{"id":2825,"date":"2024-11-09T06:48:01","date_gmt":"2024-11-09T11:48:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/queens1.one\/?p=2825"},"modified":"2024-11-09T06:48:03","modified_gmt":"2024-11-09T11:48:03","slug":"women-in-business-the-story-of-kayly-kunkel-and-her-store-earth-me-in-queens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/queens1.one\/en\/eternal\/women-in-business-the-story-of-kayly-kunkel-and-her-store-earth-me-in-queens-2825","title":{"rendered":"Women in Business: The Story of Kayly Kunkel and Her Store Earth &amp; Me in Queens"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>After being laid off in a pandemic-stricken economy, Kayly Kunkel decided to take a risk and start her own business. Driven by a vision of sustainability, quality, and accessibility, Kunkel founded Earth &amp; Me, a zero-waste store offering eco-friendly home goods and personal care products. This venture aims to help consumers reduce waste and minimize environmental impact. Learn more about her inspiring journey on <a href=\"https:\/\/queens1.one\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/queens1.one\/\">queens1.one<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a32c93667ea1\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a32c93667ea1\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/queens1.one\/en\/eternal\/women-in-business-the-story-of-kayly-kunkel-and-her-store-earth-me-in-queens-2825\/#Beginnings_on_Etsy_and_Instagram\" >Beginnings on Etsy and Instagram<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/queens1.one\/en\/eternal\/women-in-business-the-story-of-kayly-kunkel-and-her-store-earth-me-in-queens-2825\/#Earth_Me\" >Earth &amp; Me<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/queens1.one\/en\/eternal\/women-in-business-the-story-of-kayly-kunkel-and-her-store-earth-me-in-queens-2825\/#Commitment_to_Equality\" >Commitment to Equality<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/queens1.one\/en\/eternal\/women-in-business-the-story-of-kayly-kunkel-and-her-store-earth-me-in-queens-2825\/#Committed_to_Sustainable_Development\" >Committed to Sustainable Development<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Beginnings_on_Etsy_and_Instagram\"><\/span>Beginnings on Etsy and Instagram<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As Kunkel <a href=\"https:\/\/shoutoutla.com\/meet-kayli-kunkel-founder-of-earth-me-a-zero-waste-store-in-queens-new-york\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/shoutoutla.com\/meet-kayli-kunkel-founder-of-earth-me-a-zero-waste-store-in-queens-new-york\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">shared <\/a>with SHOUTOUT LA, she worked as a marketing director in the tech industry until June 2020. Like the rest of the world, she faced the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and simultaneously became an advocate for social justice, joining daily protests sparked by the tragic deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, which ignited the Black Lives Matter movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.queens1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2023\/12\/5obnsaa5hr-1wstbfjj9oywn7he1nfjj2ra52duuh80gsvvemyrn4shtbw6pa8ww1fsnojy2jg2axmuy2w0tuqxdai_a1z2bhextyxc2wryry_kw9qqqywlaigbxmlaul9x4kosq1ya048lw8llyji0.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After standing up for her beliefs, Kunkel was laid off. Facing a crossroads, she reflected on her future and the challenges small businesses faced during the pandemic. With her parents\u2019 experience running a small business, she knew the risks involved, but decided to take the leap into entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She began by sourcing bulk products from small-batch producers and making them affordable through minimal eco-packaging. On Etsy, she launched a shop selling eco-friendly essentials, allowing customers to support small artisans while reducing environmental impact. Her goal was to provide buyers with joy and satisfaction from purchasing necessities that are also sustainable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Soon, she expanded to Instagram, producing her own items like household soap, lip balm, and lotion. Within 10 months, her small store grew into a well-known brand offering a wide array of products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Earth_Me\"><\/span>Earth &amp; Me<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In early 2021, 27-year-old Kunkel opened Earth &amp; Me in the Astoria neighborhood of northwest Queens, a zero-waste store for household goods. The shop offers a broad selection of handmade, natural products for personal care, cleaning, home, and gifting, many crafted from organic ingredients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.queens1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2023\/12\/h33tzlhsafrb8izbw_por1l0lxkygtobo8ygo385vglufnbobvjgyb-6j2hmwfsae80rp__j06lx_-zmhgak6qns19p9j0xbk2_fxestollxqtwrykgvqcxteapsyvcbupq8kht_pelryy1k_7bk2xw.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Earth &amp; Me operates on a \u201cbring your own container\u201d model for essential items like lotion and hand soap. This allows customers to refill empty containers, giving new life to thousands of used plastic bottles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.queens1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2023\/12\/djgpk1hr_ybixqebjzeyltgdshkwsj-b5dlzel3-qmca-4-brm3silf5vl58kufbrglidgogktcmcwpc2kumvds6fjotbkblvrertmeq0yizss01lc2omrb63m5d-x9j5q8nzrgmtmrk7zf-tuy28a.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the pandemic forcing the closure of around 3,000 small businesses in New York City, Kunkel\u2019s Earth &amp; Me showed that entrepreneurship is possible even in tough times. She kept prices low to attract customers, with most items priced under $15. The highest-priced item was a $36 set of bamboo utensils with a stainless steel straw. During this time of high unemployment, Kunkel\u2019s focus on affordability helped bring joy and satisfaction to customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Commitment_to_Equality\"><\/span>Commitment to Equality<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Kayly Kunkel actively supports women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community. Nearly all of Earth &amp; Me\u2019s suppliers are women-owned, with many businesses operated by Black, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ creators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.queens1.one\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2023\/12\/dn7hoahu7h9l-_zsrcfzsriybdw_hxokaehhaul_369g231f-ghhebamntjglarkhbv2ngmcj8cqkrk35p7lmmct2uu6anibewizd-88feqllqoic7wx6fdaviv4ujzmmbr3racwilvlo8bnbydjluu.