A conversation with Valerie, owner of Mission Refill — Goleta's only refill shop
When Valerie opened Mission Refill, she had one hard rule: she would never use a shampoo bar herself.
"I told her I would love to carry shampoo bars — but I would never use them myself," Valerie recalls, laughing. "I'd had such bad experiences with shampoo bars in the past."
That conversation happened when Catalina, founder of the shampoo bar brand, stopped by to introduce her products. Rather than push for a sale, Catalina did something simple: she gifted Valerie a few samples and let the bars speak for themselves.
Two years later, everything has changed.
"Two years later, it's the only shampoo I use," says Valerie. "My hair has never been healthier — and now it's one of our best-selling products in the store."
Catalina didn't just pitch a product — she listened to Valerie's concerns and let the bars do the talking.
"I do remember the day I stopped by your house to drop off the samples," Catalina says. "You said you might not like them — and I thought you would."
That confidence paid off. Not only did Valerie become a convert, but her entire family did too.
"They've been great. My whole family uses them now."
Our Partnership with Refill Shops
Since day one, Simpl Bars has focused on wholesaling to eco-friendly and refill shops. It's a core part of our commitment to being low waste — most refill shops sell our products unpackaged and in bulk, cutting down on single-use plastic and making it easier for customers to shop sustainably. Mission Refill is exactly the kind of partner we set out to work with: a store built around the same values we put into every bar.
Why It Matters
Mission Refill isn't just a store — it's a philosophy. As Goleta's only refill shop, Valerie has built a space where sustainability meets everyday living. The products she carries aren't chosen because they're trendy; they're chosen because they work.
And the shampoo bars are proof of that. When even the shop owner is a skeptic-turned-believer, you know a product has earned its place on the shelf.
Want to try them for yourself? Visit Mission Refill in Goleta and see what all the fuss is about. Your hair (and the planet) will thank you.
