Meet Leah Kirpalani, Mom + Owner, Shop Good
We are so grateful that Leah shared her story with us…
I’m Leah Kirpalani — founder of Shop Good, wellness entrepreneur, and mom of two. I spent the first chapter of my career in corporate retail, but a decade-long battle with chronic illness led me to seek a more holistic way of living. That personal journey inspired me to create Shop Good, a first-of-its-kind destination combining clean beauty products, wellness tools, and holistic spa services. We’ve since grown into a multi-location brand and online community serving thousands who are navigating their own health and skincare journeys. My mission is to make feeling good — inside and out — more approachable, inclusive, and fun.
Connect with Leah Online
Our ‘As Strong as the Mother Next to Me’ weekly spotlight highlights and celebrates Moms in San Diego and across the globe who believe in building up and supporting moms.
We are excited to share Leah’s story with you today!
How did you get started with your current role?
I got started with my current role by turning a deeply personal challenge — my decade-long battle with chronic illness — into my mission. After leaving a successful corporate career in fashion and retail merchandising, I realized there was a major gap at the intersection of internal health and external beauty. That realization led to the creation of Shop Good — a holistic beauty and wellness destination that combines non-toxic products, wellness tools, and results-driven spa services. I founded the company in 2017, and it’s since grown into a multi-location business with a strong online presence and a loyal, engaged community.
Today, my day-to-day is a dynamic blend of leadership and vision. I oversee strategic growth, retail and spa operations, product curation, and team culture across both our physical locations and e-commerce. I’m also deeply involved in brand storytelling, investor relations, and expanding our membership and service offerings. At the same time, I’m a mom of two — often toggling between business meetings and school drop-offs, balancing ambitious growth with being present for my family. My days are fast-paced but grounded in my commitment to making wellness more accessible, effective, and enjoyable for everyone.
What does “As Strong as the Mother Next to Me” mean to you?
To me, this is a powerful reminder of the collective strength and resilience that women, especially mothers, share. It’s the understanding that motherhood — with all its challenges, messiness, and beauty — is lighter when we lift each other up and support one another. As a mother of two, I’ve felt firsthand the struggle of balancing family and career, and it’s been through the shared strength of my mom-friends and other amazing mothers that I’ve learned to grow, evolve, and have patience and kindness for myself through the tough moments. Whether it’s a simple gesture of checking in on one another, or a more intentional act of solidarity, we truly are stronger together. This mindset is at the core of my business too, where creating a supportive, inclusive community has always been my top priority.
What strategies do you use to stay connected?
I love this question because I wasn’t always good at it. Early on, I often felt like I had to handle everything on my own — from running my business to being a mom. But over time, I’ve realized the power of staying connected with my support network, especially during the challenging moments. I prioritize honest, open conversations with close friends and family, even if it’s just to vent or ask for help. I also make it a point to check in with other mothers and entrepreneurs who understand what I’m going through — they’re often my best sounding boards. And sometimes, it’s as simple as taking a minute to send a voice message, letting someone know that I’m thinking of them. It helps remind me I’m never truly alone.
How do you involve your children in your professional life, if at all?
I love involving my kids in my business, even though they’re still pretty young. At 2.5 and 5, they’re curious about everything, so I try to bring them along in simple ways. They both love coming to the store with me and seeing what’s happening, whether it’s helping me pick out products or just being part of the energy in the space. They even get excited about little things like sorting logo stickers or playing with the empty product samples. And recently, my 5-year-old daughter wants to come to masterclass events with me to “help out,” which I just adore. Since I work from home, whether they’re home sick or have a short day at school, they often see me working or on the phone. I love that they can witness my hard work firsthand, and then watch me shut work off to give them my undivided attention at the end of my day. I want them to see that work can be a creative, fun part of life, and I love having them along for this crazy ride.
Can you share an example of a collaboration with another mom that was particularly successful or fulfilling?
