Sue Schreck lives in an old schoolhouse, built circa 1854. Outside, a variety of herbs and flowers are organically grown in a garden, then harvested and hung up to dry. Lavender, basil, lilac and peppermint infuse in olive oil-filled jars atop an antique dresser in the living room.
Inspired by her sensitive skin, Schreck decided to make olive oil-based soap for herself in 2005. With the purchase of a book and a few supplies, the process quickly grew into a business.
“One day I was making it, and I thought, why am I still making soap? I have 200 bars!” Schreck laughs. “But I just enjoyed doing it, so I said if I want to keep making soap, why don’t I make a website and support my hobby?”
Professionally, Schreck is a graphic designer and program coordinator at the Confucius Institute. The institute works to promote Chinese art and culture, both ancient and modern, through dance, music, theater, photography and visual arts, lectures, and other events.
“Working with the students is rewarding because they’re energetic and curious and aren’t afraid to try new things,” she says of the value of bringing the culture to campus.
As a program coordinator, Schreck helps plan events hosted by the institute, working closely with visiting artists, lecturers and U-M event managers. With a background in graphic design, she also promotes events by designing posters, event brochures, Web banners, display banners, reviews of events, and even books highlighting exhibitions. One such book featured the paintings of an exhibition presented in the Work Gallery.
“I love color and putting things together to communicate in an effective way. I love typography and working with different styles to create an image.”
Web design has also been a passion of Schreck’s. She practices by designing websites for her soap business and portfolio. She additionally offers freelance graphic and Web design services.
“When I retire I think I’m going to design websites for fun!” she says. “It’s very rewarding to take a website that isn’t user-friendly and doesn’t look good, and make some changes that can make a huge difference.”
Both side businesses — Schoolhouse Soaps and Schoolhouse Design — are named after the home where the ventures were created.
Schoolhouse Soaps offers a wide variety of soaps and salve for sale online, including calendula, eucalyptus, green tea, lemon balm, lilac, rose and vanilla.
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In 2014, Schreck was invited to present at Michigan State University’s National Herb Day event, speaking on the use of herbs to craft soaps and salve. An eager full house bought all the soap she had to sell, and Schreck looks forward to continue educating those who are interested.
She has begun to educate her family as well, teaching her children to craft soap and to use graphic design programs like Photoshop.
Schreck says she gives away more soap than she sells, noting that while it’s nice that there’s interest in selling her products, money was never the goal. It was simply a way to support a hobby.
“I think it well balances a person to not only enjoy their job and work hard at it, but to have something additional they are passionate about,” she says. “It’s very rewarding.”
Joanne Klanke
Sue is a beautiful person, inside and out. We grew up in the same neighborhood, same church, then became relatives.
Her soap and salves are wonderful. Due to allergies to detergents, we were first gifted soap to try, and now years later, we buy and receive her soap, as it’s all we ever use.
We even use it on our itchy Shih Tzu/Yorkie fur baby!
Celeste Kukla
One of the kindest people I have ever met. Her love for learning shows in the skills she has graphically and in the world of organics and homeopathy. Her “clean slate” motto for dealing with conflict and her encouraging “10 points” for a job well done have made their way into my interactions with people.
Celeste Kukla
One of the kindest people I have ever met. Her love for learning shows in the skills she has graphically and in the world of organics and homeopathy. Her “clean slate” motto for dealing with conflict and her encouraging “10 points” for a job well done have made their way into my interactions with people.
Roben Coury
Sue is one of those beauties both inside and out. My life, as well as many others have been so blessed to have her in it. Congrats Sue!
Tonya Martin
Amen, Celeste and all. This world is a much better place with Sue in it. Her wisdom – and Comfrey and Calendula Salve – has helped me through a recent hard time. Proud to have worked with this fine lady and grateful for her friendship and kindness.