Meet Dara Erck | Founder, CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dara Erck and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dara, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process behind starting my own business, SAM+LEO, was rooted in a combination of personal experience, passion, and necessity. As a mom, I had firsthand experience navigating my kids’ mental health challenges, especially during the pandemic. That period illuminated the lack of accessible, targeted resources for teen mental wellness, which deeply influenced my decision to create a product line that could help other families facing similar challenges.
I loved my career in global health and wasn’t necessarily looking to pivot from it. However, I noticed a large gap in the market for clean products specifically designed for teens, alongside a growing mental health crisis. It became clear to me that this was an opportunity to take the skills I had honed in global health strategy and advocacy and apply them to an area where I could make a tangible, immediate difference in the lives of families.
Ultimately, I wanted to build something authentic, scalable, and impactful—balancing a mission-driven approach with the practicality of growing a consumer packaged goods (CPG) business.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve had a unique career with many twists and turns, mostly focused on global health in both the public and private sectors. My work has taken me from consulting with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on global health R&D advocacy to leading initiatives at organizations like Aeras, where we advanced tuberculosis vaccine development. What sets me apart is the privilege of collaborating with inspiring leaders in global health to improve the quality of life for millions around the world. It’s humbling to know that the work we’ve done has had a tangible impact on people’s lives.
One of the more unique aspects of my career is serving as an election supervisor since the age of 20. I supervised the first election in Bosnia after the war, which taught me the importance of perseverance, diplomacy, and the power of collective efforts to rebuild and strengthen communities. These experiences reinforced my belief in the transformative potential of dedication and collaboration.
Getting to where I am today hasn’t been easy. There have been challenges, especially balancing professional ambitions with personal transitions, like pivoting to create my company, SAM+LEO, after a divorce and covid. However, I’ve learned that challenges often open doors to new opportunities. Resilience, adaptability, and a clear sense of purpose have been my guiding principles.
Through SAM+LEO, I’ve shifted my focus to teen mental health—a cause close to my heart. Inspired by my own kids and the growing need for clean, accessible wellness solutions for teens, I’ve developed a line of vegan gummy vitamins that support mental and physical wellness.
What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that we’re committed to authenticity and impact. SAM+LEO isn’t just about products; it’s about supporting teens and their families during a critical stage of life. My journey may have been unconventional, but it’s been driven by a desire to make a difference, whether through global health, election supervision, or now, teen wellness. I’m grateful for every twist and turn that has brought me to where I am today.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Since I’m relatively new to Denver, I’ve been loving discovering all the unique places the city has to offer. We’d definitely hike North Table Mountain in Golden, one of my favorite places to unwind and get a great view of the city. For a bit of movement and relaxation, we’d head to yoga at The River Studio, which has an incredible, welcoming vibe. I’d also introduce them to local gems like Pinemelon for fresh grocery delivery (a lifesaver for busy weeks!) and stop by Mile High Comics with my kids—it’s such a fun, nostalgic spot. For food, we’d grab some of the best dumplings in town at Nana’s Dumplings or indulge in amazing Italian food at Grandma’s Goodies. Denver has so much to offer, and I love getting to explore it with friends!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout dedication is to my kids. They challenge me, support me, and make me look deeper than anyone else. They are my constant inspiration and the driving force behind everything I do. Their honesty, resilience, and unique perspectives have shaped not only who I am as a person but also the direction of my business, SAM+LEO. Navigating their mental health challenges and watching them grow has fueled my passion for creating products that truly support teens and their wellness. Without them, none of this would exist. They deserve endless credit and recognition for being my biggest teachers, motivators, and sources of love.

Website: https://shopsamandleo.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopsamandleo/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daraerck/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopsamandleo

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopsamandleo

Image Credits
main profile photo: Cathryn Farnsworth