Introducing Greenbriar Market + Refillery, a remarkable local business nestled in the heart of Calgary. With a strong focus on promoting natural and sustainable products, they have quickly become a go-to destination for conscious consumers. By supporting local vendors and offering a diverse range of goods, Greenbriar Market + Refillery has become a beacon for those looking to make healthier choices for themselves and the environment. We spoke with their co-founder Mathew Beaudoin to find out about their mission, unique offerings, and the passion behind their commitment to fostering a mindful and eco-friendly community.
What is your business called and what does it do?
We are Greenbriar Market + Refillery – We focus on natural and sustainable goods for you and your home. We try to be a local first company and showcase over 20 vendors local to Calgary and area with all but one of the remaining vendors being Canadian.
What made you want to do this work?
Wanting to do something that made a tangible impact on people’s health while supporting local businesses.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
We struggled in our own lives to try to source sustainable and natural products where we didn’t have to get them shipped in or buy a year’s supply to make them cost-effective. What you put in and around your body is just as important as what you put in it.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Anyone who is taking note of what they are consuming and subjecting themselves and their families to. At Greenbriar Market + Refillery, we have everything from local handmade pottery to bulk refill personal care products so we service a wide cross-section of the population. We even have a shave shop and beard care line.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
Our retail location services Calgary and the surrounding area but we also have online sales across Canada. In addition to our retail we have a ton of fun and unique workshops hosted by local artisans and makers.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
Our Storefront is located in Montgomery at 4535 Bowness Rd NW (a block east of Notable) or you can visit our website.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
There is no one best question other than maybe “Where do I begin?”. All of our products exist in our store because we have tried them and loved them. If it’s not something we’ve tried we have made our friends and family test subjects. Our goal is to show people how one choice at a time is the easiest way to adjust your lifestyle. Don’t throw things away – just bring them in for a refill when the jug is empty.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part is definitely working with so many awesome local vendors and helping them get their goods in front of the pretty awesome community we are in. The people of Bowness and Montgomery have certainly welcomed us to the neighbourhood with open arms.
The worst part is when we set up a workshop or vendor showcase and we don’t get enough signups. As a maker it is brave to put yourself out there so when we don’t get people signing up to learn, it’s a tough thing to tell them.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
Everyone kind of has this mentality that Eco-Freindly is granola-munching hippies so we get a lot of people who come into our store and go “Oh wow! it’s actually really pretty and stylish in here.” So to us that is our inside joke – The only “dirty hipster” here is our Routine Deodorant Scent.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Instagram | Facebook
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
