At the time it was just something fun, but I didn’t realize how much that experience would stay with me.

When I was 20, I moved back to Israel, where I studied Art and Education and became an art teacher. After starting a family, I felt this strong pull to return to creative work, but in a way that felt more personal and independent. I kept thinking back to those pottery studios in LA, and that inspired me to open my first paint-your-own pottery studio in Tel Aviv — at a time when the concept was still pretty new in Israel.

Instead of following the traditional, kid-focused model, I wanted to do something different. I designed a studio that felt stylish, welcoming, and aspirational — a space that would attract a more mature audience, especially young adult women looking for a creative, social, and calming experience. For me, it was about blending art, design, and atmosphere, and positioning creativity as a form of modern self-care rather than just a kids’ activity.

The response was immediate. The concept really resonated, and demand grew quickly. That led me to move into larger spaces and eventually open second and third locations across Israel. Each studio was built thoughtfully, and I was very hands-on in shaping the creative direction, the brand, and the overall customer experience.

Later on, with my in-laws living in Orange County and my own deep personal connection to Southern California, it felt natural to bring the concept back to the US. I opened a studio in Simi Valley, which was incredibly meaningful — coming back to the place where the original inspiration started, but this time as a founder.

Today, my work really reflects a mix of global perspective, artistic integrity, and entrepreneurial grit. The studios aren’t just places to paint pottery — they’re community spaces that encourage creativity, connection, and confidence, all built from lived experience and personal vision.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There were definitely challenges along the way, and looking back, many of them ended up shaping the business in really important ways.

In the beginning, I actually started everything from home. It was small and scrappy, but at some point our landlord made it clear that running a business out of the apartment wasn’t allowed. At the time, it felt stressful — but it ended up being a blessing. It pushed me to take the leap and open my first real paint pottery studio, something I might have otherwise postponed.

Another major challenge came when I opened my first larger studio — just one month before COVID hit. Suddenly everything shut down, and there was so much uncertainty around in-person experiences. That period really tested my flexibility and resilience as a founder, but it also reinforced how meaningful creative spaces can be, especially during hard times.

More recently, we’ve lived through the war in Gaza, which affected us deeply on a personal level and also impacted our staff and businesses. Running studios during such an emotional and unpredictable time required a lot of empathy and strength.

Each challenge forced me to adapt, grow, and trust my vision more deeply. In many ways, the hardest moments ended up being the ones that moved the business forward.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My business is a modern, lifestyle-driven take on paint-your-own pottery, with locations in Israel and California.

We create creative studios where people can unplug, slow down, and make something with their hands — all in a space that feels elevated, stylish, and very intentional.

What we’re known for is reimagining the traditional paint pottery studio experience. Instead of being centered around kids’ activities only, the brand is designed for adults — especially young women and creatives looking for a social, calming, and aesthetically inspiring experience. Think less craft room, more creative self-care. That doesn’t mean of course we don’t cater to kids — we get lots of them as well!

What sets us apart is the level of curation. From the pottery pieces and color palettes to the design of the space and overall vibe, everything is thoughtfully considered. You don’t need to be an artist to walk in — the experience is approachable, relaxing, and confidence-building.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud that it feels authentic and personal. The concept was shaped by my years growing up in LA and later refined through building the business independently overseas. Bringing it back to Southern California feels like a full-circle moment.

What I want readers to know is that this isn’t just about pottery — it’s about community, creativity, and carving out space to slow down in a busy LA lifestyle.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Networking has been absolutely critical for me. I didn’t follow a traditional mentor path, but building relationships naturally opened a lot of doors.

Connecting with other founders, creatives, and local business owners helped me discover new suppliers, create meaningful collaborations, and work with influencers who truly aligned with the brand. Those relationships played a big role in growing awareness and driving the business forward.

My advice is to stay curious, be genuine, and build real connections instead of just “networking.” The value often shows up in unexpected ways.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://color.cafe/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colorcafecali/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586277933757
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/color-cafe-simi-valley-2