Innovation

There are a number of innovative products that Bee Joyful specializes in and that owner Jessica Thompson is most proud of. Her hand made food wraps are a simple concept that originally came from Egyptians who utilized wax to keep food fresh while stored. Now, instead of using plastic containers that are often discarded into landfills, these wax food wraps are a reusable solution to food waste.

Another source of pride for Thompson comes from unpackaged lotion bars that Bee Joyful offers. Normally, with a tube of lotion, 17-25% of the product and its associated chemicals is still inside when the plastic bottle is discarded. The lotion bars can be used completely without turning into waste and have reduced amounts of chemicals making the product healthier for human use.

Another innovation that this store is known for is the refill station Thompson offers and is consequently her favorite area of the store. Large quantities of shampoos, body washes, laundry detergent, dish soap, and other liquid products are available for customers to pour into their personal containers brought from home reducing waste and the cost on the consumer.

Inspiration

Much of Thompson’s inspiration comes from the years of being a single mother of five kids. She always has wanted to give them the very best products and with a tight budget, eco-friendly items were vastly more expensive than plastic products that could harm the environment and her children’s health. After calculating that her family went through approximately 5,000 plastic baggies in a single school year for lunches and snacks, Thompson and her children began making reusable wax food wraps.

Quickly, this hobby became the desire to seek out shops with a “zero-waste” premise and Thompson could only locate stores overseas. Armed with this knowledge, she began her business and soon found herself earning more through the sale of these products than she did through her existing job. Soon Thompson added soaps, toothbrushes, bamboo products among many others to her inventory and gained a following. Devoted to creating affordable and accessible products for people in all walks of life, Thompson has found great success and pride in quantifying product waste she has saved in all her years with the business.

Overall impact

The concepts of zero-waste and sustainability are built into the ethos of Bee Joyful Shop. They have a minimal amount of packaging coming into the store, and recycled materials and zero-waste going out to their customers.

This business is built on caring for the environment, and it provides its customers with the tools to do the same. Bee Joyful Shop has been open in Kalamazoo only since 2020 and demand for its products is so high that a second location is imminent. As this business expands, the positive impact it has created on the community and the environment will equally grow.

Business benefit

In Bee Joyful Shop’s six months of existence, they have been able to support their suppliers and provide a platform for small businesses to sell their products. There are many people who are seeking eco-friendly, no-waste products but are not sure where to find them or do not want to buy them online. Bee Joyful Shop brings awareness to these types of products and makes them easily accessible to its customers. Through the use of social media, especially TikTok, Thompson educates people about the degrading effects of waste on the planet and how eco-friendly products can combat this.

Bee Joyful Shop is also supporting its local West Michigan community by providing jobs and revitalizing inner-city areas. Thompson sells her products at an affordable price which creates an atmosphere of inclusivity where everyone in the community can feel welcome and be empowered to make a positive impact on their families and the environment.

Through the creation of Bee Joyful Shop, Jessica Thompson has Inspired others to develop similar concepts. While competition isn’t always perceived favorably, Thompson views the increasing number of no-waste stores as a way to expand awareness and get sustainable products into the hands of more consumers.

Social and environmental benefit

Bee Joyful Shop has introduced an incredible concept to Kalamazoo that has had a highly positive impact on the environment and the local community. There are a great number of people who want to help the environment but don’t know how or don’t feel they have enough money to purchase eco-friendly products. Bee Joyful Shop is empowering its customers to easily and affordably make small changes in their life to help the environment.

Thompson was nervous that consumers would not like her product offerings, but on the opening weekend of Bee Joyful Shop, there were people lined up at the door. There are a great number of people who come to this store from across the southwest Michigan region and are extremely eager to try no-waste, eco-friendly products. Bee Joyful Shop has provided an opportunity for people from every age, demographic, and income to play a role in making a positive impact on the environment.

By selling sustainable products and refraining from the use of plastic packaging, Bee Joyful Shop’s has a minimal environmental impact. Since opening 6 months ago, they have saved from landfills;

• 700,000 pieces of plastic cling wrap
• 320,562 plastic bags
• 281 plastic containers
• 678 toothbrushes
• 656 plastic bottles

These numbers are astounding, and they will continue to grow as a greater number of people become environmentally aware and seek out no-waste products.

Interview

Jessica Thompson, Shop Owner