I love collaborating with other mompreneurs. One collaboration that stands out was when we hosted Amanda and her FIT4MOM organization for a special night out and shopping event. I had the chance to share my personal story, including my struggles with chronic health issues and postpartum depression, and the response was overwhelming. I felt the love from the room and had so many incredible one-on-one conversations afterward. It was clear that we all left feeling less alone and so supported by one another. I love events like that — where we can break through walls, be real with each other, and find a true sense of belonging and community.
How do you define strength in motherhood?
To me, strength in motherhood isn’t about being perfect or doing it all — it’s about resilience and the ability to keep showing up, even on the most brutal days. It’s the quiet moments of patience and love i give to myself when things feel overwhelming. AND it’s the courage to ask for help when I need it – being ok to embrace my vulnerability. And ultimately, strength is found in community of other mamas — knowing that we’re not alone and that together, we can face anything.
How do you celebrate small victories in motherhood and business?
I’ll be honest, I’m much better about celebrating the small victories in motherhood than in business, as I constantly have my eyes on the larger goal for Shop Good, whereas in motherhood, I just want to freeze time!! In business AND motherhood, progress is not overnight, rather, made up of hundreds and thousands of tiny wins, always adding up to something much bigger. Pausing and appreciating the small wins definitely helps keep me motivated and moving forward in both motherhood and business.
How do you think societal perceptions of motherhood have changed over the years?
I think there’s now more room for moms to be unapologetically themselves, whether they’re staying at home, running a business, or balancing both. I think we’re starting to see motherhood as a more dynamic and nuanced experience, one where strength is defined by vulnerability, resilience, and community – and I am HERE for it.
How do you balance self-care with taking care of your family and business?
I’ve had to learn the hard way that prioritizing myself is essential when running a business and being a mom. I used to put myself last, thinking it would help me be more effective in my day, but I quickly realized that I was just flat out wrong. Now, I incorporate a few non-negotiables into my day to help keep me balanced. I make sure to get some form of movement daily, usually a Peloton strength or cardio class. Before anything else, I drink chlorophyll water (I love the Juna Detox Drops we sell at the shop), Then my coffee only after I’ve had a hearty and high-protein breakfast — this order helps stabilize my blood sugar and keeps my energy balanced. I also try to drink water throughout the day with added trace minerals, and I make sure to get protein into each snack while snacking frequently to maintain my energy. I make time for reading to my kids and, if im lucky, watching a show with my husband. I aim to get to bed around 10 PM, after wearing my Omnilux LED face mask (a best-seller at the shop!), and actually taking time for my skincare routine. These moment of self-care help me slow down, practice love for myself, and unwind after a busy day.
How did you build your community of moms around you?
I feel super lucky that many of my closest friends from college and my early career years are now also moms. We’ve grown together through so many life stages — from figuring out our first jobs to navigating motherhood — and there’s something incredibly grounding about that kind of shared history. Over the years, our connection has only deepened as we’ve supported each other through the highs and lows: pregnancies, postpartum challenges, career pivots, operating on zero sleep, and all the mess in-between. Having this community of women who “get it” has been everything — personally, it’s kept me sane, and professionally, it’s been a beautiful source of support, ideas, and encouragement.
How important is it to you to surround yourself with other moms professionally and personally?
Very. There’s an unspoken understanding that comes from sharing the experience of motherhood, and it creates connection rooted in empathy, resilience, and honesty.
In my personal life, my mom friends never judge, and they can always laugh or cry with me through the chaos. Professionally, I’m constantly inspired by fellow moms who are building businesses, customers who are moms, team members who are moms – all showing up fully even when it’s hard. It reminds me that I’m not in this alone, and that there’s so much strength in walking alongside women who are doing life with the same intention and grit.
What piece of advice would you give another mom who is struggling with balancing work/home life? or thinking about starting her own business?
I’d tell her: you don’t have to do it all at once, and you definitely don’t have to do it alone. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that balance isn’t a perfect split — it’s about being fully present where you are, and giving yourself permission to shift, pivot, and ask for help. Start small, trust your gut, and don’t wait until everything is “perfect” — it never will be. If you’re dreaming about starting your own business, know that your lived experience as a mother is not a liability — it’s a superpower. The way you problem-solve, care deeply, and manage chaos is exactly what will set you apart.
