Client: Shannon’s Soaps

Since 2018, I’ve had the pleasure of working with Shannon and Brian Trepka, the husband-and-wife team behind Shannon’s Soaps, an Ohio-based business serving the traditional wet-shaving community. Their products appeal to a passionate, niche audience that appreciates the craftsmanship, ritual and nostalgia of old-fashioned wet shaving.

I’ve developed packaging for two of their product lines: their signature line and Rustbelt Reserve, a premium collection inspired by the character and spirit of the Great Lakes region. Both feature Cleveland’s iconic Guardians of Transportation, a nod to the couple’s hometown pride. Shannon and Brian are quick to point out that they were using the imagery long before Cleveland’s Major League Baseball team adopted the Guardians name! Beyond these core lines, I’ve also created custom labels for special collaborations with retailers and industry partners, including Pasteur Pharmacy in New York City, The Razor Company just outside Detroit and Timeless Razor in the Greater Cleveland area.

What began as a collaboration with a small, independent business has grown into packaging for products sold by retailers across the country and internationally, including the historic Pasteur Pharmacy in New York City. It’s been rewarding to help a distinctive, independently owned brand stand out in a specialized market while staying true to its heritage and loyal customer base.

Visit Shannon’s Soaps to see a full lineup of their products, including bath bombs, lip balms, lotions and more.