The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Minimal lifestyle at the core of Perthshire shop
GOING GREEN: Learning about plastic pollution led Kaja Ekiert to open zero waste store Handam Refill Station in Pitlochry
Q. How and why did you start in business?
In early 2017 I came across the term zero waste online – it caught my interest and prompted me to do more research. I quickly learned more about plastic pollution, climate changes and minimal lifestyles and we started our adventure toward zero waste at home.
This soon made me realise that there were no businesses in Perthshire that offer dry goods like pastas and rice without packaging or where I can bring my own containers. So I decided to start one up.
Q. How did you get to where you are today?
I started small with five food products and a simple website and online store. I attended a few local markets and started spreading the word and holding regular pop-up shops.
It was my local community, friends and family and their continuous support, encouragement – and some of my own determination – that helped me grow the business.
Q. Who has helped you along the way?
I received a lot of help in the very early stages from enterprise support organisation Growbiz and from Business Gateway and they continue to be an amazing help, support and source of knowledge.
Those close to me have been a fantastic help – my family and friends have supported me from the start.
I will also always be grateful to the community in Pitlochry and Aberfeldy, and other entrepreneurs for their input and support, without whom I would not be able to get where I am now.
Q. What was your biggest mistake?
To be honest, I can’t think of any major mistakes and all the minor mistakes that I have made just helped me improve the business in one way or another.
Q. What do you hope to achieve in the future?
I dream big and have lots of ideas. But for now I’m hoping to be able to provide a regular shopping place in Aberfeldy and Pitlochry.
Q. What is the hardest thing about running your own business? Trying to balance my work and my personal life.
Q. Any advice to wannabe entrepreneurs?
Be open minded and flexible.
You never know what great opportunities might be out there waiting for you once you start.
It is good to be able to change and adapt your plans accordingly.
Q. How do you relax?
Just getting out of the house with my kids – a simple walk, a visit to the playground or a day trip.