Meet the Owner
My name is Jessica Cichowlas, and I first visited BYOC Co. in 2021 and fell in love! I was ecstatic to find a place that felt like home that aligned with my values and even more excited when Emma and I began our ownership transition journey in 2024. I grew up across the street from a Mt. Trashmore, and along with expanse of research supporting climate change, have grown into an advocate for sustainability and the environment. Previously working in non-profits, restaurants and hospitality, and social-impact causes, I feel empowered in business ownership. I currently am involved further as serving on the Ypsilanti Sustainability Commission, Washtenaw Zero Waste Coalition, and on the Board of Directors for SCRAP Creative Reuse.
Meet the Staff!
Meet Alison!
Alison began working at BYOC Co. in May of 2023. I've loved every minute of it! I'm a born and raised Michigander and love the outdoors. Long walks are my jam, along with audiobooks, movies, music, and chocolate. I was asked to name two of my favorite products at BYOC Co., and boy was it hard to pick just two! I really love Tiani solid shampoo bars. I use them regularly because they last a long time, suds up amazingly, and smell so good. Scented with essential oils! I also love brushing my teeth with our Huppy peppermint toothpaste tablets. They're mess-free, minty-fresh, and also suds nicely. Great for traveling!
Meet Jess!
Jess started at BYOC Co. in January of 2024. I'm a long-time lover of the Rustic Strength hand soap and more recently have indulged in Bubble Babes bar soap — specifically Pura Vida Clay. The Strawesome glass smoothie straw is always in my Nalgene (when it's not in a smoothie). My favorite way to practice sustainability is purchasing package free foods & making plant-based meals.
Meet Emily!
Hi, my name is Emily! I've been working part-time at BYOC since late 2022, mainly around the holidays, and have been a loyal BYOC customer since the doors first opened on Liberty St. I also work as an infant/toddler teacher at a daycare in Ann Arbor, and am a music teacher at Robinsongs for Kids in Ypsi/A2. I love snuggling with my cat, Darlene, listening to my records, and thrifting after downing a coffee and sweet treat. My facorite BYOC products are- by not limited to - the Tiani Peppermint Sage Shampoo Bar and refillable Laundry Powder! I hope to see you in the shop, where I'll be playing some groovy 70s jams!
Meet Lucy!
Lucy is forced to be at BYOC Co. as the shop dog. She is most energetic the first and last hours of her shifts. You can find her treasured, destroyed dryer balls around the store if she's there. She will either fully inspect you, or lay directly in your way. Always friendly, sometimes loud.
Meet the Founder
Emma Kalakay (formerly Hess) started BYOC Co. in 2020 as a pop-up before selling the business to Jessica in 2024. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan, and still involved in the Ann Arbor community and a shopper of BYOC Co. She is now working in Non-Profit Fundraising and enjoying quality time with her husband and daughter.