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

Thea, appreciate you joining us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

When initially considering a name for my business, my inclination leaned towards “Eco Mart,” fueled by the aspiration of offering a vast array of products and services within a spacious environment. During my research into thriving local enterprises, a candid small business owner emphatically declared, “you absolutely cannot name your business that!” This unexpected feedback left me momentarily taken aback, as I was drawn to the straightforward practicality of the name. However, upon returning home, I engaged in deeper contemplation and came to the realization that she was, in fact, correct. Motivated by this insight, I delved further into my creative process and ultimately settled on the name “Eco Now,” a name directly inspired by the profound teachings of the book “Be Here Now” by Baba Ram Dass, encapsulating the essence of immediacy and environmental consciousness that resonated with my business vision.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

At Eco Now, we take pride in curating a diverse array of locally sourced products meticulously chosen to align with our sustainable ethos. These products, ranging from refillable options such as laundry soap and shampoo to an assortment of plastic-free alternatives, constitute a deliberate effort to empower our community in choosing a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Our commitment extends beyond mere product offerings, as we strive to cultivate an environment that nurtures sustainable practices through education and community engagement.

In the spirit of knowledge-sharing and community empowerment, we host a series of educational classes designed to enrich our patrons with insights into various sustainable practices. These classes cover a spectrum of topics, including composting techniques, greywater management strategies, do-it-yourself hacks for sustainable living, and an array of other enlightening subjects. The aim is not only to provide our customers with sustainable products but to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate environmentally conscious practices into their daily lives.

Furthermore, recognizing the importance of responsible waste management, our stores offer comprehensive recycling services. This initiative is a testament to our holistic approach to sustainability, ensuring that not only are our products environmentally friendly, but the entire lifecycle of our offerings is considered, from sourcing to disposal. By providing recycling services within our premises, we aim to close the loop on sustainable living, encouraging our community to actively participate in the circular economy and reduce their ecological footprint.

In essence, our establishment is more than a store—it’s a hub for sustainable living. We believe that by offering accessible and educational resources, we contribute to a collective movement towards a greener, more environmentally conscious future. Through our carefully curated product selection, informative classes, and recycling services, we aspire to foster a community that not only embraces an eco-friendly lifestyle but actively engages in the ongoing journey towards a sustainable and harmonious coexistence with our planet.

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

Embarking on a new chapter, we’re thrilled to announce the inception of our wholesale line dedicated to upcycling textiles into a range of high-quality, reusable home goods, particularly focusing on kitchen and bathroom towels. This venture has been a culmination of considerable effort and passion, reflecting our deep commitment to sustainable practices, transparency in production, and a steadfast resolve to make a positive impact on our local environment.

One of the hallmarks of our wholesale line is the meticulous sourcing and manufacturing process that takes place right here in California. By keeping our production local, we not only support the regional economy but also ensure that our customers receive products of the highest quality, crafted with care and attention to detail. This decision reflects our dedication to maintaining transparency throughout the entire production chain, allowing our customers to trace the journey of each item from its origin to their homes.

Beyond the pride we take in the quality of our products, our commitment to sustainability is a driving force behind our upcycling initiative. By repurposing textiles into reusable home goods, we actively contribute to waste reduction efforts and play a role in diverting materials from landfills. This not only aligns with our environmental values but also resonates with the growing awareness and demand for products that prioritize both quality and eco-friendliness.

In addition to the environmental benefits, our focus on transparency ensures that customers can make informed choices about the products they bring into their homes. We believe that by sharing the story behind each item, from its origin as discarded textiles to its transformation into a functional and stylish home essential, we foster a sense of connection and responsibility in our customer base.

As we embark on this exciting journey, our wholesale line stands as a testament to our vision of a more sustainable and conscientious future. We look forward to not only providing high-quality, locally sourced, and upcycled home goods but also inspiring a community of consumers who share our passion for environmental stewardship and a commitment to making choices that benefit both people and the planet.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Maintaining a positive and vibrant atmosphere within our team is at the core of our values, and one of the key strategies we employ to achieve this is by actively fostering a culture of open communication. We understand that an engaged and motivated team is essential for both individual and collective success. To achieve this, we place a strong emphasis on encouraging questions and feedback as a means of empowering every team member to contribute to our shared goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.econowca.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/eco.now.ca
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eco.now.ca
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eco-now
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/econow
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0_Z_w311y9ZGFAvmoWHs9Q
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/eco-now-anaheim-anaheim