Would You Turn Down a Sale to Protect Your Values? | Janette Spiezio

For founders, entrepreneurs, and anyone rethinking what they buy, “Do We Really Need It?” explores a surprising approach to business: helping customers buy less and choose more carefully. We’re constantly encouraged to buy more—even when we’re trying to live more sustainably. But do we need another product, or could we get more use from what we already own? Jennifer Loehding welcomes Janette Spiezio, founder of Sustainable Haus, a refill and zero-waste store in New Jersey. After 30 years in corporate America, Janette began a new chapter selling homemade laundry detergent and hand-stitched napkins at farmers markets. They discuss conscious consumption, simplifying household products, and earning customer trust through honest recommendations—including telling someone they don’t need a replacement. Janette also shares how she approaches product research, why she bought her store’s building despite her family’s doubts, and what it takes to keep making decisions as a business owner. Subscribe for weekly conversations about entrepreneurship, professional development, personal growth, and building success on your own terms. Tell us in the comments: What’s something you’ve stopped buying because you realized you didn’t need it? About Janette Spiezio Janette Spiezio is the founder of Sustainable Haus, a New Jersey refill and zero-waste store that ships throughout the United States. Following a 30-year corporate career, she built a business focused on helping people reduce waste, simplify everyday purchases, and make more thoughtful choices. Chapters 00:00 Buying Less, Living Better 00:58 Meet Janette and Sustainable Haus 04:48 From Corporate to a Refill Store 08:18 The Farmers Market Leap 10:30 Downsizing and Buying Less 13:12 Fewer Products, More Uses 17:39 Building Trust Through Honest Advice 24:39 Simple Sustainable Swaps and Money Savers 29:06 Caring for Our Shared Home 31:05 Why There’s No Quick Fix 34:21 Research, Product Decisions, and Founder Challenges 39:31 Buying the Building Despite the Doubts 42:10 Connecting With Sustainable Haus Connect with Janette Spiezio https://sustainablehaus.com Connect with Starter Girlz Starter Girlz features conversations with founders, entrepreneurs, creators, and thought leaders about what they've built, what they've learned, and the ideas that can help others grow in business and life. https://startergirlz.com Want to Be a Guest on Starter Girlz? Apply here: https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17044863446695017c1879d7b