March 27, 2023

Two sisters plan to bring a do-it-yourself tie-dye studio to Sioux Falls.

Color Splash Studio is owned by Melanie Hite and Molly Quarve, who both came from the banking industry and had a goal of owning a business.

Molly Quarve and Melanie Hite

“We’ve always dreamt of owning our own business. We just could never make anything stick with all the different options,” Quarve said, adding they also struggled to find enough fresh activities with their kids.

The answer for a business came to them one day in the basement.

“We were tie-dying and were like, this is terrible. I’m ruining my carpet, there’s dye stains everywhere, and it just snowballed from there,” Quarve said.

Their new space in a retail center along Marion Road is located between Salon Centric and Hotworx, at the entrance to the Lake Lorraine development.

Color Splash Studio will provide blank white T-shirts in adult and child sizes, or customers can bring their own items to dye.

“You’re going to come in, you’re going to pick your design, and essentially you’re going to make a mess at our place instead of your home, and wash and dry and wear the shirt out in about an hour,” Hite said. “There’s nothing like it around here. There’s nothing like it in Omaha. There’s nothing like it in the (Twin) Cities, so we have a creative advantage.”

They tested multiple dyes to find a high-quality, fiber-reactive dye that becomes a part of the fabric and will not wash out, they said.

“Now, we have a temporary studio in my basement, and we’re doing test runs, and it just came full circle — our dream of being a business owner is coming true, and it’s family-friendly, and we’re so excited to be in the public and meet everyone,” Quarve said.

The studio will have 12 sinks, accommodating parties of up to two per sink, and offer food to purchase while customers wait. While parties can make a reservation, the concept is for walk-in customers “looking for something last-minute if you’re bored and want to do something quick,” she said.

They also can customize shirts with logos or names for groups or teams.

The space at Lake Lorraine is under construction, and the hope is to open in early May.

“I think Color Splash Studio offers a unique experience at Lake Lorraine, offering an opportunity for fun group gatherings and parties,” said Autumn Kaufhold of Van Buskirk Cos., who leased the space. “We’re excited to have them as part of our diverse options around the lake for shopping, dining and entertainment.”

The development also appealed to the sisters for the relationships they said they hope to build with other businesses.

“It’s up-and-coming, really central and close to a lot of things. Even people on the northeast side come here for other reasons,” Hite said.

“It was overwhelming the amount of things Lake Lorraine does, and we’re ecstatic to be part of it,” Quarve added.