About CALYX
From our Founder:
The ocean has always been a source of serenity for me, its vastness grounding me in ways nothing else can. As a young girl, I was captivated by dolphins—my favorite animal—but as I grew up, that fascination expanded to encompass the entire underwater world. The ocean’s wonders, from the delicate dance of coral reefs to the graceful glide of sea turtles and the powerful presence of sharks, continue to amaze me. What really draws me in is the mystery—the uncharted depths and unexplored realms that still remain.
I earned my Open Water SCUBA certification in college and had my first ocean dive in Aruba in 2020. Since then, I’ve had the incredible fortune to explore underwater worlds in Greece, Mexico, the Florida Keys, and Bermuda. But my most recent dive in the Keys was a sobering experience—the stark reality of coral bleaching hit me hard. Seeing the ocean's breathtaking beauty fade due to human impact was a heart-wrenching reminder of our responsibility to protect it.
Me blowing bubbles in Key Largo.
Before and after, a coral with a plastic bag suffocating it and the bleaching underneath.
Found off the coast of Miami.
On land, my career has evolved in e-commerce and around cosmetics for the last five years. Around the time I turned 30, I noticed a shift in my skin and scalp. Like many, I turned to dry shampoo, but I soon realized the products on the market left my scalp feeling irritated and imbalanced.
One of my personal goals for 2024 was to create something of my own. While I didn’t initially know what shape it would take, I remained open to inspiration. Over time, I started experimenting with natural ingredients, aiming to craft the perfect loose, non-aerosol dry shampoo. My goal was to create a formula that refreshed the scalp and kept hair feeling fresh, all while using simple, all-natural ingredients. As the idea took shape, I combined it with my industry knowledge in cosmetics, branding, and e-commerce. When the name “CALYX” came to me, I knew it was the perfect fit.
In the world of coral, the calyx is the protective structure that reef-building polyps secrete around themselves—a sanctuary where their life begins. Though coral is not a plant, this cup-like formation can be thought of as the place where it is “rooted” to the ocean floor. The metaphor resonated with me deeply, symbolizing both nature's nurturing power and a delicate balance we must work to protect.
CALYX is more than just a dry shampoo; it's a commitment. A portion of our proceeds will be dedicated to ocean conservation efforts. Our goal will be to focus on the entire reef, from the actual coral to the animals that call a reef home or rely on reefs for survival. While I’m still ironing out the logistics of this initiative, I’m committed to being transparent about how we contribute as we grow.
CALYX ROOTS is designed to revive your roots while supporting the “roots” of our oceans. Reefs are essential to the health of our planet, not only for the coral themselves but for the vibrant ecosystems they support. Through CALYX, we hope to play a small role in protecting and restoring these underwater treasures, while encouraging others to become more mindful about ocean conservation.
Together, we can make waves—both for your hair and for the planet.
-Reachelle Kacz 🫶 🪸🐠🐢
A visual of where a coral calyx is. From NOAA
