We were lucky to catch up with Paula Blankenship recently and have shared our conversation below.

Paula, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Rewrite

In February of 2013, Paula Blankenship was a 50 year old single mother raising her teenage son. Paula started a business in her kitchen simply to give her son Braden something to do after school incorporating her entrepreneurial know how. She had always been a part of a very creative family, painting and refinishing furniture.  It was a passion her mother’s love, buying old furniture making old new again.
Paula’s mother Clarice was a true pioneer, owning a furniture businesses for over 50 years in her hometown in Oneida Tennessee. Paula grew up in a home that was filled with love and support that allowed her to dream big. Nothing was out of reach if she truly desired it. Paula raised her son Braden with that same spirit and wanted to continue those efforts through this grass roots venture.
From her kitchen in 2013, Paula began researching paint trying to understand what was lacking in the industry and soon developed a paint that has revolutionized the DIY world, ultimately becoming a leader D2C the market.  She not only created a unique ALL-IN-ONE Paint formula that would help take the guesswork and confusion out of painting that contains everything in one can, she also designed and developed a limited color palette for 36 on trend colors and prep & painting tools that allow users of any skill level to use the products successfully, without hiring professionals.  This DIY system of “Just Clean & Paint” has become her mantra.
Now considered the”Queen of Paint” by Forbes Magazine, Paula is a successful social media phenomenon.
Paula began sharing her story and paint and it’s easy to use “Just Clean & Paint” story online and quickly amassed a huge following on social media.  Today her brands reach millions across all platforms and help engage with thousands of new and experienced users of her products.  She even does FREE private color consultations to further help those who are struggling to find the right shade of color for their project.
Today her business has grown exponentially and recently acquired the 75 year old paint manufacturer who had been producing her products over the years.
WPO & JP Morgan Chase bank recognized Paula and Heirloom Traditions Paint as the 22nd fastest growing women-led business in the country. Ernston & Young named Paula entrepreneur of the year in 2024. The paint and coatings industry named Heirloom traditions as the 23rd largest paint manufacturer in North America in 2024.
Her love for the business extends to the employees as well.  In 2021, the company became an ESOP, extending employees ownership in the business. “This is a team effort” is a true statement, says Paula. “I want each person here to enjoy going to work as much as I do. ”
The company and it’s products encourage women and men of all economic backgrounds and inspire them to recreate their homes (cabinets, countertops, furniture, bathtubs, etc. using ALL-IN-ONE Paint and it’s simple to use methods.  The private Facebook group of nearly 500K users is a true testament to the products and its users. Before and after photos and customer testimony reviews are the strength of the business today.
It’s so much more than Paint! The paint transforms the person using the product and gives them the ability to change their entire home. Putting the power of the paintbrush in their hand is truly transformative and empowering.!

Let’s move on to buying businesses – can you talk to us about your experience with business acquisitions?

In January 2024, we acquired our toll maker who had been making our paint for the last seven years. The company was a 75-year-old paint manufacture in Louisville Kentucky, and had been known for making high-quality industrial coatings as well as swimming pool coatings and a leader in the swimming pool Coatings market.
We acquired all of their real estate as well as their and brand names.
This venture has proven to be one of the best acquisitions for our business to help us maintain our margins, Solidify our supply chain and help us to grow and scale the business to the next level.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

My entire business life has been a pivot,. I have always been in business and always have worked for myself from the time. I was a young girl at age 16. I had my first retail store.
I dropped out of high school as a senior, took my GED and immediately got onto doing my own thing.
I don’t fit the typical CEO mold, but I’ve always known I would have to do my own thing in order to be successful. I was not able to work within the rigors of constraints of punching a clock and being managed. Although that calls me a lot of angst early in my life, I did realize that it was an asset. I had to learn how to navigate those qualities.
I was also dyslexic and struggled with traditional ways of learning, although I am very right brained and creative, I am also left brained. I understand the economy of business as well as the creative elements that it takes to create, maintain and grow a business.
I have had many failures, that others would see, but I look back at those as great steppingstones that propelled me to the success level that we have today.
I truly believe all roads have pointed me to where I am today and I see that so very clearly as I look back now. Everything was pointing me in this direction.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Allinonepaint.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/heirloomtraditionspaint
• Facebook: https://Facebook.com/heirloomtraditionspaint
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulajblankenship
• Youtube: https://YouTube.com/heirloomtraditionspaint