Kelly Murphy never planned on becoming an entrepreneur, but a trip around the world changed everything. After seeing the impact of waste in some of the most beautiful places on Earth, she returned home determined to make it easier for people to live with less plastic. As the founder of Refillery LA, Kelly brings zero waste living to neighborhoods across Los Angeles with her mobile refill station for cleaning, personal care, and household products. She shares how the business began, why cutting plastic matters for both the planet and our health, and the small, practical steps that can make a big difference. This conversation is full of insight on sustainable entrepreneurship, climate action, and how each of us can create change right where we are.

00:00 The true cost of cheap products

01:00 Introducing Kelly Murphy and Refill LA

03:00 From corporate life to zero-waste entrepreneurship

05:00 First customers, early struggles, and community support

07:00 Why refilling isn’t mainstream yet

08:00 What you can actually refill at home

09:00 Misconceptions about going zero waste

10:00 Serving Los Angeles and opening a brick-and-mortar store

11:00 How COVID forced a business pivot

12:00 Personal zero-waste lifestyle changes

13:00 Educating the community through workshops

14:00 Plastic, oil, and the bigger picture

15:00 Beach cleanups and the reality of styrofoam

16:00 Microplastics and why we must “turn off the tap”

17:00 Local legislation and policy shifts on plastics

18:00 Incentives for businesses and consumers

19:00 Climate anxiety and how to manage it

21:00 Books and documentaries on zero waste and toxins

23:00 The hidden dangers of “fragrance” and chemicals

24:00 Women’s influence and unconditional support

26:00 What “powerful” and “lady” mean together

27:00 Why women lead change in homes and communities

29:00 Perseverance and the strength of being told “no”

30:00 The small but growing refill business community

31:00 Rethinking business: success without exploitation

32:00 Conserving resources and learning from the past

33:00 The average American’s daily trash footprint

34:00 Living with more intention and less distraction

35:00 Mindful meals and gratitude practices

36:00 The realities of entrepreneurship

37:00 COVID challenges and building resilience

38:00 Powerful Ladies Scale: today vs. average

39:00 Where to find and support Refill LA

40:00 Closing reflections and gratitude

The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com

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