Meet Dara Erck

We were lucky to catch up with Dara Erck recently and have shared our conversation below.

Dara, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

Resilience is a quality I didn’t always recognize in myself, but looking back, I see the defining moments that shaped it—challenges, setbacks, and triumphs that built me up, layer by layer. Today, as an entrepreneur, global health strategist, and mom, resilience is woven into everything I do. It’s what I draw on as I navigate the complexities of running a business, advocating for teen mental health, and balancing the demands of single parenthood. This resilience wasn’t something I was born with; it was cultivated through life’s circumstances, early independence, and the choices I made.
Growing up in a ski town, I started working at age 12—babysitting, working in restaurants, and embracing independence earlier than most. I chose to study abroad in New Zealand at 15, leaving the familiar for an entirely new experience, and soon after, I served as a Senate Page in Washington, DC, at 16. These early experiences not only expanded my horizons but also demanded that I adapt quickly, find confidence in unfamiliar situations, and rely on my inner strength.
My career has also shaped my resilience in profound ways. Working as an election supervisor in post-conflict former-Yugoslavia since 1997 was a significant chapter, teaching me the art of resilience under pressure. The conditions were challenging, but each mission reinforced my commitment to helping communities find their voice, even when I had to confront personal fears along the way. This role deepened my understanding of resilience—not just as a survival skill but as a commitment to a greater purpose.
Later, as a global health consultant, I had the privilege of working with organizations dedicated to solving complex health issues. It was a role that demanded innovation, patience, and a belief in the impact of incremental progress. Some days felt like moving mountains, especially when resources were limited and the stakes high. These experiences cemented my understanding that resilience is often about embracing small wins and staying the course, even when immediate results are elusive.
But perhaps my biggest test of resilience came in my personal life. Navigating divorce, raising my kids as a single mother, and starting over in a new town were seismic shifts that required me to recalibrate my life. I founded my company, SAM+LEO, as I navigated these changes, launching a teen mental health brand driven by a deep-seated commitment to support teens. Building this brand wasn’t just a business decision; it was my way of turning my challenges into something meaningful for others.
Creating SAM+LEO has brought its share of setbacks and uncertainties. But with each hurdle, I’ve leaned into the resilience I’ve cultivated over the years. I’ve learned that resilience is about staying flexible and open to change, even when it’s not what you’d planned. I’ve pivoted, refined my vision, and even switched product lines because of the realities of the journey.
Through every challenge, my resilience has been bolstered by the support of my community and my desire to create positive change. Whether it’s the teen who feels seen and supported by SAM+LEO’s products, the parent who reaches out to thank me, or the entrepreneurs who inspire me, I find resilience in knowing that what I do matters to others.
For me, resilience is a mosaic—a combination of early independence, career experience in high-pressure roles, personal trials, and the community I’ve built around SAM+LEO. It’s my bedrock, a reminder that no matter what, I have the strength to adapt, persevere, and continue building a life that’s meaningful and impactful. So when I’m asked where I get my resilience from, I think back to all these moments and know that resilience isn’t just a trait; it’s a journey, and mine is still unfolding.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m Dara Erck, founder of SAM+LEO, a teen mental health brand focused on providing natural, effective support through a line of gummy vitamins. SAM+LEO was born out of my experiences navigating mental health challenges with my own kids, especially during the pandemic, and a strong desire to create something that empowers teens to prioritize their wellness. Teen mental health is close to my heart, and I’m driven by the idea that proactive support can make a huge difference in young lives.

Our line includes five unique SKUs, all natural and specifically designed for teens. Each product, from our Relax gummies, which ease stress and balance mood, to our Eyes+ gummies, which support eye health in this digital age, is formulated to meet the real, everyday needs of teens. We’re also committed to sustainability, packaging each product in recycled plastic pouches that align with our values of environmental responsibility.

The journey to build SAM+LEO hasn’t been linear, and it has involved several pivots. I started in the body care space but shifted to supplements after realizing where I could make the greatest impact. SAM+LEO’s mission is to support teen mental health in a way that’s relatable and effective, giving young people tools that help them feel more balanced, focused, and resilient. This mission has driven every decision I’ve made for the company.

One of the most exciting developments for SAM+LEO this year was being selected for Whole Foods’ Local and Emerging Accelerator Program (LEAP), a competitive program with over 1600 brands applying. We’re honored to be one of only ten brands chosen, and the only supplement brand selected. This opportunity is huge for us as we expand our reach from direct-to-consumer and Amazon to retail shelves, where teens and parents can access SAM+LEO more easily.

