Pantry Products
Address: 888 South 200 East, Suite E
Telephone: 385-490-5052
Website: shoppantryproducts.com
District: Maven
“I didn’t set out to start a business; it just kind of happened,” Michelle Czarka admitted as she reflected on the unexpected journey that led her to open Pantry Products. “But once I saw the joy it brought to people, I knew I was onto something.” Whether shopping for a gift or treating yourself, stepping into Pantry Products is like stepping into Michelle’s world - a world where everything is made in the shop’s kitchen.
Michelle’s story began in Detroit, where she was born and raised, before making her way out West to Lake Tahoe in the early 2000s. After spending twenty years in the corporate world, she realized it was no longer for her. In the Reno-Tahoe area, her passion for crafting homemade gifts for loved ones took on a life of its own. Inspired by the “love language” of her mother and grandmother - who spent countless hours canning, sewing, and crafting gifts - Michelle decided to make a special gift for her mom one Valentine’s Day. “I wanted to make her something she would really enjoy, so I started pulling ingredients out of my kitchen pantry.” She used honey, sugars, salts, oils, and spices to create natural self-care products. Soon after giving them to her mom, friends and family began asking for their own. “It started with little gifts here and there, but then at a friend’s birthday dinner, I realized I might have something special.” At that dinner, Michelle gifted her friend a box of her homemade items, and as the other guests passed them around, their excitement was palpable. “Everyone was like, ‘Oh my gosh, this smells amazing!’ That’s when I knew I needed to explore this further.”
What began as a heartfelt gift turned into a small business venture. Michelle decided to test her products at a local farmers market, where they quickly sold out. “We couldn’t even get into our booth because so many people were crowding around.” Encouraged by the overwhelming response, she opened her first store in Reno in December 2015, located in a 110-square-foot bank vault inside a historic federal building. “It was a tiny space, but it was magical. People were drawn in by the smell, and it gave me the chance to really put my products in front of people.”
Michelle started with just a few items, including a yoga mat spray she made for herself and a beard oil for a friend. As her business grew, people would come in and tell her they were looking for a natural sunscreen or a good deodorant, and she would work on each request. “Someone would stop by and ask if I made a particular item, and I would tell them to let me play around with a few things, give me your number and I will let you know.”
Over the years, Pantry Products grew and expanded into a larger space, but the journey wasn’t without its challenges. The pandemic forced Michelle to consolidate her operations, focusing on one location, but in 2022, she opened a second store in Utah’s Maven District, a vibrant community known for its concentration of women-owned businesses. “My wife was offered a position at the University of Utah, and when she drove by this area, she called me immediately and said she had found the perfect spot for my store. I knew it was meant to be.”
Pantry Products offers everything one could need day-to-day. Michelle has over 100 items still made by hand in both her Salt Lake shop and in Reno. “We don’t have a manufacturer making it. Customers know when they come in, we are making the products they are buying.” Michelle continues to create new products, often inspired by conversations with customers. Whether it’s a new scent or a lovely smelling candle, “there are many different needs and wants in the world, and everyone has a different skin or hair type, and, certainly, a variety of lifestyles, so I feel it is endless.”
Michelle’s passion for her business is evident in every detail, from the hand-mixed products to the carefully designed labels. “I genuinely care about our customers; we’re not just selling products; we’re creating a safe space where people feel cared for. Every product is made with love and intention.” In addition to her dedication to clean, natural products, Michelle is committed to sustainability, striving to be really “low waste.” They offer a bulk refill bar, so customers can bring in their own containers and refill them with products like shampoo, hand soaps, and even candles.
Despite the difficulties of running a business, Michelle’s love for what she does keeps her going. “I love this so much. The best part is when someone tells me that our products have made their life better or that they’ve had a positive experience in our store. That’s what fuels me.”
Michelle’s journey took an unexpected turn when doctors told her she might be too old to have children. “At forty-four, I was told it wasn’t possible, but I didn’t accept that.” After consulting another doctor, Michelle and her wife decided to try for a family. “I had to choose between expanding my business or starting a family, and I chose the latter.” In June 2022, at the age of forty-six, Michelle welcomed their daughter, Quincy June, into the world. “She’s the love of my life. My priorities shifted. Now, it’s all about connecting with people on a deeper level, both in my business and in my personal life.”
Michelle’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and love - whether she is crafting a new product in her store or spending time with her family. “I feel so fortunate. If there’s one thing I want people to know, it’s that you shouldn’t let anyone tell you what you can’t do. If you want something badly enough, there’s always a way.”
