Meet Thea Pauley | Business Owner & Environmentalist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Thea Pauley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Thea, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Our transparency has brought us the most success. When it comes to zero waste stores, I think the most common question is, how do we source our products to create zero waste. We have created quality relationships with local brands that allow us to close the loop, creating no waste. We purchase anything from 5 gallons to 55 gallons of hand soap, laundry soap, and dish soap, and when we sell out, we refill the drum with the companies, this is what we call a closed loop. This is just one example of our transparency and authenticity to our cause.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I started Eco Now from scratch beginning in 2019 and have since then grown the operation substantially. I run 4 stores sprinkled in the Orange County, Inland Empire regions. I am most excited Eco Now is a reliable, consistent resource for our community to practice eco-friendly, and non-toxic living. Starting and growing this business has not been easy, it has been the opposite, it has been very challenging and grueling. I have learned many lessons, most importantly, be honest, be fair, set boundaries, and be kind. I would like for people to know that I started and built this business out of sheer passion and honest intention to create a better community. Our goal is not only to have successful business but to build a stronger, more in touch community, a community in touch with one another and the planet.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would start in Laguna Beach, my favorite city, where you can explore art, pristine beaches, and our newest Eco Now location. Then I would venture to Costa Mesa at The LAB Anti-Mall where you can find more art, and independent retailers. Finally, I would take a few days exploring Anaheim. There are so many great restaurants and retailers in the Anaheim area, as well as concerts, amusement parks, and more. Laguna Beach, Anaheim, and Costa Mesa, are all home to an Eco Now store as well, I would definitely want to show my friends and family the different Eco Now stores and the amazing surrounding areas that complement them!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are three books that changed my life, I read and re-read them for years before starting my own business. The first is, Be Here Now by Baba Ram Dass. This book taught me how to be present and find fulfillment in the moment. The second is, The A New Earth, Awakening to your Life’s Purpose, by Eckhardt Tolle, this book taught me non-judgment, non-attachment, and non-expectation, I learned that life gives you what you need, when you need it. This book also taught me about taking risks and trusting the process. Finally, Tony Robbins, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People taught me discipline and perseverance through organization. I would attribute much of my success to these books.

Website: www.econowca.com

Instagram: @eco.now.ca

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eco-now

Twitter: https://twitter.com/econowca

Facebook: @eco.now.ca

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/eco-now-anaheim-anaheim

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0_Z_w311y9ZGFAvmoWHs9Q