Refill Interview: Cara, Shine Market (Encinitas)
This blog post is part of our Refill interview series. In April 2026 I interviewed four, local, refill shop owners for an article in Edible San Diego magazine. I found these interviews to be insightful and impactful, so I think it is important to share them in their entirety since the article could only feature small pieces.
Interview with Cara
Was there a specific experience or realization that inspired you to open a refill shop?
Yes, a growing awareness of how much everyday packaging waste adds up, and a desire to offer a more sustainable way for our community to shop
How has your original vision for the shop evolved since you first opened your doors?
We started with a simple goal of reducing waste and having clean, natural products, but it’s grown into something bigger. This community-focused space blends sustainability, wellness, and education, while evolving our product mix to meet what our customers truly want and have fun while we do it!
What is one of your biggest challenges? And something you want your customers to know.
One of our biggest challenges is balancing growth while staying true to our values, keeping products clean, sustainable, and thoughtfully sourced, while managing rising costs. We try to pay our staff well and be a good member of our community.
Do you find your typical customer is already an environmentalist, or are you seeing more "curious newcomers"?
We definitely see both. Many customers come in and just want to make one small change or are just curious, and over time, they become more intentional and excited to bring in their jars to refill. It’s really about making sustainability feel approachable.
Are there any memorable interactions you’d like to share?
One that stands out is when a customer came in just curious about one small swap, and over time, we watched them slowly change their habits, coming back excited to share what they’d replaced next. Seeing that kind of gradual shift, and knowing we played a small part in it, is incredibly meaningful to us. A lot of times, people are also surprised by how economical it is to refill their products. So are we!
How do you decide which items to stock and what is the sourcing like?
We’re very intentional about what we bring in. We look for products that align with our values, clean ingredients, sustainable packaging, and thoughtful, responsible sourcing, and we prioritize working with brands that are local and women-owned.
Why are refill and plastic free options important?
Refill and plastic-free options are important because they reduce single-use waste, lower environmental impact, and help shift everyday habits toward more sustainable consumption. They also encourage people to buy only what they need, which is better for both the planet and long-term cost savings. It's also so much healthier for us; we are just starting to realize the effects of microplastics in our food and in our bodies.
What would you say to someone who is interested in shopping at a refill store but doesn’t know where to start?
I’d say start small and don’t overthink it, bring in one container or pick one easy swap, like soap, spices, or pantry staples. It’s not about doing everything at once, it’s about building new habits over time in a way that feels simple and realistic. One small step at a time.
What is the one item people come in for most, and what is the one item you wish they bought more of?
One common item more people are leaning into is cleaning and household refills, because they make a huge impact in reducing single-use plastic and are just as easy to switch to once people try them.
Do you stock any food items, and if so, why is shopping bulk bins for food important?
Yes, we do carry food items. Shopping in bulk bins for food is important because it reduces packaging waste, allows people to buy only what they need, and often results in fresher, higher-quality products. It also makes everyday staples more accessible while supporting a more sustainable, low-waste way of shopping.
Anything else you’d like to share?
What we’d really want to share is that this is a community effort. Every refill, every small swap, and every question someone brings in helps move things forward. We hope that people feel like they can start wherever they are, there’s no “perfect” way to do it, just one step at a time.
Make sure to check out more content by Edible San Diego magazine!