Chelsea State Bank ad

FarmSudz opens second storefront and factory

Courtesy photo. The interior of the new Farm Sudz location in Jackson.

(Chelsea Update would like to thank D&B Strategic Marketing for the information in this story.)                                                                                       

FarmSudz, LLC, a Chelsea-based business, recently opened a retail/manufacturing space in a gorgeously restored 100+-year-old building located at 229 S. Mechanic St., right next to B-Z-B Café in Jackson.

FarmSudz specializes in handmade natural skin and hair care, formulated using fresh, locally sourced ingredients such as goat milk, herbs, and raw beeswax. All products, including soaps, creams, balms, and serums, are handmade on-site in both the Chelsea and Jackson locations.

The story of FarmSudz started with Julie Konkle’s journey as a registered nurse at the University of Michigan. She was a clinical trials manager, helping to test new drug treatments for patients suffering from severe medical conditions. Konkle began making goat milk soap because her husband loved the creaminess of goat milk soap and had been ordering it from Arizona. FarmSudz became a creative outlet for Konkle to continue her research and experimenting with natural ingredients. Her drive and desire to help people as a nurse have guided the business and formulation of the natural handmade products that bring customers back time after time.

Konkle jokes that FarmSudz has morphed into a ‘family business for healthcare workers. Erin Valkuchak, her niece and pharmaceutical technician, fell in love with all things soap making and joined forces in 2017. Valkuchak manages the Jackson location and is the lead soap and cream maker. Beth Scarbrough, Konkle’s cousin and retired respiratory therapist, joined in 2018. Scarbrough loves teaching, which is apparent in how she engages with customers about their products, including all things CBD. She also is handy in the FarmSudz kitchen, making CBD balm and products in the facial care line.

One of the newest members is Becky Hones, who joined in September 2020 to develop the business and manage their digital presence. Hones has a degree in packaging with experience working for large corporations. 

The importance of customer relationships is apparent when you stop by either FarmSudz location. In Konkle’s words, “The first thing you will notice is that our staff is friendly, knowledgeable, helpful, and kind. Making outstanding skincare products and being good to each other and our community is part of our culture – we will never lose sight of our priorities.”

On locating their second shop in Jackson, Konkle said in a press release, “I have so many fond memories of Jackson growing up in the nearby community of Albion. We shopped for school clothes, went to the fair, enjoyed movies, and came for enormous ice cream sundaes, and now we’re ready to make new memories! We are humbled and beyond thrilled that FarmSudz is a part of the warm and welcoming community of business owners committed to the renaissance of the downtown area”. 

Hours for the Jackson location are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., and Thursday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. 

FarmSudz Chelsea is located at 104 S. Main St. #2, below Chelsea Print and Graphics. Other Michigan retailers that carry FarmSudz products include Anna’s Gifts and Home Décor, Jackson, Pure Albion, Albion, Agricole Farm Stop, Chelsea, Miracle on River Street, Manistee, and Dexter Mill Dexter. 

For more information, please go to https://farmsudz.com/our-story/.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

More News

Adult Learners Institute Announces April Schedule

March 22, 2024

Take a Journey Through Holy Week at Zion Lutheran Church

March 22, 2024

March 22: Final Lenten Fish Fry at St. Mary Church

March 22, 2024

Reminder: Spring Fling Craft Show from Fishville Farms at Chelsea Fairgrounds March 23

March 22, 2024

Recent Obituary: Thomas Joseph McGaw, Jr.

March 22, 2024

Jim Bristle and Loren Heller Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award Recipients

March 21, 2024

April 20: Midwest Literary Walk

March 21, 2024

Recent Crime: Forcible Burglary to Business

March 21, 2024

April 8: Election Security in Washtenaw County Zoom Presentation

March 21, 2024

April 4: Virtual Meeting for 2024 County-Wide Resurfacing Program

March 21, 2024

Jackie Dell Receives MHSAA/Farm Bureau Insurance Scholar-Athlete Award

March 20, 2024

Chelsea Police Department February Monthly Report

March 20, 2024

March 21: What’s on the Chelsea Downtown Development Authority Agenda

March 20, 2024

Chelsea City Council Draft Minutes from March 4

March 20, 2024

April 8-13: Free College Week at Washtenaw Community College

March 20, 2024

March 20: Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting Cancelled

March 20, 2024

What Can Faith in Action Do For You?

March 19, 2024

2023 Chelsea Senior Center Community Impact Report

March 19, 2024

March 20: Support Chelsea Elementary PTO By Dining at Culver’s

March 19, 2024

March 19: What’s on the Planning Commission Agenda

March 19, 2024

Lyndon Township Seeks Local Roads Advisory Committee Volunteer

March 19, 2024