Hi, I’m Leslie, and this is the story behind Spring Riot.
I’ve always been drawn to design, wellness, and creating with my hands. My journey began in fashion—working at a boutique in high school, interning at Marc Jacobs, and eventually landing at Style.com. Over time, the relentless pace and unsustainable practices of the industry left me feeling disconnected. I shifted into wellness, studied at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and launched a few small businesses—always seeking work that felt more authentic.
Life took another turn when I experienced two miscarriages. It was a profound period that heightened my awareness of everything I was putting in, on, and around my body. This awareness deepened when I became a mom, leading me to scrutinize every product my children came into contact with. I was particularly concerned about harmful substances like PFAS—chemicals found in many children's clothing items, linked to serious health issues like immune system disruption and developmental problems .
Unable to find basics that felt truly safe and healthy, I decided to create them myself.
Spring Riot was born from this journey. "Spring" symbolizes renewal and transformation, while "Riot" represents vibrant energy and bold action—a refusal to accept the status quo. Together, they embody a joyful rebellion against harmful practices and overconsumption, paving the way for thoughtfully designed, skin-healthy basics and a more intentional, slow-fashion future.
I’m not a polished public speaker — in fact, I hate it. I have a hard time with business lingo like margins and COGS. What I do is build, create, and care deeply. That’s what drives everything I do. I’m just fixing something I couldn’t ignore.
