Meet Lilla McPhearson

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Lilla McPhearson. Lilla was introduced to us by the brilliant and talented Julie Smith.

Hi Lilla, we’re so thrilled to have you sharing your story with us today. Maybe we can kick things off by having you introduce yourself to our readers? We’d love to have you go into your story and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve always been a bit eclectic and open to uncoventional ideas. And, as a Gemini, I crave change and variety. I sometimes feel there is not enough time to experience everything that interests me, which is why I have such a colorful resume! I have lived in small cities, large cities, off-grid in a cabin in the mountains, and briefly in an RV while traveling solo with two cats. It was while living the RV lifestyle that I envisioned the idea for starting this business. At the time, I was only planning to do an online retail business that I could work and maintain from the road while satisfying my need for wanderlust. However, due to life circumstances, I sold the RV and went back to traditional living in a ‘sticks and bricks’ with all the bills and obligations that entails. I considered going back to the 9 to 5 corporate world for a steady paycheck and benefits, but only briefly. I discovered long ago that my free spirit personality was not suited for the corporate, conventional world. So, I proceeded with my original idea of creating an online retail business that would offer eco-friendly, sustainable products for daily living, and thus Conscious Living was born. Not long after I launched my online business, I stumbled upon the whole bulk refill concept. Knowing that business model would require a physical brick and mortar location, I set up shop in a community-style market in downtown Colorado Springs to get my feet wet and see if my community would be receptive. People were not only receptive, they were thrilled to have plastic-free options and refillable products in bulk! After seven months at that location, I was presented with the opportunity to open my own storefront in the heart of Old Colorado City, which is where you can find me now. My mission with Conscious Living is to advocate for a more mindful way of living, by offering people solutions that reduce their carbon footprint. While it may not be possible for everyone to obtain a zero-waste lifestyle, it is most definitely possible for us all to create less waste. It’s no secret that our earth is drowning in plastic waste and disposable packaging. I believe it’s time to get back to the basics that do less harm to our environment and to our health.

Please tell us more about your brand, Conscious Living Shop
At Conscious Living, we offer everyday solutions and substitutions that replace the wasteful single-use products. We carry things like bamboo toothbrushes and dental floss, reusable straws and utensils, handmade napkins and dishcloths, food wraps and alpaca dryer balls. What sets us apart from others in the area is that we also offer bulk refill options for bath/body and home care. We stock products that are environmentally-friendly, cruelty-free and vegan. Some of our refill offerings include shampoo, conditioner, lotion, shower gel, bar soap, hand soap, laundry soap, dish soap, all-purpose cleaner, toothpaste, deodorant, and facial care products. We even offer three flavors of locally-made kombucha on tap! Customers simply bring in their own containers or purchase ones in the store, weigh the empty containers, fill with products, and pay by the weighted ounce. They may fill as little or as much as they want. It’s a perfect way to try just a little of something before committig to a whole bottle. I would say that I am most proud of the relationships I have formed with like-minded people through this endeavor, and being able to promote and offer products created by other local, small businesses. You will find quite a few locally-made products in the shop, and I am always on the look-out for more!

So, as we mentioned to our audience earlier, you were introduced to us by Julie Smith and Aspire Colorado, LLC and we really admire them and what they’ve built. For folks who might not be as familiar, can you tell them a bit about your experience with Aspire Colorado, LLC.
I have been working with Julie since the early days of Conscious Living. When searching for local products to carry in the store, I came across Aspire Colorado and reached out to Julie. Back then, as a new business, it was sometimes difficult to get a response from manufacturers, but Julie was quick to respond and happy to provide options for us. It has been such a pleasure working with another woman-owned business who truly walks the talk of sustainable living! Julie runs a zero waste/zero energy production facility that is just 60 miles from our shop, and she oftentimes will personally deliver our products in her Tesla electric vehicle! The lip balms we order are packaged in compostable paper tubes, the lotion bars are packaged in reusable metal tins, and the liquid soaps and spray deodorants come in returnable and refillable containers. And when she does have to ship us an order, everything is pacakaged in paper – no plastic waste! Julie’s commitment to researching, sourcing, making and providing products that are organic and environmentally responsible is quite admirable. Plus, she makes really amazing and affordable products that work! She is even happy to custom-scent products upon request, which is not always an option with other suppliers. Our motto at Consious Living is “every choice makes an impact” and I am so grateful that by working with Julie we are able to create a positive impact for people and the planet.

Website: consciouslivingshop.com

Instagram: @consciouslivingshop

Facebook: @consciouslivingshop

Other: 2616 W. Colorado Avenue, #9 Colorado Springs, CO 80904 719-646-7734

Image Credits
Lilla McPhearson