zen evolution interview

Last week I was contacted by some people starting a new website called "Zen Evolution TV", and they did an interview with me in the store. The website won't launch for a few months, but they had some thoughtful questions that I thought I would post here.

1) What inspired the start of your business?
I think I had recently seen "An Inconvenient Truth", and had gone to an AltBuild show in Santa Monica, which was about alternative earth-friendly building materials. And I thought to myself, why aren't there any stores that specialize in "green" goods? There didn't seem to be any, so I was kicking around the idea. Then I just happened upon a cool space for rent at the right time, so I went for it.
2) What makes your business different (and better) from all of your competitors? (both eco-friendly competitors and the obvious non-eco-friendly)
I think what really makes the store work is that most people find things that they really want, and the eco-friendly aspect is a bonus. There's also so many items that have a story behind them, that customers have said it's like browsing in a museum.
3) How has your business grown since you opened? Have you discovered that because of greater awareness of Global Warming, that your business has increased?
As I mentioned, two years ago there wasn't much of an eco marketplace. Now they're popping up all over the place, and it's a whole new world of eco-commerce. I try to avoid carrying lines that are just riding the green wave and turning it into a fad. I think green should be a habit, not "the new black".
4) What is the hardest part about transitioning people over to eco-friendly products?
Cost!!!
5) What do YOU do to be green at home and as a business owner? What challenges have you faced in being green? And do you require your employees to also be green-minded or rather, are you transforming them to greener ways by working for Shop Regeneration?
I recycle and compost so much that I usually don't even have to put out my regular trash can. I try to always be aware of my actions and their impact on the earth, without driving myself crazy with it (a hard balance to achieve!). I'm often leaving nagging notes to my employees about what is and isn't recyclable ( I have to sort it and bring it home since there's no commercial recycling trash pick-up here). I don't preach to anybody, but I think spending a lot of time in the store would cause some changes in their mindset.
6) How do you get in your 'ZEN place' each business day and what do you do to motivate your staff?
Actually, I usually feel pretty "zen" as soon as I walk in the door of the store. I'm not sure if it's all the good smells or the vibe.
I try to treat my staff with lots of respect and do what I can to keep them happy to work here. I also choose to work with people that motivate themselves.
7) What are your most popular items and why?
Lately I've been selling tons of clothes that I silkscreen. Some are vintage or current second hand clothes given a new lease on life with a fun design, but I'm also doing new pima cotton, organic cotton , soy and bamboo t shirts.
Also Melissa plastic shoes from Brazil - some women have gotten so addicted, they keep buying more pairs in different colors. I have a waiting list for different sizes when new shipments come in.
And those Envirosax (re-usable shopping bags with fun patterns) just sell like hotcakes!

8) What do you hope your customers will walk away with in doing business with you?
I hope people who shop here have fun doing it, feel good about where they chose to spend their money, and maybe even leave having learned something new.