Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Repaint Studios

RED OAK, Iowa - U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ranking Member of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Repaint Studios of Franklin County. Throughout this Congress, Ranking Member Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa's 99 counties.

"Billie Asmus repainted the market with her innovative reusable and recyclable paint tray liner and lid," said Ranking Member Ernst. "Through this masterpiece, Repaint Studios is reducing waste and coloring innovation for the future. Born from Iowa common sense, this brushstroke of genius is now known nationwide."

In 2021, Billie Asmus decided to pursue furniture refinishing full-time and noticed the unsustainable practice of wasted paint and one-use paint trays. This motivated Billie to look for a solution and she quickly developed, patented, and marketed Repaint Tray. Repaint Studios went on to win the Lowe's Global Blue Product Pitch Competition and officially launched Repaint Tray in February 2024. They also earned recognition as one of Iowa's Top 10 Startups at the Iowa EntreFEST pitch competition and will be in Lowe's stores nationwide later this month. Next year, the business will celebrate its third anniversary.

Stay tuned as Ranking Member Ernst recognizes more Iowa small businesses across the state with her Small Business of the Week award.

###