Tiny Choices, Big Impact: How Sustainable Living Transforms Our Planet

In a world often driven by fast consumption, a beacon of intentional living has emerged from the tranquil San Bernardino Mountains: Tiny Earth Impacts. This unique business, founded on principles of sustainability and craftsmanship, isn't just selling products; it's fostering a philosophy of mindful living. I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Justin Solis and his wife Taryn, who is the driving force behind this inspiring venture. Their recently launched online shopping portal, found at tinyearthimpact.com, serves as a central hub for their growing array of offerings and eco-conscious advice.

Tiny Earth Impacts Fresh Roasted Coffee

The Genesis of an Eco-Conscious Business

Aaron Creighton: Justin, it's a pleasure to connect with you. To start, could you tell us when and where Tiny Earth Impacts began its journey?

Justin Solis: "We launched Tiny Earth Impact in the fall of 2024, shortly after moving from Austin, Texas, to the San Bernardino Mountains," Justin shares with a smile. "It was a major life change, but the timing turned out to be serendipitous."

AC: That sounds like quite a transition! What was the motivating force that led you and Taryn to dream up this business?

JS: "When I was laid off from my corporate job just weeks after our move, we saw it not as a crisis, but a clean slate," Justin

explains. "We asked ourselves: what would it look like to build something with purpose? That question sparked Tiny Earth Impact—a brand rooted in sustainability, craftsmanship, and slowness."

Taryn Solis: His wife, Taryn, adds, "We wanted to create something that reflected our values: intentional living, beautiful utility, and deep care for the planet." Their website, for instance, offers a variety of "Eco Tips" on everything from kitchen maintenance to natural bathroom cleaning, reflecting their commitment to holistic sustainable living.

Navigating Challenges and Building Community

AC: Starting a new venture, especially after a major life change, must come with its share of hurdles. What were some of the challenges you faced in those early days?

JS: "Starting from scratch in a new town with no safety net was definitely daunting," Justin admits. "But we leaned into our creativity and resourcefulness. Building relationships with the local community through farmers markets has been a game changer."

TS: "Finding the right suppliers and perfecting our formulations also took a lot of trial and error," Taryn notes. "But we wouldn’t trade the learning curve—it shaped who we are as makers."

Connecting with Customers: The Power of Authenticity and Thoughtful Products

70s Musk and Rose Shaving Soaps by Tiny Earth Impacts

AC: With so many products on the market, how do you go about marketing Tiny Earth Impacts, and who are your main customer demographics?

TS: "We rely heavily on direct interaction through local vendor markets," says Taryn. "It allows us to tell our story face-to-face, and people respond to that authenticity."

JS: "Our customers are folks who appreciate quality over quantity—people seeking to slow down and invest in goods that last," Justin adds. "A lot of them are eco-conscious, curious, and love the idea of turning everyday routines into rituals." He mentions that their diverse offerings, ranging from sustainable shaving products like shaving brushes, shave bowls, and safety razors to their homemade gourmet spices, whole bean coffee, and body soaps, resonate deeply with this demographic. They also provide comprehensive "Shaving Tips" and "Coffee Tips" on their website, guiding customers towards more sustainable practices in these areas.

Tiny Earth Impacts Coffee Scrub

Gourmet Spice Blends by Tiny Earth Impacts

A Vision for the Future: Expansion and Intentionality

AC: Looking ahead, what are your plans for Tiny Earth Impacts? Are we going to see expansion, more products, or new initiatives?

JS: "We’re excited to expand both our product offerings and our reach," Justin says enthusiastically. "We’ve had a lot of requests for subscription boxes and refillable options, and those are both on the horizon."

TS: Taryn shares, "We're also dreaming up new seasonal scents and possibly even home goods—anything that fits within our ethos of sustainability and intentionality." The consistent "Weekly Updates" on their website demonstrate their ongoing innovation and commitment to keeping their community informed.

Understanding "Slow Goods" and Honoring the Past

Slow Goods are products created with a conscious effort to slow down the production process and deliberately create better, higher quality products.

AC: You often use the term "slow goods." Could you explain a bit more about what that means to Tiny Earth Impacts?

TS: "To us, ‘slow goods’ means products made with patience, purpose, and integrity," Taryn explains. "We focus on quality, small batches, and sustainable materials—no cutting corners."

JS: Justin adds, "It’s the opposite of fast fashion or single-use culture. These are items meant to be savored and to last."

AC: I'm particularly interested in your unique approach to restoring vintage razors. That's really cool! How did that idea come about?

Restored Vintage Razors and Shaving Soaps by Tiny Earth Impacts

JS: "I’ve always loved old tools—the way they were built to endure," Justin shares, his passion evident. "Vintage razors are not only beautifully engineered, but they offer a sustainable alternative to plastic disposables. Restoring them felt like a natural extension of our philosophy: honoring the past while serving the present." Their razor restoration services are a testament to this unique offering.

TS: "They’re also just stunning pieces of design," Taryn interjects. "We love helping people bring a little everyday elegance into their routine."

A Partnership Rooted in Purpose

Justin and Taryn Solis, founders of Tiny Earth Impact

AC: And finally, Justin, Taryn is your wife, right?  Tell us about Taryn’s influence on this whole thing.

JS: "Yes, that’s right!" Justin laughs warmly. "We’re partners in life and in business. Taryn is the heart of our brand—her eye for detail, her creativity, and her belief in building something meaningful keep us grounded and inspired every day."

It's clear that Tiny Earth Impacts is more than just a business; it's a testament to the power of passion, purpose, and partnership. Justin and Taryn Solis are not only crafting beautiful, sustainable products but also building a community around a shared vision for a more intentional and impactful way of living. As they continue to expand their reach from their mountain home, with their active online presence and diverse product lines, Tiny Earth Impacts is poised to make even bigger ripples in the world of sustainable consumption.

One last thing, their website is a very cool retro design that’s a work of art for old guys like me! Check it out: https://www.tinyearthimpact.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiny.earth.impact/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571658412255