An Accidental Journey Into Sustainable Entrepreneurship | Kelly Murphy | Founder of Refillery LA

Kelly Murphy never planned on becoming an entrepreneur, but a trip around the world changed everything. After seeing the impact of waste in some of the most beautiful places on Earth, she returned home determined to make it easier for people to live with less plastic. As the founder of Refillery LA, Kelly brings zero waste living to neighborhoods across Los Angeles with her mobile refill station for cleaning, personal care, and household products. She shares how the business began, why cutting plastic matters for both the planet and our health, and the small, practical steps that can make a big difference. This conversation is full of insight on sustainable entrepreneurship, climate action, and how each of us can create change right where we are. 00:00 The true cost of cheap products 01:00 Introducing Kelly Murphy and Refill LA 03:00 From corporate life to zero-waste entrepreneurship 05:00 First customers, early struggles, and community support 07:00 Why refilling isn’t mainstream yet 08:00 What you can actually refill at home 09:00 Misconceptions about going zero waste 10:00 Serving Los Angeles and opening a brick-and-mortar store 11:00 How COVID forced a business pivot 12:00 Personal zero-waste lifestyle changes 13:00 Educating the community through workshops 14:00 Plastic, oil, and the bigger picture 15:00 Beach cleanups and the reality of styrofoam 16:00 Microplastics and why we must “turn off the tap” 17:00 Local legislation and policy shifts on plastics 18:00 Incentives for businesses and consumers 19:00 Climate anxiety and how to manage it 21:00 Books and documentaries on zero waste and toxins 23:00 The hidden dangers of “fragrance” and chemicals 24:00 Women’s influence and unconditional support 26:00 What “powerful” and “lady” mean together 27:00 Why women lead change in homes and communities 29:00 Perseverance and the strength of being told “no” 30:00 The small but growing refill business community 31:00 Rethinking business: success without exploitation 32:00 Conserving resources and learning from the past 33:00 The average American’s daily trash footprint 34:00 Living with more intention and less distraction 35:00 Mindful meals and gratitude practices 36:00 The realities of entrepreneurship 37:00 COVID challenges and building resilience 38:00 Powerful Ladies Scale: today vs. average 39:00 Where to find and support Refill LA 40:00 Closing reflections and gratitude The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices