THE latest outlet at Wokingham's Peach Place has been announced – and it is championing an 'environmentally friendlier' way of shopping.

Maya’s Refillables, a small local business will be opening in Spring and will be the first Zero Waste Shop to open in Wokingham.

Back in June 2019, Maya worked with Wokingham Market to trial her new eco-friendly refillable concept, branching out to Woodley Market soon after. The reception she received from Wokingham and Woodley residents was extraordinary and she has never looked back.

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Maya Gheorghe owner of Maya’s Refillables, said: "I turned my life around to set up my business from scratch. It’s been challenging but so rewarding at the same time. I get to follow my passion, be creative, and continually explore new opportunities within the zero waste, sustainability arena. Whilst I’m not going to say I’ve reached my goal, as there could be so much more to come, I’ve reached a major target of opening my Refill shop here in the place where I first started."

The new premises in Peach Place will provide Maya with the opportunity to expand her range of zero waste sustainable goods and fulfill a dream of being a sustainable community hub, where residents and other sustainability champions can get together.

Maya also plans to offer talks and workshops to help the community move forward with green initiatives.

She added: "I would not be here without my customers, who have embraced my business, tried my products, given feedback, and continually supported me come rain, wind, shine and lockdown.

"Behind the scenes, there is a small network of great people helping me and I am also thankful for Wokingham Town Council who gave me an opportunity and supported me on my journey."

In her first month of trading, Maya refilled 375 containers with products such as detergent and toiletries. As business grew, with the addition of her online business and delivery service and the introduction of a dry food product range, that number has grown to around 1,600 containers per month.

Maya also provides a wide range of product alternatives such as bamboo toothbrushes, loofahs, loose soap and reusable makeup removal pads that have no plastic in their composition or packaging.

Wokingham Town Mayor Tony Lack said: "Her positivity, can-do attitude, and desire to help the planet one refill at a time has enabled her business to expand across other markets, online and now into a retail store here in town. We would like to thank Maya for putting her faith in our town and we wish her every success for the future."