Today we’d like to introduce you to Sylvana Lopez
Hi Sylvana, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
We started to become more concious about our products that we were using when our oldest child was born 11 years ago, he had severe eczema and my husband and I were looking into more natural, organic and safer products. My husband, and my 3 other kids ( I have 4 in total) all suffer from eczema. I also have a skin condition that I’ve learned doesn’t react as bad with i use products with more natural ingredients, and less fragrances. Our family also likes to buy food in bulk bins, refilling on what we need, where we can. About 5 years ago I had approached my husband about opening up a refillery, and he didn’t quite think it was a right time, so we had put a pin in it. We have a couple refillery stores down South, but we didn’t find ourselves heading out that way very often. At the beginning of 2024, I had thrown the idea out to my husband again about the refillery, and this time he thought it was a good time to try it out. We had spoken to our friends and families who were supportive of the ideas, and they had helped us with any and all information on how to get started, so we took the plunge and we opened up out little shop inside The Monarch in June of this year!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Neither my husband and I have ran a business before, so it’s been a steep learning curve. Luckily we have friends and family who have guided us, through all the intricacies of running a business. We knew what worked for us, but we needed to learn what our customers liked and wanted,
We also did not take out a loan to start the business, so bringing in new products at times was difficult because if we didn’t have any sales, then we had no money to reinvest into the buinsess.
Also, getting your name out there is extremely hard!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Eco Location?
Our business focuses on providing Eco friendly and sustainable alternatives to single use plastics. We stress the importance of making a switch to a more reusable option in order to keep more waste out of the landfills. We provide dish soaps, hand soap, cleaners, laundry detergents and powders, along with shampoos, conditioners and body washes all for refill. You can bring any kind of container you have from home, (we also have some to buy in store) and fill the product you’re most interested in, and you pay only for the product. We also offer biodegradable brushes, and scrubs, and even floss!
We hand make reusable snack bags, face cleaner wipes, face tissues and cloth towels. All items are made with 100% cotton materials and thread, so at the end of their life they can be composted.
We also strive to use the highest quality ingredients for the health of our customers and environment, all while keeping the prices affordable.
We are proud to offer our customers healthier, natural. organic and refillable options for their home and body care needs.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My mom, and step dad, Julio. They have been so supportive, and really believe in our mission and have invested in our company to make sure when we first opened up our doors, we had product on our shelves. They will spend time with our children (their grandkids) so that we may be able to participate in markets.
My older brother, Robert and my sister in law Reide. They have been monumental in our growth. They have helped us decorate our stores, try our products and give feedback. They also have introduced us to a lot of people, and have helped us make a lot of connections within the community. They are always available to listen to our problems that we run into, and answer any questions we might have.
My twin brother, Marvin and my sister in law, Celcie. They give us great feedback on products, ideas, and are supportive of our business and they also share with friends and family
My dad, he has been supportive in giving feedback on products, spreading the word about our business to his friends and co workers and connecting us with individuals.
My friend, Jessica, she has given us some much information, that she has learned by having had multiple small businesses. She has helped us with making videos and taking pictures for our social media, she has helped get our products into the hands of other people for them to try, and she also hypes our business up.
Deann and Rebecca from The Ogdennite who have helped us by supporting our business and also introducing us to people, and appreciating what we are bringing to Ogden City.
Susan Synder who recommend us for this feature!
And last but not least, Our customers! They’re support, and feedback has helped make positive changes and we hope that we can continue to grow along side them and get to know more of our community members! (Ogdenites)
Pricing:
- Powder laundry soap- .50 oz
- Castille soap (Eco Location brand) -.50 oz
- Organic, vegan lotion bars- $12
- Sinus soother shower tablets-$2
- Fabric towel rolls-$18
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Theecolocation.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theecolocation/profilecard/?igsh=MThzeXRwaTVsam92ZQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/G7X7s6dHx97DgG7S/
