Exploring Life & Business with Sharon Czekala of The Great Lakes Natural Soap Company

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharon Czekala. 

Hi Sharon, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
After the birth of my son, I quit my corporate job to be a SAHM. Once he began school, I had to make the decision to return to the HR field or start a business of my own. I chose to stay home and began my soapmaking business in my kitchen. After the first year, my products were being sold all over the state. I began my second soap brand in 2016 and grew to be a national brand. In 2020, I opened my soapmaking studio and began teaching and consulting. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Overall, it was very smooth. The financial crisis in 2008-9 hit the industry hard, but we survived and even grew as other soap businesses shut their doors. We opened our studio in the midst of COVID shutdowns, but because soapmaking is considered a critical business, again we were able to grow. We did make some process changes to keep our clients safe, and they worked well. 

As you know, we’re big fans of The Great Lakes Natural Soap Company LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
The Great Lakes Natural Soap Company became the premier provider of handcrafted soap with a Michigan/Great Lakes theme. Places, our luxury brand, was best known for our high-end soaps and cosmetics, which made exceptional gifts. Science + Lyes was our teaching studio, where both adults and kids could learn to make their own products in a fun environment. 

I am most proud of the legacy we are leaving as I move into retirement. Our collaboration with a local non-profit means that our products will I’ve on and will continue to support a great cause far into the future. 

Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I wish I had taken more financial risks early on. I started with $1000, and that was the only money I ever put into the company. From that point on, only company earnings went back into the company. I see now that that tactic probably slowed our growth. If I were to do it all again, I would invest more into packaging, photography, and marketing than I did originally. 

Image Credits
Rob Andrew Photography