WOKINGHAM’S first zero waste shop will be opening in this spring.
Maya Gheorghe, owner of Maya’s Refillables, is taking residence in Peach Place, and expanding her offering to customers.
Her business has grown since June 2019, when she started at Wokingham Market, and later Woodley Market as well.
In her first month trading, Ms Gheorghe refilled 375 containers with products such as detergent and toiletries. This has now grown to around 1,600 containers per month.
Her stock list also includes bamboo toothbrushes, loofahs, loose soap and reusable makeup removal pads that have no plastic in their composition or packaging.
Ms Gheorghe said: “I turned my life around to set up my business from scratch. It’s been challenging but so rewarding at the same time.
“I get to follow my passion, be creative, and continually explore new opportunities within the zero waste, sustainability arena.
“While I’m not going to say I’ve reached my goal, as there could be so much more to come, I’ve reached a major target of opening my Refill shop here in the place where I first started.”
Ms Gheorghe thanked her loyal customers, who have embraced her business, tried her products and provided feedback.
She added; “Behind the scenes, there is a small network of great people helping me and I am also thankful for Wokingham Town Council who gave me an opportunity and supported me on my journey.”
The new premises in Peach Place will provide the space for Ms Gheorghe to expand her range of zero waste sustainable goods.
She also wants it to become a sustainable community hub, where residents and other sustainability champions can get together.
It will also host talks and workshops on green initiatives.
Wokingham town mayor, Cllr Tony Lack said: “Our market has a long and proud history with a wonderful mix of established traders and new enterprises. We are always keen to support new businesses, see them flourish and spread their wings.
“Maya has done just that. Her positivity, can-do attitude, and desire to help the planet one refill at a time has enabled her business to expand across other markets, online and now into a retail store here in town.
“We would like to thank Maya for putting her faith in our town and we wish her every success for the future.”
The new shop is currently being fitted out, and Maya’s Refillables is continuing to trade at both Wokingham and Woodley Markets during this time.
She will also carry on with her online shop and zero emissions deliveries.
Ms Gheorghe is at Wokingham Market on a Friday and Saturday, from 8.45am until 2.30pm, and at Woodley Market on the first and third Wednesday of the month, from 8.45am until 1.30pm.
Her shop is available at: mayasrefillables.com
