We were lucky to catch up with Valerie Voorhees recently and have shared our conversation below.
Valerie, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
In some ways I have always considered myself a natural optimist. However, when I think about where this comes from, it has likely come from overcoming tough times. When you deal with challenges, beat them, and later see they weren’t so bad, you naturally become more positive about the next obstacle. It’s like realizing you can handle anything that comes your way.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Ever since graduating from UCSB 20 years ago, I dreamed of coming back and making my life here. In addition to the beautiful landscape and atmosphere, I have always found there to be a culture of community connection that I strongly craved. When my family and I finally returned a few years back, I began to experience two strong callings. The first was to build something rooted in the community and support the people I lived alongside. The second was to do something that gave back to the place itself. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to return, and I believe that practicing gratitude includes taking action. If you love a place, you should take action to support and improve it in any way you can.
At the time I returned to Santa Barbara, I was nearly 20 years deep into a corporate marketing career that I enjoyed. Given my experience and accomplishments, I felt confident I could take a few years to try something new. I opened Mission Refill in November of 2023. The refillery store concept is widespread but hadn’t taken hold in Santa Barbara. I had been a big advocate and patron of stores like this and thought I could bring this concept to my local neighborhood.
Our store is designed with our community as the key stakeholder, from the Santa Barbara-inspired interior colors to the transparency about our supply chain. We aim to make our space welcoming, educational, optimistic, and fun. And all of that is done in service to the environment as well. We curate clean, environmentally-friendly, and sustainably-packaged goods, and offer dozens of products in bulk refills, so our customers can feel good about what they bring into their homes and put into their bodies.
I’m especially proud that since opening, I was chosen to be a participant in the LEAD Goleta Community Academy, designed to help community members better understand the role that local government plays so that they can effectively participate, share that knowledge with others, and possibly even consider a future role in city governance.
I also recently collaborated with a local artist, Blaise Danio, whose work blends artistry and environmental consciousness seamlessly. This collaboration was not just about adding a mural to our space; it was about sharing a vision for a cleaner, more vibrant future, and we are thrilled to have Blaise bring her talent to our space.
Finally, I serve as the Sustainability Chair on my six-year-old son’s elementary school PTA. The committee champions the school’s designation as an Ocean Guardian School and is also launching a pilot program whereby we will introduce reusable cutlery to the school to eliminate plastic utensil waste.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and son outdoors on nature walks or hikes, playing games, or cooking something new. I love to read, travel, and play soccer.
If you had to pick two qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back in think one quality that has been impactful of my journey is my sense of community connection and engagement. Whenever I have sought out connection in my local community, I have always found ways to make an impact. And, even though they seems small they do make a difference. Whether is has been joining my local neighborhood clean-up crew when I lived in Anaheim or joining my son’s PTA as the sustainability committee chair. These small changes make it seem like anything is possible. My advice is to find a local group that you are passionate about and actively seek opportunity to connect and contribute. Attend local events, shop local, find community groups and participate in initiatives that align with your interests.
Another quality is my entrepreneurial instincts. When I was growing up my parents owned a local pizza place in my hometown. I loved seeing my parents create a third place for their community. Post season pizza parties, regular Friday-night hang outs and birthday gatherings were the norm. I’ve always enjoyed most the jobs where I can help build systems from the ground up or when I’ve started my own business. I consulted for many years before building a content marketing agency and managing a team of 7 people. My advice is to be open to exploring new opportunities and don’t be afraid to pivot in your career. Identify areas where you can make a unique contribution and leverage your skills and experience to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m always seeking opportunities to collaborate with like-minded businesses. Currently, I’m interested in networking with small business owners who are eager to incorporate clean and plastic-free products into their operations. For instance, spas in search of an eco-friendly laundry alternative or gyms in need of a non-toxic equipment cleaner. I’m also keen on connecting with local artisans who craft environmentally friendly products that are not packaged in plastic and are open to selling their items in bulk. Closed-loop suppliers, or those committed to reusing their packaging, are a definite bonus! Additionally, I welcome collaborations with other refill store owners. At present, our stores operate independently, lacking the advantages of economies of scale. However, if any other stores are interested in partnering on projects, count me in as a willing participant.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.missionrefill.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missionrefill
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MissionRefillShop
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mission-refill-goleta
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@missionrefill
Image Credits
Picture with me in it is Anthony Barro. The rest are David Voorhees.
