The First Zero-Waste Local Business in Queens | Behind the Review Ep. 109

How do you build community with your local business? Kayli Kunkel, owner of Earth & Me, shares how she created a business based on her values of sustainability to encourage her community to practice self care while prioritizing zero waste. She also provides her strategies for knowing when to expand and responding to online reviews.

GUESTS
Kayli Kunkel, owner of the first zero-waste store in Queens, New York, Earth & Me, talks about values-based entrepreneurship and making a difference in her community by educating customers about the benefits of caring for themselves and the environment. Kayli is joined by New York Yelp Elite Lina A., who shares why she was attracted to Earth & Me and what keeps her coming back as a paying customer.

TIMESTAMPS
[0:00] Intro
[1:22] How Lina discovered Earth & Me and her customer experience.
[1:54] How Kayli turned her passion for sustainability into a thriving business.
[3:00] The store’s unique atmosphere and sustainability initiatives, including intentionality of sourcing and refilling stations.
[5:15] What Yelp events are and how they connect businesses with their communities. Plus, Lina’s review of Earth & Me and what’s important to her as a consumer.
[8:04] How customer education plays a role in entrepreneurship.
[8:54] Evolving from a side hustle to a brick-and-mortar store as a solopreneur, how to know when to expand, and the importance of community feedback.
[11:11] Earth & Me’s offerings and expansion into a zero-waste business and community garden.
[13:58] The importance of customer service in creating loyal patrons and how to build a team capable of upholding a business’s brand.
[15:30] Insight into the strategy and intentionality of a Yelp Elite reviewer and how Kayli approaches reading and responding to reviews as a business owner.
[18:03] Adapting to customer shopping preferences as an in-person retail store to inspire positive reviews.
[18:54] Lina shares the importance of uploading photos as a reviewer to help other users choose great local businesses.
[20:11] How Kayli uses social media to grow her digital presence and attract new customers, promote products, and provide education.
[20:57] Identifying on Yelp as a woman-owned business and how it impacts community relationships.
[23:27] The power of customers and businesses engaging with one another to create meaningful relationships and lasting community support that benefits everyone.

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MORE ON OUR GUEST
https://www.earthandme.co
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https://www.yelp.com/biz/earth-and-me...

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A roadmap for small business sustainability: https://rb.gy/hho2xd
Sustainability Resource Hub: https://rb.gy/3sd8sn

A SMALL BUSINESS PODCAST FOR ENTREPRENEURS
Behind the Review connects real experiences with actionable advice from business owners and customers alike. From how to grow a startup to digital marketing advice, each episode delves into real ways business owners and business leaders have improved service, operations, and the customer experience. New episodes are available every Thursday, providing valuable lessons for any seasoned business owner or aspiring entrepreneur.

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Yelp for Business provides tools and resources to local business owners to help navigate the many challenges of entrepreneurship, from customer service to knowing the right time to expand. Whether you’re a startup or seasoned pro, you’ll find useful, actionable solutions for getting in front of customers and putting your best foot forward. https://business.yelp.com/

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