In this episode of the Iowa Tech podcast, host Kaylee Williams interviews Billie Asmus, CEO and founder of Repaint Studios, who recently won the $100,000 InnoVenture Challenge. Billie shares her entrepreneurial journey, explaining how her frustration with disposable paint tray liners led her to invent the Repaint Tray, a reusable silicone paint tray with a lid. This innovation keeps paint fresh for up to 21 days, appealing to busy DIY enthusiasts and environmentally conscious consumers. Initially, Billie faced challenges in securing funding and making it to the top three in previous competitions. However, her persistence paid off, and she eventually won the challenge and another major pitch competition. Over the past year, her business has seen significant growth, including launching in over 416 Lowe’s stores and securing a contract with Home Depot.
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Billie attributes her success to her ability to tell her story effectively, the support from mentors and advisors, and her openness to learning from setbacks. She emphasizes the importance of having a support system, including therapy, to navigate the mental health challenges of entrepreneurship. For aspiring entrepreneurs, she advises trusting the process and not isolating themselves. She also highlights the supportive ecosystem in Iowa for startups, especially in rural areas, and shares her aspirations to expand her product line using the challenge funds.
Billie’s journey underscores the significance of perseverance, strategic networking, and the willingness to adapt and learn. Her advice to other founders includes dreaming big, focusing on their moonshot, and leveraging available resources to achieve their goals.