Starting a business often begins with an idea — and the courage to turn that idea into reality. For Lindsey Oman, that idea was The Refill Bar, a refill store in downtown Guelph focused on helping people make more sustainable, waste-conscious choices. Her journey to becoming a business owner started years earlier, when she and her husband were looking for their first family home.
Lindsey became a YNCU member when she and her husband were purchasing their first home for their family. Over time, they made renovations to the property and eventually decided to sell and move on to their next home. For Lindsey, the experience was about more than owning a home. It helped give her the confidence to think about what she wanted to do next.
Lindsey had been inspired by her sister's commitment to a waste-free lifestyle and by her sister's refill business in Flesherton. She began considering whether she could bring a similar concept to her own community. The result was The Refill Bar, a refill-focused retail business in downtown Guelph. After spending 10 years in her previous career, Lindsey decided to take a leap and pursue entrepreneurship.
Starting a business came with plenty of challenges, from preparing the space and hiring employees to navigating the uncertainty of launching during the COVID-19 pandemic. But Lindsey remained focused on her goal of creating an approachable place where people could learn about waste reduction without feeling intimidated.
The Refill Bar was designed as more than a retail store. Lindsey wanted to create an educational and welcoming environment where customers could learn about waste-free living and find products that fit their lifestyles and budgets. Her approach was simple: small changes can make sustainable living feel more achievable.
By helping customers understand how refill shopping works and offering products at different price points, Lindsey aimed to make the transition approachable for people who were new to the concept.
Starting a business requires more than a good idea. It takes planning, persistence, financial resources and support from the people around you. For Lindsey, that support included her family, her community and the financial professionals who helped her along the way. Her story is a reminder that financial decisions can be connected to much bigger life goals — from buying a first home to starting a business and creating something meaningful in your community.
Lindsey's story is one example of how a member's financial journey can evolve over time. Whether you're buying your first home, renovating a property, starting a business or pursuing another major goal, having a plan and the right support can help you take the next step. We're proud to share Lindsey's story and the work she's doing to encourage more sustainable choices in her community.
This is a member story and is intended for informational purposes. Individual financial outcomes vary based on personal circumstances.