Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Tannis and Mara Bundi, founders of The Green Jar Incorporated, located in Toronto, ON, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

The Green Jar is an eco-friendly, package-free refillery. Our mission is to eliminate the need to buy single-use plastics by offering package-free products that are compostable, recyclable, biodegradable, or can be re-purposed in a way that supports a circular economy. Our refillery offers safe, plant-based options for home and care products in bulk form, giving the consumer the freedom to buy just what they need, thereby reducing household waste.

We sell bulk toothpaste, deodorant, shower gels, concentrated cleaning supplies, and more. Our customers range from young students living on their own for the first time to new families looking for a healthier option to eco-warriors that are experienced in all things sustainable and are happy to have us as an option.

Tell us about yourself

We have been eco-conscious since the '70s. Our mother always shopped in bulk in local food co-ops and markets with reusable bags it was the only thing we knew. We composted, upcycled, and made our own products before it was trendy. As young adults, the ubiquitous plastics issue compelled my twin and me to dream about actionable ways that we could contribute. Our mother was an entrepreneur and always encouraged us to be independent and follow our passions in life.

Years of planning led us to a day where we finally quit our careers and opened our refillery in December of 2019. Knowing that there would be more plastic in our oceans than sea life by 2050 rattled us to the bone. We knew we had to do something bigger and bolder than signing petitions and reusing our mason jars. We wanted to propel the movement as a business that could inspire the masses.

Since opening The Green Jar, we are motivated by the people we meet and their experiences. We get so excited when a customer realizes that an eco-friendly lifestyle is attainable. It's also exciting to chat with someone who is skeptical of who we are and what we offer and then realizes we are knowledgeable serious about our mission and that their small part plays a huge role in climate change.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

When the City experienced its first lockdown, my sister, my partner, and I took pictures of everything and created an online store. We then began delivering, offering contactless pickups, and implemented a bottle deposit system. There were some errors, but folks were patient and understanding, and extremely supportive. We had words of encouragement and gratitude slipped into the bags of empties we picked up from our deliveries. My sister Mara and I are very grateful to say that despite a global pandemic, we have survived as a new business that opened just three months before. So many businesses have suffered, and even more, have closed.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

The hardest part so far has been the lack of resources offered to a small business such as ours. We have opted out of volunteers and hires in order to maintain a small bubble amidst COVID-19 and all the variants. As a small business owner, you have many roles and are working long hours. It is a constant struggle to survive and the goal of breaking even in year 2 is no longer a realistic one.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Plan for the unexpected ( Insert global pandemic and plethora of lockdowns, here)
  2. Define your boundaries at work and home. As a small business owner, you will find yourself working 60-80 hour weeks. Schedule time to spend time with yourself, friends, or family.
  3. Keep learning about your skillset by taking courses (because I have loads of free time!), reading books, and through networking.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

If you think you have a strong idea, pursue it. Seek support from a mentor. Pay close attention to your cash flow and avoid unnecessary expenditures. A favourite quote. "Do your little bit of good where you are it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world" Desmond Tutu

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.thegreenjarshop.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegreenjarshop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegreenjarshop/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegreenjarshop

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.