For readers interested in SAM+LEO, this is just the beginning. We’re not only expanding into retail but are continually exploring new ways to support teen wellness, whether through additional products or partnerships that align with our mission. If you want to follow our journey, support our mission, or even join us in advocating for teen mental health, visit us at shopsamandleo.com. It’s an exciting time for us, and we’re grateful for every parent, teen, and community member who shares our vision.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Reflecting on my journey, three qualities stand out as the most impactful: perseverance, adaptability, and the art of authentic connection. Each has been essential in building SAM+LEO and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship and single parenthood. Here’s why each quality is vital and my advice on how to develop them.
1. Perseverance
Perseverance is the backbone of any entrepreneurial journey. There will be unexpected challenges, from production setbacks to financial hurdles, and it’s perseverance that helps you keep going when things are tough. For me, perseverance became second nature as I faced the ups and downs of business and personal life transitions. The moments when I felt I’d hit a wall turned out to be the ones that propelled me forward the most, whether it was a pivot from body care to supplements or finding new ways to reach our audience.
Advice: Start by setting small goals and pushing yourself to complete them, even when it’s uncomfortable. Perseverance grows as you build up a track record of achievements that remind you of what you’re capable of. When setbacks arise, see them as stepping stones, not roadblocks. The ability to push through difficulties is a muscle that strengthens with use.
2. Adaptability
The ability to adapt has been invaluable in my journey. Starting in body care and pivoting to supplements, or moving from a DTC model to retail, required openness to change and quick thinking. Adaptability helps you respond to market shifts, unexpected challenges, or new opportunities. In today’s world, industries evolve rapidly, and being rigid will only hold you back. Adaptability is the key to growing and staying relevant.
Advice: Approach each change with curiosity rather than resistance. Stay informed, attend industry events, and actively seek feedback from your community. Embracing change is easier when you view it as an opportunity for growth rather than something to fear. Develop the skill of listening—to customers, mentors, and market trends—so you can pivot effectively when needed.
3. Authentic Connection
Authentic connection has been at the heart of SAM+LEO’s success. Building relationships with my team, customers, and even fellow founders has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey. When people feel your genuine care and passion, they’re more likely to support your vision. The trust and camaraderie built through authentic connections have opened doors to opportunities I couldn’t have imagined, from partnerships to loyal customers.
Advice: Focus on building real connections, not just transactional relationships. Take the time to understand what people need and how you can genuinely help or add value. For those early in their journey, remember that networking is more than collecting business cards; it’s about building relationships that last. Approach every interaction with empathy, a listening ear, and a willingness to support others. This approach not only builds a strong support network but fosters a community that believes in what you’re building.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

The number one challenge I’m currently facing is growth marketing and building brand awareness for SAM+LEO. As a category creator in the supplement space, SAM+LEO is pioneering functional vitamins specifically for teens—a demographic that’s largely overlooked in the wellness industry. Walk down any vitamin aisle, and you’ll see products for kids and adults, but nothing tailored to the unique needs of teens. This gap is what we’re addressing by offering clean, healthy alternatives and wellness supplements specifically formulated to support the mental and physical well-being of teenagers.
Our biggest obstacle is educating both parents and teens about the importance of targeted support during these formative years. For instance, no 11-year-old needs an energy drink, but there are few accessible products that offer clean energy and mood support tailored to their needs. Our line is designed to provide just that, with SKUs like Relax, Energy, and Eyes+, aimed at addressing stress, focus, and even the impacts of screen time.
To tackle this challenge, we’re working to build a strong foundation of brand awareness through a mix of strategic marketing and community engagement. We’re tapping into channels where parents and teens are active—social media, educational content, and partnerships with influencers who resonate with both demographics. Our participation in Whole Foods’ Local and Emerging Accelerator Program (LEAP) is a huge step in bringing SAM+LEO to physical retail, allowing parents and teens to discover us as they shop for wellness solutions.
Beyond traditional marketing, we’re focusing on educational content to explain why functional supplements for teens are essential and how SAM+LEO products can help. This includes creating informational resources on our website, collaborating with experts in teen health, and engaging directly with our community. By prioritizing education and fostering genuine connections, we’re working to shift the perception around teen wellness and make SAM+LEO a trusted choice for families looking for healthier, age-appropriate options. It’s an ongoing journey, but we’re excited to see the impact as more people discover what SAM+LEO has to offer.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shopsamandleo.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopsamandleo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shopsamandleo
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daraerck/
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shopsamandleo