When a simple act of love turns into a nationwide movement for clean, conscious self-care—you know you’re witnessing something special. That’s exactly what happened when Pantry Products founder Michelle Czarka decided to hand-make holiday gifts for loved ones in her tiny kitchen nearly a decade ago. What started as a few thoughtful, toxin-free body care products quickly blossomed into a full-fledged business committed to sustainability, accessibility, and unapologetic progressive values.
Pantry Products isn’t just about what goes on your skin—it’s about what goes into the world. Crafted in small batches with transparency and heart, Michelle’s creations are proof that small businesses can do big things: challenge industry norms, create community, and build a better future—all while helping us smell amazing and sleep better.
In this Q&A, Michelle opens up about the joys and chaos of entrepreneurship, the values that drive every decision she makes, and why staying silent in today’s world just isn’t an option.
Little Blue Cart: Tell us a little about your business! What inspired you to start it, and how did your entrepreneurial journey begin?
Michelle Czarka: Pantry Products began in my teeny kitchen in 2015, born from a simple desire to hand make gifts with love. This quickly turned into a strong desire to combat a market full of toxic body care and create clean alternatives that were approachable, clear in their contents, and free of fluff. What started as gifts for friends and family quickly snowballed into a storefront and a rapidly-growing line of plant-based wellness essentials made with simple, honest ingredients.
I never intended to start a business, but the demand for clean, effective products (made by someone who really cared) pulled me in. A decade later, we’re still handcrafting everything in small batches with the same love, intention, and transparency.
“Clean products shouldn’t be a luxury. We’re committed to creating goods that are safe for people and the planet—without greenwashing or gatekeeping.”
LBC: What’s been your proudest moment so far—and what’s been one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a small business owner?
Michelle: There have been so many proud moments, but seeing customers bring their empty jars back to refill at our Bulk Bar or hearing that a product we developed helped someone finally sleep through the night, clear up skin irritation, or keep their babies free from toxics – those moments hit the heart. As for challenges, running a mission-driven small business during the last 5 years of inflation and now rising tariffs is no joke. Staying affordable while holding firm to our sustainability and ingredient standards has required creativity, grit, and a whole lot of coffee.
LBC: What values guide your business, and what issues matter most to you as an entrepreneur?
Michelle: Transparency, sustainability, accessibility, and empowerment. I believe clean products shouldn’t be a luxury. We’re committed to creating goods that are safe for people and the planet – and doing so without greenwashing or gatekeeping. Issues like rights for women and the queer community, environmental justice, and economic equity aren’t separate from my business – my business is me so they are my business.
LBC: How do your progressive values show up in how you run your business—whether it’s in who you hire, how you source, or how you engage with your community?
Michelle: We source ethically, pay living wages, and operate as a safe, inclusive space for both our team and our customers. Our refill program helps keep waste out of landfills, and we prioritize working with women- and BIPOC-owned suppliers whenever possible. From signage in our storefront windows to the nonprofits we support, we lead with our values—loudly, proudly, and without apology. And I am not afraid to speak up and speak out. I am very vocal on our accounts about who I am (a queer woman) and who we support and who we don’t.
LBC: Why is it important for small businesses and consumers to stand up for what they believe in—especially right now?
Michelle: Because silence is a privilege. Small businesses have the power to shape culture, challenge systems, and build community in ways big corporations rarely can. Whether it’s defending reproductive freedom, fighting climate change, or just choosing who we bank with
"Silence is a privilege. Small businesses have the power to shape culture, challenge systems, and build community."
LBC: Just for fun: What’s your go-to comfort show, podcast, or playlist while working? Or: Who’s your dream celebrity customer?
Michelle: If you pop into my office, chances are you’ll hear the latest episode of The Score with Edmund Stone playing. Instrumental and classical music helps calm my neurodivergent brain and lets me drop into deep focus.
When I need a laugh or a little connection, I turn to Handsome with Tig Notaro, Fortune Feimster, and Mae Martin—it feels like hanging out with old friends and gives me that boost of female camaraderie I sometimes crave during solo workdays.
LBC: Fill in the blank: Being a small business owner is _ _ _ but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Michelle: Being a small business owner is equal parts chaos and magic but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
💙 Ready to support this mission-driven maker? Explore the full line of small-batch, plant-based goods and see why Pantry Products is a Little Blue Cart favorite.
Pantry Products Giveaway!
We’re proud to partner with Pantry Products to give away a Lord, Help Us Bundle—a perfectly curated set of four calming, chaos-fighting essentials for anyone out here trying to relax in this economy. Enter here!
The Lord, Help Us Bundle of Pantry Product goods includes a Burn Candles, Not Books Soy Wax Candle, Serenity Now! Rollerball, Pack Your Bags Undereye Serum, and Soul Soother Sea Salt Soak.
