Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Davila, Co-Owner Kim Kocak, Co-Owner.
Hi Leslie Davila, Co-Owner, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Years ago Leslie discovered a shampoo that she loved but only came in an 8 oz bottle. As she repurchased the product she was frustrated at the waste of the bottle, wishing she could just refill the product itself and reduce the waste. This sparked the idea of creating a space where people could refill products, using their own containers. After some research Leslie discovered that shops like this, often called “refilleries”, did exist, though in small numbers. She started to poll friends on the idea and continued to dream.
In the Fall of 2022 Leslie met Kim, through our sets of kids who were both in the same class. There was a pretty instant and meaningful connection that led to a deep friendship. As we connected over shared values and interests, Leslie shared her idea with Kim about a refill shop. Kim was enthusiastic about Leslie moving forward with the idea and thought it was so brilliant and so important for communities to have a trusted space to access needed resources in this refill manner! Through continued conversation, idea-sharing, etc. Kim eventually asked Leslie if she’d be interested in moving this idea forward in partnership. Over a “cheers” at Reunion (a local restaurant) we decided to, in partnership, launch Homebody Refill Market!
Both Leslie and Kim come from a professional background in education so there has been a lot of learning and growing throughout building a business from the ground up. Between Leslie and Kim’s complimenting skills, strengths, and experience, we were able to leverage our partnership to open doors in April 2024.
Homebody Refill Market has been open just over a year and the support form the community has been unbelievably incredible! We’re filled with gratitude and appreciation to all who have embraced REFILL!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Going into business with a friend is both a joy and a challenge. It is truly so fun and so hard! We’re continually working to ensure that we are holding space for both our professional relationship and our personal friendship. While those two things obviously are deeply connected and intertwined, we’re consciously making space to nurture both. That’s been a journey we have been mindful of since the beginning.
Much like new parents talking non-stop about kids, it’s easy to let business talk overshadow everything else. We work to honor “friend time” where we talk families, interests, thrifty-treasure finds and leave the business out. Also, in that same vein, we have defined business meetings where that time is used to focus on business needs and accomplish our collective to-dos. Being intentional about specific space for both professional and personal has been really important to us.
In addition, we’ve had to figure out how to PARTNER and co-own this business. We quickly learned that we both did not need to be “in the weeds” on all aspects of the business. While we both need to be informed and a part of major decisions, it quickly became apparent that we need to define our roles and some lead areas of responsibility so that we were able to compliment one another’s contributions rather than complicate them. We have worked to lean into the strengths of our individualities in order to build a strong unit and trust one another when it comes to an area of conviction or expertise.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Homebody Refill Market?
Homebody Refill Market is a marketplace for refillable, low-waste cleaning products and personal care goods in Northfield, MN. We’re a space encouraging waste reduction and better care for our earth through refillable and low-waste options. We provide quality, effective, and eco-friendly products in an inclusive, community-based environment.
We create a cozy experience at Homebody, one that makes you feel welcomed and embraced.
We offer clean products with ingredients that are healthy and safe for you and our planet.
We source from brands that are conscious about providing products with a low impact on our environment.
We work with many local makers to stock incredible, MN-made products as well as produce some high-quality products of our own (Cleaning Bombs, Scouring Powder, Cream Cleaner, Magnesium Spray, Beard Oil, etc.). We also source throughout the USA/Canada to ensure products have quality, ethical ingredients that are effective! Our suppliers are closed loop so the bladders and buckets that supply product are able to be sent back to the producer and kept in circulation.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Come and visit us at 211 Division Street South, Northfield, MN!
And if we’re not accessible to you, look for other refilleries and low-waste shops in your area. They’re incredible resources and great communities!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.homebodyrefillmarket.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/homebodyrefillmarket