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Earth &amp; Me carefully selects products from suppliers and prioritizes partnerships with those committed to social justice. The store avoids products or marketing with negative beauty connotations, focusing instead on inclusivity and respect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Committed_to_Sustainable_Development\"><\/span>Committed to Sustainable Development<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sustainable development means meeting today\u2019s needs without compromising future generations. Earth &amp; Me promotes sustainability beyond the store with donations to various groups and initiatives. They constantly seek new ways to reduce waste\u2014from composting in a backyard garden to using recycled materials for packaging and shipping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By 2023, Earth &amp; Me had donated over $1,000 to Black communities and over $300 to organizations delivering clean water to Palestine, supporting Asian youth in New York, and aiding reforestation efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They have contributed more than $4,000 to community projects, supporting groups like Intersectional Environmentalist, ACLU, Black Feminist Project, and Dignity Matters. Locally, Earth &amp; Me helped raise funds for Astoria Pug composting and partnered with a local jeweler to raise over $1,000 for mutual aid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They\u2019ve donated over $100 in books to a free community climate library and worked with Scholastic to provide nearly 100 free children\u2019s books on ecology. The library, located in-store, offers educational resources on zero-waste and eco-conscious living, including topics like climate justice and Indigenous knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The shop also encourages plant cuttings for sharing, allowing customers to start their plant collection free of charge. Earth &amp; Me offers vintage items and used clothing, helping reduce textile waste by diverting it from landfills. Reusing items contributes to a healthier climate by minimizing new production\u2014a significant source of pollution from the fashion industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Earth &amp; Me also partners with Astoria Candle: customers can return used candle jars to Earth &amp; Me for a 20% discount on their next purchase. The jars are washed and repurposed for new candles. During warmer months, Earth &amp; Me\u2019s backyard serves as a community garden, hosting events with local artists, producers, and eco-activists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a zero-waste store, Earth &amp; Me diligently monitors its own carbon footprint, using custom furniture made from reclaimed or FSC-certified materials and reusing all packaging. Their paper bags are 100% recycled, and biodegradable cornstarch peanuts and recyclable kraft paper fill their boxes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>After being laid off in a pandemic-stricken economy, Kayly Kunkel decided to take a risk and start her own business. Driven by a vision of sustainability, quality, and accessibility, Kunkel founded Earth &amp; Me, a zero-waste store offering eco-friendly home goods and personal care products. This venture aims to help consumers reduce waste and minimize [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":425,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1164],"tags":[1947,1949,1936,1937,1944,1938,1935,1948,1939,1942,1940,1946,1943,1934,1945,1941],"moimportance":[78,81],"motype":[1158],"moformat":[93],"class_list":{"0":"post-2825","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-business","7":"tag-affordable-eco-products","9":"tag-bring-your-own-container","10":"tag-climate-library","11":"tag-community-support","12":"tag-earth-me-3","13":"tag-eco-conscious-shopping","14":"tag-eco-friendly-products","15":"tag-kayly-kunkel","16":"tag-queens-small-business","17":"tag-social-justice-initiatives","18":"tag-support-local-artisans","19":"tag-sustainable-development","20":"tag-sustainable-home-goods","21":"tag-sustainable-lifestyle","22":"tag-zero-waste-store","23":"moimportance-golovna-novina","24":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatori","25":"motype-eternal","26":"moformat-longrid-korotka"},"modified_by":"Inna Hananova","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/queens1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2825","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/queens1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/queens1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/queens1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/425"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/queens1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2825"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/queens1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2825\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2826,"href":"https:\/\/queens1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2825\/revisions\/2826"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/queens1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2825"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/queens1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2825"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/queens1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2825"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/queens1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=2825"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/queens1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=2825"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/queens1.one\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=2825"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}