Sometimes life surprises you in the most unexpected ways — and often through the kindness of others. In this case, it was the result of someone being a complete asshole.
I first met Rachel Pepe, the founder of Clean Collective Refillery, on what started as a totally ordinary errand at a local health store. Rachel was standing in line trying to buy creatine. Consequently, this small purchase turned into a frustrating confrontation.
The cashier — let’s just say he wasn’t having his best day — insisted Rachel couldn’t buy creatine without showing a New York State ID to prove she was not under 21 years old. She very politely stated that she had her gym clothes on, and unfortunately, left her license as a result. This grown man then snapped at her, raised his voice, and repeated himself. Rachel then chuckled and very politely said, “Sir, you see me in here all the time, I am a regular, and I am clearly much older than 21 years old”. He then rudely and sarcastically bobbed his head back and forth while saying, “I don’t care, this is a new store policy, I need your NYS ID”. Keep in mind, this cashier was at least a 60-year-old man with grey hair, raising his voice at this lady who was continuing to be extremely polite.
Despite his rude and extremely ignorant tone, Rachel stayed composed and kind. She answered every snide comment with a smile and a calm response. Her grace under this type of ignorance was striking.
When this initially happened, I (Darren McDuffie) was still grabbing a few things. As the cashier progressed in his ignorance, I walked to the front and stood in line. By this time, Rachel walked out of line to put the creatine back on the shelf. That’s when I jumped in.
I stepped out of the line, grabbed a container of creatine from the shelf, and said with a grin, “I knew I forgot something — I’ve been needing some creatine for the gym!”
The cashier had this stupid, angry, confused look on his face as I stood there making my purchase.
After completing the purchase, I handed the creatine directly to Rachel right in front of him. The look on his face was priceless — not because people should be humiliated, but because that small act of support felt right. We both knew Rachel was well over 21; the situation was about attitude more than a new store policy regarding creatine. All in all, he did not have to be so rude to her while trying to enforce this new store policy.
What happened next was the start of a new friendship
From Parking Lot Chat to Purposeful Connection
Once outside in the parking lot, what began as light conversation turned into a deep dive about fasting, health, business, and life as an entrepreneur. Rachel’s passion for wellness was evident, not just in the products she uses but in the way she speaks about helping others live healthier, more intentional lives.
Before parting ways, she told me to stop by her store, Clean Collective Refillery, to pick up a free product. A few weeks passed. I was in the area of Hertel when I decided to stop by her store, Clean Collective Refillery.
I’ll admit — I wasn’t sure what to expect.
But when I walked through the doors of her beautifully curated shop, I was absolutely blown away!
It was as if someone picked up a locally owned, handcrafted organic shop right from the Blvd of Los Angeles, California, and dropped it right in the middle of 1251 Hertel Ave, Buffalo, NY. This store is impressive, especially for Buffalo, NY.
The Vision Behind Clean Collective Refillery | 1251 Hertel Ave, Buffalo, NY
Rachel’s entrepreneurial journey didn’t start with refillable bottles and zero-waste goals — it started with a lifelong commitment to health and wellbeing. According to her story, Rachel has a rich background in health, wellness, and service. She trained as a massage therapist and esthetician, owned her own practice in San Diego, and spent years working in luxury hospitality — always in roles centered on helping people feel better.
Eventually, she brought that passion back home to Buffalo, with a bold idea: create a space where people can shop for non-toxic, sustainable products that are better for their bodies and the planet.
Her mission was clear — and radical in the best possible way: replace harmful chemicals and plastic waste with thoughtful alternatives, sourced from small, like-minded businesses. Every product in the store is curated for its eco-friendly and nontoxic qualities, empowering customers to shift to healthier habits without compromise.
Competing with Giants — One Refill at a Time
It’s one thing to want to change the world. It’s another to actually do the work. Rachel Pepe isn’t just a shop owner — she’s a visionary in a space dominated by chemical-laden, high-profit brands with massive marketing budgets.
She works tirelessly to build relationships with small and women-owned businesses, bringing their artisanal products into her shop — many of which you simply won’t find on Amazon or big-box shelves.
As an entrepreneur, that takes grit: sourcing responsibly, educating customers about refill models, reducing environmental impact — all while running a brick-and-mortar business in North Buffalo. And with all of that, Rachel Pepe shows up — every single day.
What You’ll Find Inside Clean Collective Refillery | 1251 Hertel Ave, Buffalo, NY
Walking through the store feels like discovering a treasure trove of wholesome, purposeful items. Here’s a glimpse of what the shop offers:
-Home & Cleaning Supplies
-Bulk detergents by the ounce
-Non-toxic all-purpose cleaners
-Compostable toilet bombs
-Eco-friendly dish soaps and dishwasher cubes
-Bamboo toilet paper with biodegradable packaging
-Bath, Body & Grooming
-Shampoo and conditioner refill bars
-Hand and body soaps with botanical scents
-Non-fluoride toothpaste tablets
-Lotions and Epsom salts
-Dog-safe, lavender-scented pet shampoo
-Lifestyle & Sustainability
-Refillable glass bottles
-Zero-waste accessories
-Products sourced from conscious makers around the world
-Items that reduce overall plastic use and support small businesses
-She even provides clothing and jewelry from local businesses
And all of this comes with a knowledgeable owner, on-site, ready to guide and/or answer any questions you may have regarding her vast line of natural products.
Every corner reflects Rachel’s ethos: better for you, better for community, better for the planet.
Why Rachel’s Work Matters
Rachel’s journey isn’t just about selling products — it’s about igniting change. She’s turning everyday chores into acts of environmental stewardship and personal wellness. That’s no small feat, especially when big chemical brands spend billions to keep consumers buying their products.
But change happens one refill, one conversation, one person at a time — and Rachel Pearson (Pepe) is living proof that meaningful impact starts with a simple idea put into action.
Thanks to that chance encounter at the health store, I gained a friend — and a daily reminder that good people doing good work make the world feel just a little bit brighter. I encourage and challenge everyone to visit Rachel’s store, Clean Collective Refillery, located at 1251 Hertel Ave, Buffalo, NY.
Let’s do a good job at keeping our purchases local. Explore what she stands for, and support her mission toward a cleaner, kinder future.
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