Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Rodgers-Hubbard.
Hi Katie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I founded Lite Foot Company in 2021 after relocating to Savannah from Europe, where I had grown accustomed to a lifestyle that embraced minimal plastic use. Inspired by that experience, I wanted to create something impactful for both residents and tourists in Savannah, promoting a more sustainable way of living.
I initially launched Lite Foot as a pop-up at local markets, which allowed me to connect with the community and gauge interest. From there, I transformed a box truck into a mobile refillery, making it easy for people to refill their everyday items. This approach really resonated with the community.
In 2023, I took a significant step by opening our first brick-and-mortar store in the vibrant Starland District. Our shop offers customers the opportunity to fill reusable containers and purchase a variety of plastic alternative products.
This past year, we also established the Lite Foot Environmental Foundation, our nonprofit arm dedicated to fostering sustainable change in Savannah. Through this initiative, we aim to make a broader impact on environmental awareness and practices in the area.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey hasn’t been entirely smooth. To make Lite Foot work, I’ve often juggled one or two other jobs alongside it. While the community has been incredibly receptive, we’re still a long way from making sustainable practices a natural part of everyday life for everyone. This challenge isn’t unique to Savannah; the average lifespan of a refillery is just 1.5 years. I’m proud to say we’ve already exceeded that milestone by double!
I truly believe that we’re here to stay, especially as we continue to introduce initiatives that benefit our community. However, I recognize that it’s going to take a lot of effort—and likely a longer period of balancing multiple jobs—to fully realize our vision. But I’m committed to this journey, and I’m optimistic about the positive changes we can achieve together.
As you know, we’re big fans of Lite Foot Company. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Lite Foot Company is all about reducing our carbon footprint and walking lighter on the earth. Our name embodies that mission—we’re here to help everyday people reduce their impact by offering ways to use less plastic and create less waste. We’re known for being a quirky, fun, and welcoming space (just check out our Instagram for a taste of our vibe). What sets us apart is the strong, inclusive community we’ve built around sustainability here in Savannah. I’m most proud of how Lite Foot has become a catalyst for sustainable change—not just for individuals, but for other small businesses as well. We offer refillery services, where people can fill up on household products in reusable containers, and we provide a curated selection of plastic alternatives. We want readers to know that sustainability doesn’t have to be difficult or boring—we make it approachable, accessible, and fun!
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I often joke that I wish I had taken fewer risks! Opening an environmentally focused store in the U.S., especially in Georgia, was a significant leap of faith. In fact, we were the first refillery in the entire state, which came with a lot of unknowns. There’s always a bit of uncertainty when you’re introducing a new concept to a market that isn’t as familiar with it. I knew that moving from a pop-up and mobile refillery to a brick-and-mortar store was essential to make sustainable shopping more convenient for people, but it was definitely a financial risk. I’ve been fortunate to receive support through loans, but the weight of that decision is something I think about every day, as I’m sure many small business owners do. Taking that leap, while risky, was necessary to build the foundation for Lite Foot’s success and to create lasting change in the community. For me, risk is part of the journey, but it’s something I always approach with careful consideration.
Pricing:
- Dish Soap .40/oz
- Hand Soap .50/oz
- Laundry Concentrate .55/oz
- Swedish Dishcloth $8 replaces 17 rolls of paper towels
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.litefootcompany.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/litefootcompany
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/litefootcompany
- Other: https://litefootef.org
