A Personal Mission, Years in the Making
Growing up, my mom was that mom. You know the one — intentional, thoughtful, always reminding us that our small choices affect the world around us. I can still hear her voice, nudging me to think twice before wasting anything.
From Swapping Paper Towels to a Full-On Lifestyle
Fast forward to adulthood, and sustainability became more than just something I cared about — it became how I lived. I said goodbye to paper towels, ditched plastic containers, got hooked on consignment shopping, recycled through Ridwell, and started using Stasher bags before they were popular.
The Takeout Trigger Moment 💡
One night, I was out to eat and couldn’t finish my meal. The waiter brought over a plastic container, and I froze. My mind raced: How do I take this food home without compromising everything I stand for?
I ended up forcing myself to finish the food — not ideal — and walked out that door on a mission. I knew this moment was about to change everything.
No Solution? Time to Make One.
I went home and opened my cabinet. Glass containers? Too heavy and risky to carry around. Random to-go boxes I’d saved? Didn’t feel right. I hit the internet in search of a solution — a reusable, safe, stylish container made for real life. Something that could go from a restaurant to a fridge to a lunch bag. But nothing checked all the boxes.
So… I made one.
From Problem to Product: The Birth of BYOB
BYOB — Bring Your Own Box — started as a sketch and a big idea: a collapsible, non-toxic, practical container that looks good and works hard.
I knew it had to:
- 💡 Be collapsible, so it fits in a purse or backpack
- 💡 Offer two sizes in one to adapt to different meals
- 💡 Be non-toxic — no hormone-disrupting chemicals near my food
- 💡 Have a built-in lid (thanks, Mom! You were right — losing lids is the worst)
- 💡 And look good — because let’s be honest, aesthetics matter
After months of research, I landed on LFGB Platinum Silicone, one of the safest food-grade materials on the market. Durable, flexible, heat-safe, and free of all the sketchy stuff. It was everything I needed to bring BYOB to life.
More Than a Container: It’s a Movement
My dream is that BYOB becomes as common as reusable grocery bags — a no-brainer. I want you to grab your container before heading to a bakery, food truck, holiday dinner, work meeting, or restaurant, knowing you’re doing something better for yourself and the planet.
Impostor Syndrome and the “Why Not Me?” Moment
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t struggle with impostor syndrome. I’m not a celebrity. I don’t have millions. I’m just a real woman with a vision and a whole lot of grit.
And in 2024, BYOB launched just in time for Black Friday — and I haven’t looked back.
Let’s Do This, Together
I created BYOB for people like you — people who care, who want to live with purpose, and who know that even small shifts can create big change.
So next time you're packing lunch or taking leftovers home, I hope you bring your own box — and feel good doing it.
Stay tuned. This is just the beginning. 💚
Bring Your Own Box,
— Rachel
