MEET OUR TEAM
Promoting health and wellness The
Essential Pantry believes and supports
fostering a balanced and vibrant life. We
believe that what you consume should not
only taste good but also be good for you.
Our curated selection of herbs, spices, oils,
vinegars, salts and teas, salt and honey are
designed to encourage natural wellness.
We strive to offer products that are simple
and in their truest natural form.
Building Community We strive to
connect to our community at The Essential
Pantry. Everyone is valued, creating an
atmosphere of an extended family. We
offer workshops, classes and community
events that educate, inspire and bring
people together. It is often that a shared
passion is found in these gatherings.
Together we can build a healthier and
happier community with one product and
person at a time.
Championing the spirit of small
business The Essential Pantry believes
that small business is the foundation of
our country and community. Large
corporations have overshadowed small
businesses. The Essential Pantry stands as
a testament, rekindling the spirit of small
business. We can provide a rich
environment, bringing personalized
service coupled with genuine care that
large corporations simply cannot match.
Supporting small businesses by taking a
leap of faith means preserving the rich
opportunities of local economies, fostering
innovation and a commitment to quality
and creativity.
Having a healthy outside
starts with a healthy inside.
Wendy Schutzler/President CEO
Our Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar
includes; organic, classic, fused,
naturally flavored and also
specialty crafted items.
The Essential Pantry strives to provide our
customers with the highest quality, flavorful
products that enhance everyday meals. We
source to embrace a positive impact on you,
your palate and health.
Why the Essential Pantry
My ancestry was steeped in farming, organic
farm fresh produce, grains and egg laying hens.
The food was simple, homegrown, and
nourished with soil rich lands of the valley.
In my home growing up, we were taught to use
the land as our pantry, fruit trees, birds, huge
organic vegetable gardens, and the discipline to
nurture and manage such gifts. Our meals were
made from scratch. With this upbringing came
the responsibility of carrying on the tradition to
this day, I feel responsible for providing myself
and my family and now my community with the
most wholesome nourishing food available, that
is both tasty, visually pleasing and nutritionally
responsible. This is the genesis of The Essential
Pantry.
Entrepreneurship .
My family was steeped in self-proprietorship.
My grandparents, my parents were business
owners, and for over 20 years I too have been an
entrepreneur. I was a full-time business owner
of an interior design firm for 19 years. This
included residential and commercial design,
events, and community activity. There is
something about relying on yourself to produce
income that is sustainable. I learned quickly
that working hard, building financial models,
and incorporating standard operating systems
that are dependable and forecast worthy are
only a few mentions of what it took to be
successful.
Recently I served as VP of Sales/Marketing and
Business Development. I celebrated my 14th
year in September of 2024. The company set a
high standard of focus, and results, lead with
strong operating systems, culture, and drive.
This training, experience, and execution I live
by professionally adding heartfelt culture of
responsible nourishment, for a successful
business model.
To date through many explorations and
considerations, The Essential Pantry was
created. It fulfilled the love of family values, my
passion for design, creativity and a true want to
be in community.
I look forward to sharing my experiences
learning from my community and engaging in a
leap of faith as I enter a new chapter in my life.
Until we meet,
Wendy
Contact The Essential Pantry
(253) 541-2744
Info@TheEssentialPantry.com
3550 Market Place W Unit A-105
University Place, WA 98466
Hours:
Tuesday-Saturday 10AM-6PM
Sunday 11AM-5PM
Delanee/Social Media & Store Manager
Delanee
Social Media & Store Manager
Hi! I’m Delanee, the Social Media Manager and
Store Manager at The Essential Pantry. If
you’ve ever sent us a message on Facebook or
Instagram or called the store with a question,
there’s a good chance we’ve already chatted!
I joined the team in February 2025 after being
introduced to Wendy and David through a
family friend (thank you, Uncle Delvon!). From
the start, I’ve felt so lucky to be part of a
business that truly values connection, quality,
and community.
Outside of the store, I love baking and
experimenting in the kitchen, especially with
our olive oils and balsamic vinegars! One of my
favorite creations so far has been chocolate
mini cheesecakes with our Huckleberry Dark
Balsamic drizzled on top. (You also can’t go
wrong with Bittersweet Chocolate with Orange
or Chocolate Cherry!)
Having grown up in Tacoma and University
Place, it means so much to me to work in a
place that gives back to the community that
helped shape who I am today. Whether I’m
helping you find the perfect gift, answering
questions, or sharing baking ideas, I’m always
happy to connect.
I look forward to meeting you in the shop!
Delanee