Meet Lilla McPhearson of Conscious Living IN IN Colorado Springs!

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lilla McPhearson.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always been rather unconventional and eclectic. I’m a little bit hippie, a little bit gypsy, and a little bit crunchy granola tree-hugger rolled into one! And, I’m a Gemini, so 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 at the Pikes Peak Market in downtown Colorado Springs. After seven months at the Pikes Peak Market, 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.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’m not sure there is any such thing as a smooth road when it comes to entrepreneurship! However, after owning several businesses throughout my adult life, I will say I think this has been one of the easiest to create. I believe the reason being is that I am doing something I really enjoy and am very passionate about, and I have connected with an amazing community of like-minded people who “get it.” I have created a niche market business, which in itself can be challenging because it may only appeal to a certain demographic of people. It was a little scary diving into a business model that wasn’t already in existence in Colorado Springs. I remember questioning myself about whether this would actually work here and wondering why someone else hadn’t already started such a business. I’ve definitely had my share of sleepless nights wondering about the hows, whys, and what-ifs that go into starting and owning a business—most specifically related to finances, marketing, and inventory management.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Conscious Living story. Tell us more about the business.
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. Recycling is important, but it is not the only solution. The real impact begins with being conscious of our purchases. I can honestly say that I do not purchase anything without first considering how it can be disposed of. If it’s recyclable, great. But, if there is an alternative that is also biodegradable and/or compostable, even better! So, to that end, I offer everyday solutions and substitutions that replace the wasteful disposable products such as bamboo toothbrushes, reusable straws, utensils, handmade napkins and dishcloths, food wraps and covers, produce and shopping bags, and food carriers. What sets my business apart from others in the area is that I offer bulk refill options for bath/body and home care. I carry products that are environmentally-friendly, cruelty-free and vegan. Current offerings include shampoo, conditioner, lotion, shower gel, bar soap, hand soap, laundry soap, dish soap, all-purpose cleaner, window cleaner, toothpaste, tooth powder, deodorant, and facial care products. I even offer three flavors of locally-made kombucha on tap! Customers simply bring in their own containers or purchase ones in the store, fill the containers with a product, and pay by the ounce. They may fill as little or as much as they want, and the only requirement regarding reusing containers is they must be clean. 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 local small businesses. You will find quite a few locally-made products in my shop, and I am always on the look-out for more!

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t know if I believe in luck. I think life is made up of experiences from which we are meant to learn lessons. Some lessons are harder to learn than others, for sure. I do believe that our thoughts and our choices contribute to our reality and can color our experiences in good or bad ways. Looking back, I can pinpoint times in my life and in my business when the outcomes were favorable or unfavorable based on my own attitude and my choices. Some may call it luck; I call it life lessons. In the end, I think it’s really all about just being kind and forgiving to ourselves and others. We are all just muddling through the best we can!

Contact Info:

• Address: 2616 W. Colorado Avenue #9
  Colorado Springs, CO 80904
• Website: consciouslivingshop.com
• Phone: 719-205-7917
• Email: consciouslivingshop@gmail.com
• Instagram: @consciouslivingshop
• Facebook: /consciouslivingshop

Image Credit:
Satomi Shigemori

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