If you’ve ever felt disheartened about the state of the environment or what you can do to help; you need to plan a trip to the Wholesum Refillery Shoppe in Kentville where owners Rachael Butcher & Krista McDonald put the fun in sustainability. Their storefront is full of beautiful, low-waste and eco-friendly products, but what you notice first is the warm welcome and upbeat attitude you’re greeted with. And if you have the luck to visit on a day when they’re both in the shop, you’ll see how much fun they have together in their business!

Krista and Rachael have been best friends since childhood and their bond is obvious. As is their commitment to filling the shop with gorgeous products that also happen to be low waste, plastic free and primarily Canadian made. In addition to the numerous refill products, you can find cosmetics and personal care items, giftware, home goods and so much more.

In the refill space customers can purchase bulk goods ranging from laundry detergent, dish soap and household cleaners to shampoo, lotion and hand soap. You can bring your own clean containers to fill or purchase a container at the store (they often have extra recycled containers on hand). Why refill you might ask? You not only save a container, but you also save money! Plus, you can purchase just the amount you need.

How CBDC Hants-Kings Helped

When Rachael and Krista decided to double-down on their friendship and their passion for the environment, they needed support to make their dream a reality. CBDC Hants-Kings provided a First-time Entrepreneur Loan and hands-on support and training through the Self-Employment Program. Financial support helped with things like getting the store space ready and purchasing the equipment and inventory needed to open the doors. The Self Employment program provided structured training on business management topics and regular check-ins with a CBDC business advisor. Wholesum Refillery Shoppe opened its doors in November 2021 in downtown Kentville.

“CBDC Hants-Kings was an integral partner in our journey. We relied on them for resources in researching and developing our business plan and they provided essential support along the way. The day our start-up loan was approved through the CBDC was such an amazing day for us - the moment we knew that our dream was going to become a reality.”

Start with Small Changes

Krista and Rachael are committed to the idea that small changes can make a big impact. They encourage people to make small, sustainable changes and discourage the idea that if you can’t do low-waste or plastic free perfectly, that there’s no point trying.

“It is important to us that everyone feels welcome in our space. We do our best to meet people where they are on their own sustainable path & we strive to offer affordable options.”

They are succeeding in their mission to create a space where individuals can feel good about the products they purchase by shifting some of their purchases to low-waste options. Doing right by the environment and having fun doing it is a recipe for success for the shop and their customers! They are also very involved in the Kentville business community. Their latest endeavor is the Apple Blossom Youth Market coming up on Sunday, June 2. It’s an opportunity to showcase the entrepreneurial spirit and talents of youth 10-21 years of age.

“We are so proud of our community and we love promoting it! Kentville has a rich & vibrant core and events like the Youth Market give us a chance to showcase how much heart our little town has.”

Learn more about Wholesum Refillery on their website https://www.wholesumrefillery.com/ and follow them on social media https://www.facebook.com/wholesumrefilleryshoppe                      https://www.instagram.com/wholesumrefillery