We were lucky to catch up with Katie Wodtke recently and have shared our conversation below.

Katie , appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I had been leading paint parties and managing a paint and sip studio for several years prior to COVID lockdowns. When everything shut down, I found myself unemployed and questioning my purpose and next steps. Another brick and mortar paint studio didn’t seem like something there was a demand for. Plus, the cost of rent and utilities was risky. For years, I had back-burnered a dream from my teenage years to convert a school bus to travel and live in. I would only revisit the idea occasionally without any strong commitment to it, just a pipe dream. It suddenly occurred to me that these two half-formed aspirations may actually be two halves of the same fully formed vision. Everything made sense! It is affordable and achievable while a brick and mortar location wouldn’t be. It is a new spin that fills similar but different needs. And it is fun!

Katie , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

PlaidyBus is a mobile painting and art studio for humans of all ages and allows you to turn any event into a paint party. It is a 1994 Thomas-built full-size school bus converted into a painting studio with lighting, paint stations, seating, music, and air conditioning. We specialize in birthday parties, holiday parties, corporate events, team-building activities, baby showers, fundraisers, bachelorette parties, blacklight paint parties, and more. You may choose between a class or “Improv” painting. Our classes are led step-by-step by a professional art instructor in a fun, informal style. “Improv” painting allows painters to create something of their choosing with an artist on hand to help with initial sketches and offer guidance throughout. What sets us apart is our versatility and ability to come to you! Also, we are entirely open to customizing packages to find something that works with multiple schedules, budgets, and themes. PlaidyBus is committed to inspiring creativity and working with you to make your event a unique and memorable experience.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In 2021 I began taking steps to make PlaidyBus a tangible thing in the world, rather than an idea. Of course, that included locating and purchasing the correct bus. Unfortunately, before I was successful in that endeavor, I purchased the wrong bus. I literally watched my dream (and a good portion of my start-up funds) go up in smoke just hours after making the purchase. I had to make a big decision as to if I would continue moving forward with no knowledge of how long it would take to secure a new bus. I was completely devastated, but I knew that I could only feel this much grief over the loss of something meaningful. My drive for this wacky little vision was cemented by this loss.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I used to think that I was supposed to be able to make anything happen that a customer wants. That I should be able to say yes and move forward and work magic. Sometimes I can do just that, and I absolutely love those moments. However, we have to be able to say no sometimes, both in business and in life. We have to be the expert who knows when someone’s wish may not have it’s desired effect. We have to be able to say “I understand what you are looking for and I want to give you the best experience for your event.” Then, redirect to a better solution. It feels great to say yes and we all want to give clients exactly what they want. But we need to be honest with them and with ourselves. It doesn’t feel so great to be in the moment and falling short of promises delivered. I would much rather be a Santa Claus bringing gifts of joy you may have not even realized were the gifts you wanted, as opposed to a mischievous genie who brings you exactly what you asked for, consequences and all.

Contact Info:

• Website: plaidybus.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/plaidybus/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plaidybus

Image Credits
Photo of Katie and the bus exterior are by Lauren Vadasz of WPhotography.