Our Story

Born from love. Made with intention. Given with purpose.

Where It All Began

Leah Ashley's Organics wasn't built in a boardroom. It was built in quiet moments — on walks with a rescue dog named Ryder, in the memory of an aunt named Leah Ashley, and in the stubborn belief that what we put on our bodies should be as clean and considered as what we put in them.

Nicole, the founder, started this brand when her dog Ryder was in need of expensive veterinary care — her constant companion through some of her hardest years — was diagnosed with a thyroid tumor. Suddenly, every ingredient mattered. Every label got read twice. And a deep dive into holistic care for Ryder became the seed of something bigger: a small-batch, organic skincare line rooted in integrity.

The brand carries the name of Leah Ashley, Nicole's aunt and childhood best friend, whose creativity, warmth, and compassion left a mark that never faded — even after her early passing. Leah Ashley's Organics is, in many ways, a love letter to both of them.

Ryder's Journey

Ryder was a rescue. He came into Nicole's life as an anchor — grounding her through mental health struggles, showing up with unconditional presence when nothing else felt steady. When his health began to decline, Nicole threw herself into understanding what he needed: low-histamine diets, careful food handling, supportive layers to protect his skin, and the kind of patient, data-driven love that only a devoted pet parent understands.

In his final chapter, Ryder was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma — a quiet, aggressive cancer. They spent their last days together with intention and peace. He passed at home, surrounded by love.

He left behind more than memories. He left behind a mission.

"He stopped by as a butterfly" — and in that, Nicole found the courage to keep going, keep building, and keep giving in his name.

Ryder's Fund

Every lip balm or dog balm sold carries a piece of Ryder's legacy. $1.11 from every sale goes directly to Ryder's Fund — a private giving initiative that supports local animal shelters and helps cover veterinary bills for animals in need.

It's not a 501(c)(3) but we do hope to have the fund evolve into one. It's not a marketing campaign. It's a promise — the kind you make to a dog who gave you everything, and to every animal out there waiting for someone to show up for them the way Ryder showed up for Nicole.

When you buy a lip balm or a dog balm, you're not just caring for your lips. You're helping an animal get the care they deserve.

Learn More About Ryder's Fund

Why Manuka Honey?

We don't use ingredients because they're trendy. We use them because they work — and because we've done the research to understand exactly why.

Manuka honey, native to New Zealand, is one of nature's most potent healers. It's known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and deeply hydrating properties. But raw honey doesn't play well with anhydrous (water-free) formulas — so we use Manuka honey extract, which delivers all the skin-loving benefits without destabilizing the product.

The result? A lip balm that doesn't just moisturize — it heals, protects, and nourishes with every application.

Dive Deeper: Why Manuka?

Small-Batch. Intentional. Yours.

We launched slowly — on purpose. Because a lip balm is one of the most intimate products you can make. It goes on your lips, dozens of times a day. It has to be something you trust completely.

Every batch of Leah Ashley's Organics lip balm is made in small quantities, with clean ingredients, and with the kind of care that only comes from a founder who built this brand from a deeply personal place. No shortcuts. No fillers. No compromises.

This is skincare with a story — and every product carries that story forward.

What Our Customers Are Saying