Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Czarka.
Hi Michelle, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I like to say that I am an ‘accidental entrepreneur” as I didn’t start out intending to create a business. I grew up in a family where we crafted, cooked, baked, and the like. I was searching online for projects to make for loved ones for upcoming holidays and birthdays when I stumbled upon natural product recipes, many of which could be made using ingredients I already had in my kitchen pantry. Fast forward a couple weeks later and Pantry Products was born.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The start of our journey as a business was lightning fast. I went from making products in my teeny kitchen for friends to signing a lease on a storefront in Reno, NV in 6 months. We outgrew that space in 10 months and moved. Then we outgrew that one in 3 months. We opened a second store in Reno and things were taking off. We began branching out into wholesale and connected with stores across the U.S.
A benefit for this is that we started at a time when many consumers were still in the dark about natural products (and the hazards hiding in their personal care products) so we were a new offering to our community.
We were profitable every year of our business. Until the pandemic hit.
We had to close our original location. We had to downsize our team. We saw decreased profit margins due to massive increases in our cost of goods. More customers started shopping online with larger retailers who offer free, next-day delivery. We had to pivot and we are still pivoting.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Prior to stumbling into entrepreneurship, I worked in corporate marketing across many industries including internet marketing, automotive, travel, mortgage banking, commercial construction, and healthcare. My experiences across the 20 years of my Marketing career including networking, graphic design, web design, event production, and public speaking helped me to start Pantry Products and to continue growing it today. Knowing what a business needs to reach the public and how do it was knowledge that I think a helped me successfully launch.
Even 7 years later, I still design every new product label. I create every marketing piece and new business card.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
I am passionate about being the person + the brand that our communities turn to for healthy products + for education on how to live their healthier and happiest life. We are not here doing what we do because it’s trendy. We are here because we love what we do + we love sharing this passion with others.
Pricing:
- We aim to have products that are affordable for the majority of folks.
- Our lowest price item: $6
- Our highest price item: $30
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ShopPantryProducts.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/pantryproducts
- Facebook: Facebook.com/pantryproducts
Image Credits
Abbey Kay Photography
