Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alexia Gonzalez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alexia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

Opening a brick-and-mortar location of The Earth Pantry is one of the biggest risks I have taken in my life. I had been doing pop-ups for about 8 months when I first stumbled upon the idea of a brick-and-mortar. We did well at events, but a store would be a whole new ball game. My original plan was to turn into a grocery bus, to bring refillable groceries to pop-ups, and neighborhoods. But, when I saw that “For Rent” sign, I felt a tug on my heart to investigate. I asked God, “What are you doing? This would be a lot!”. So, I started to pray, “If this is what You want, let all the doors open. But if it is not your will, close these doors tightly.” The 1st space was on Broad St in Downtown Augusta on the best block – the perfect location! But, the space was not so perfect… So, I thought it wasn’t meant to be. Two weeks later, I got a call from the landlord that a smaller space 2 doors down was going to available, if I wanted to go look at it. Now this space was PERFECT. Time to look for a loan….I couldn’t get one… I was too new, too young, this was too new of a concept in my area, and I had too little experience in the the field of grocery. So, again, I thought it wasn’t meant to be. But then, 2 months later, the landlord called again and said that he was holding the space for me! Landlords don’t do that… When I told my parents, they were also impressed, and figured out how to invest themselves. That was a huge blessing that I am incredibly grateful for, but also a huge risk for them! All they had was faith in their daughter that I will work my booty off and my passion will speak for me. I knew that this was God’s plan and His mission. It has been a terrifying journey, but He kept putting me in the perfect place with the perfect passions. In 2 months, the store has gotten the community excited and interested. We have been more successful that we projected, and are starting to get regular customers. Of course we still need to grow, but I am so proud of what we accomplished and I’m so grateful for God working through this. When I chose to let this be His store, and I’m just the worker, He has really shined! The best risks are when you bet on God!

Alexia, 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?

I am a Jesus-following, ocean-loving, adventurous woman who loves to dance in the rain and cuddle my chickens. I am passionate about teaching others how to love this planet and each person on it. In 2020, I graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Integrative Studies concentrating in oceanography, marketing, and leadership. After searching for the perfect career in travelling, scuba diving, and community involvement, I finally chose my heart’s work of opening a sustainable refill store, The Earth Pantry. I hope to connect communities together by bringing healthy, organic, and clean products into their lifestyles. Natural living is not just a modern and hip movement, but it is necessary for healthy lives and a healthy planet. And, it should be accessible to EVERYONE. We are set a part because we are a faith-based business focusing primarily on education and community with health being a wonderful byproduct. I am most proud of being a leading member of the sustainable movement in my city. I hope to create a community of world-changers who are willing to continue learning and adapting their lifestyles.

Can you talk to us about manufacturing? How’d you figure it all out? We’d love to hear the story.

I have struggled with severe eczema, and I tried every product on the market to control it. Nothing really worked well until I started making my own products. I learned that fragrances are made with petroleum and causing breakouts along with other toxic chemicals and fillers in my body and cleaning supplies. Even the the cleaning supplies would leave chemicals in the air that affected my skin. I started with a balm that I would use to spot treat my eczema, and calm the itching down – our now lip balm. Then I worked on a toothpaste, and my cleaning sprays. I swapped to soap nuts for laundry, and did research on all other products I let my skin touch. While in college, i started making items for friends, and then during the pandemic is when I stated my business and reached the community via pop-ups. Now I make: lip balm, lotion bars, dishwasher powder, glass cleaner, surface spray, and dryer balls. For all of my other products I reached out to the companies I looked up to to become a wholesale member. I try to support as many small businesses as possible, and work together a team. I’ve learned that when you start manufacturing a new product, send out surveys to your current customer base – see what they want! That has helped me most narrow down what I make so that I do not waste any ingredients.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

This will be a short answer, but 100% my best advice. Be genuine.
I realized that I did not have to be any kind of business woman or specific person to the community. I just need to be myself and share my heart. When I speak with passion and God’s fire under me, the community can feel that. Nobody likes to be sold to, especially nowadays when there is so much on the market. People want to get to know why a business is special, and what makes a business different is the beautiful soul(s) making it happen – so share those!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.TheEarthPantry.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/theearthpantry
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086421108668

Image Credits
Grace Messer