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Vet-owned family soap-makers to open in mall

Business profile

By R. R. Branstrom 4 min read

ESCANABA — A family business that has been producing bath and body products to sell online and at pop-ups is getting its first ever storefront. Charlie Charlie Soap Co. LLC is working on moving into the Delta Plaza Mall.

Chris and Christina Jahnke founded the company after discovering that their handmade soap recipes were able to ease some skin sensitivities.

“(Our) son, Ryan, had really bad eczema and we tried almost every soap in the soap aisle,” Chris explained. “Some made it worse, and others did a little to help, so we thought we could formulate our own soap out of natural ingredients. Thus, Charlie Charlie was born.”

The husband-and-wife team began Charlie Charlie in November of 2025 and started selling soap in January 2026. Initially, they began concocting the soaps at their home in Ford River Township, but now produce their growing lineup off-site.

Natural ingredients and eco-friendly packaging are cited as important aspects of Charlie Charlie’s business model: “We’re here to provide you with products that are as good for your skin as they are for the environment,” the company states on their website, ccsoapco.com.

The founders, both of whom served in the Navy, believe that values developed during military service help contribute to the quality of their products.

“As proud Navy veterans, we understand the importance of dedication, integrity, and hard work. These values anchor everything we do at Charlie Charlie Soap Co.,” the website reads. “Our journey from serving our country to serving our community has been guided by the same principles that shaped our military careers. …Every bar we craft is made with the same attention to detail and commitment to excellence that we learned in the Navy.”

While purchases can be made through the business website, Charlie Charlie has also participated in pop-ups alongside other local businesses.

“We are so grateful for the support we have received early on,” Chris said, thanking Rachel and Hallie Miron at KIN Salon and Boutique, Stephanie and Ava Boucher of Glo Tanning and Sage Clark of Sip 906 Nutrition for hosting Charlie Charlie at their stores for pop-ups. 

In eight short months, the offerings from the new company multiplied.

“Since January, our product lineup has transformed drastically,” Chris wrote in an email to the Press. “We now handcraft Shimmering Body Oils, Hydro Cubes, Cloud Butter, Everything Soap, Baby Soap, Nose and Toes Balm, Perfume, Body Spray, Lip Balm, Sugar Scrubs, Cuticle Oil and the soon to be released Big Bear Bar.”

To accommodate growth and create another avenue for customers to find them, Charlie Charlie has found space in the Delta Plaza Mall at 301 N. Lincoln Ave. in Escanaba. They are planning on holding a grand opening at the new location — next to Maurices — on Sept. 25.

“We are thrilled to have a home where we can talk with our customers and be a larger part of the community,” Chris said. “We are firm believers our store will be an experience where people can find a new product or sample something they might not have been able to at the big box stores.

“What started as a small veteran-owned company has grown into something we're incredibly proud of, and we're thrilled to take this next step and bring our products directly to the local community.”

In addition to the lineup presently sold on their website, Charlie Charlie also produces customized products.

The new store will feature the existing handmade soaps, butters, sugar scrubs, body oils, lip balms, and other bath and body products while allowing room for more.

“We can’t wait to bring a new small business to Escanaba,” Chris said. “This is an exciting milestone for our small business, and we're grateful for everyone who has supported us along the way.”

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