I chose Topanga Canyon, California as the final stop of my recent West Coast adventure, one of the most natural spots near Los Angels and Malibu, known for its community-led spaces and laid-back, hippie vibes. Unexpectedly, the drive to the Airbnb turned out to be a thrilling adventure in itself. As I gazed out the car window at the lush landscape, I felt nervous navigating the narrow, winding curves of the road, never knowing if a car might appear from the opposite direction.
The terrifying drive felt almost insane, yet beyond it, a wonderful story quietly waited to be discovered.
The cozy Airbnb is filled with an oasis-like vibe, vintage furniture, artwork and carefully curated secondhand housewares, making me feel as if I had stepped back into a 1970s dream.
The non-toxic cleaning products scattered throughout the house immediately caught my attention, particularly the unscented laundry powder sourced in bulk, something I had never seen before. With endless curiosity, I read the “Welcome book” carefully and learned that the owner Hayley Magrini had opened two stores in Topanga Canyon and Ojai, California. Her stores emphasize avoiding commercial products and excessive packaging, instead promoting the concept of refilling and reusing items.
On that Saturday, I wandered through Ojai, California, soaking up its charming, artsy vibes as the sunlight warmed my face, slowly exploring the town’s unique character, from the world’s largest outdoor bookstore Bart’s books to small boutique shops filled with hidden treasures.
Along the way, I came across The Well Refill, a store owned by Hayley. The shop is filled with a variety of wellness and cleaning products in bulk; all offered through refillable containers. Those containers were like magnets, sparking my curiosity about her vision again.
At Hayley’s home in Topanga, I naturally fell into a warm and heartfelt conversation with her and her mom. “I have always been an avid Airbnb traveler, enjoying visiting new places and exploring the world, and I’ve tried to live eco-friendly.” she shared. “My trip to Bali in 2014 completely changed my perspective. During that trip, heavy rains washed up piles of trash, exposing the heartbreaking reality of poor waste management and the way plastic litter was scattered everywhere”.
Haley, like a friend, opened up and said, “I cried throughout the trip, in such a beautiful paradise, the sadness lingering over every moment. I realized the profound impact of plastic waste on our planet and the environment. I decided to reduce my plastic use and began embracing the refilling concept in my daily life. As a mother of two young children, including a 4-month-old toddler, I want to provide them with a safe and clean environment, which means avoiding plastic, chemicals and unnecessary packing wherever possible”.
Her passion lit up her twinkling eyes. “Sometimes, even small decisions can benefit both our planet and our skin,” she said. “I give back to our community and the Earth through small actions”. And that is how her journey with the refilling concept began.
At her place, it was easy to see how she practices reducing unnecessary waste wherever possible. For example, she encourages guests to put compost in a bin, which she later uses to water her garden; all cleaning products are stored in refillable containers; natural loofahs are used to clean dishes; she furnishes her home with many carefully selected second-hand items; and even the non-toxic detergent water is repurposed to care for the garden.
Her mom added. “Hayley is a little crazy, she is completely obsessed with collecting and recycling things. I still remember when I visited her house, she wouldn’t even let me use traditional toilet paper, insisting I use cloth instead, all to reduce waste and protect our planet. Shockingly, a large portion of products from wholesalers are thrown away, ending up in landfills, polluting the environment, and revealing how unsustainable our consumer system treats resources that could have been reused.”
I asked, “Do you think her actions influence you?”
“Yes, absolutely,” her mom replied with a smile. “I also collect and recycle items as much as I can.”
“I traveled to Long Beach, Highland Park and Whittier California to source refillable products for my store. I tested the product myself, and customers tried them as well. In 2020, I opened the shop, collaborating with various brands and constantly seeking ways to make products more affordable. My goal has always been to keep the store local and small, while promoting sustainable living”. Hayley spoke with genuine passion and enthusiasm. “My dream is to launch my own products, and I’m currently working on hand soap.”
At her Topanga Canyon and Ojai stores, customers can purchase wellness and cleaning products in bulk using refillable containers, rather than contributing to the flow of trash. One of my favorite items is the unscented, non-toxic detergent available in bulk, it is both eco-friendly and safe. Once customers experience it, they embrace the concept and return with their clean containers to refill the products. The stores also give vintage pieces a second life, seamless blending sustainability with thoughtful design.
I was mesmerized by the lush views at sunrise from the balcony, surrounded by a peaceful natural retreat, and reflected on my own daily habits. Most of our cleaning products are single-use, and once they are empty, they are simply thrown away, creating toxic waste that can accumulate anywhere. Witnessing Hayley and her family’s practices reminded me that even small, mindful actions, like refilling containers instead of buying new ones, can make a meaningful difference in reducing waste and protecting our planet.
I drove that scary, steep mountain road once again, feeling just as nervous as before, heading to the airport, yet knowing I would return to Topanga Canyon: a tranquil place filled with passionate people, heartwarming stories, bohemian charm and a serene natural escape that left a lasting impression on my heart.
Hayley’s place, is called “Oasis”, carries a deeper meaning: not just a physical retreat, but a space the embodies thoughtful commitment to sustainability, mindful living, care and inspiration.
May the spirit of the Oasis inspire your heart as well.
STEPHY 