SAM+LEO was founded due to a lack of available clean products for teens.

While shopping for toiletries for her son for sleep away camp, founder Dara Erck realized that there was a huge gap in the market. She spent a couple of years sitting with the idea and asking friends if they had a similar experience. When the answers were all a resounding “YES,” she decided to further explore the idea.

With the onset of COVID-19 in 2020, Dara found she had more time to devote to this project and Sam+Leo was born.

Dara Erck (she/her) is the Founder & CEO of SAM+LEO and the mom of two teen boys. She spent much of her career as a consultant to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in Global Health R&D Advocacy.

What are your individual core values?

Inclusivity, positivity, education, sustainability, kindness, and individuality.

How do your friends describe you?

Highly motivated, adventurous, friendly, inclusive, connected, and mindful.

We put our values first:

✦ Kindness First

✦ 100% Natural

✦ Individuality

✦ Sustainability

We are a purpose-driven, social impact company devoted to teens and clean body care options. Everything to do falls into our pillars:

✦ Inclusivity 

✦ Positivity 

✦ Education 

✦ Sustainability

✦ Authenticity