Do you have a non-profit or cause that you want us to know more about? And why are you so passionate about this?
Casa De Amparo – housing and support for children affected by domestic violence. we’ve done makeup kits for the girls, donated gifts for xmas, and more. incredible organization with so much heart.
What challenges do you face as mothers and businesswomen?
One of the biggest challenges I face as both a mother and a business owner is the constant tug-of-war between being fully present at home and fully present at work — and the guilt that can creep in no matter where I am. Working from home adds its own layer; my kids could be just down the hall while I’m on a call or deep in strategy, and that proximity can make the boundaries feel blurry and uncomfortable. I also face the pressure to “do it all” — grow a business, be a present mom, maintain a household, and still take care of myself — which is a near-impossible standard.
Tell us about a challenging time in your business or in your role in motherhood and how you overcame it?
After my son Max was born, I hit one of the most challenging seasons of my life — both in business and in motherhood. The business was going through a tough phase, and at the same time, I was navigating intense sleep deprivation and the heavy fog of postpartum depression. I felt like I was failing in every direction, and it was incredibly isolating. What helped me begin to come out of it was actually telling people how I was feeling / asking for help — something I haven’t always been good at. Slowly, with others’ support and a renewed sense of grace for myself, I slowly found myself again — and a deeper sense of awareness and strength that I now carry into both motherhood and entrepreneurship.
What are some of your favorite resources managing your business and/or home life that have saved you time?
1. Peloton Digital
I knock out a 20-minute strength class before the kids wake up or between Zooms. Their built-in programs mean no planning or scrolling — just tap “start” and move.
2. Shared Google Calendar
Every work and family appointment lives in synced calendars with my husband. We also use shared Notes for grocery lists and home to-dos so we can divide and conquer without repeating efforts or forgetting who’s grabbing what.
3. Voice-note texts
While folding laundry or driving to pick the kids up, I send voice notes via slack to my team or via sms to my friends. It’s quick, easy, and helps me stay connected — without tying up my hands or my calendar.
4. A once-a-week housekeeper
A cleaner home makes my brain calmer, and opens up so much more space for work, play, and rest.
5. ChatGPT for all things work
From writing copy to brainstorming marketing campaigns to organizing my thoughts — it’s like having an assistant, copywriter, and thought partner in one. Total lifesaver.
Can you share a moment when another mom’s support made a significant difference in your life?
After my 2nd was born, I felt like I was unraveling. One afternoon, a close mom friend showed up at my door — unannounced, with coffee in hand — and just sat with me. She didn’t try to fix anything; she just listened, held space, and reminded me I wasn’t alone. That experience gave me more strength to ask for help and stop pretending I had it all together. Her quiet support was everything.
Would you like to offer anything to our readers?
Yes — treat yourself! Whether you’re in the thick of motherhood, juggling work, or simply need a moment to recharge, you deserve it. Come visit us at Shop Good to experience a little self-love and self-care—whether that’s with a fun new healthy product or an all-organic facial. It’s not just about feeling good in your own skin; it’s about feeling fully supported too. The Shop Good team is always here for you, and you deserve it!
MOMination
We become better women, partners, leaders, and friends by empowering and lifting each other up. Thank you Leah for MOMinating these women below who have inspired you.
Jen Hartford (Noble)
Jen is wonderwoman. She’s a wicked-smart business woman and the most caring and intentional momma. I look up to her endlessly.
Lisa Ezzat
Lisa is one of my estheticians at our One Paseo location and she is a strong, smart and incredible woman and mom. She’s continued to chase her dreams and live out her passions in holistic skincare all while caring for her boys. And she gives the greatest facial in the world (go see her!)
We are thrilled to bring back our weekly spotlight that will highlight and celebrate Moms in San Diego and across the globe who believe in building up and supporting moms.
We hope that if we can debunk the idea that you have to take on this journey alone, as a community of moms, we will all walk away stronger, inspired, and raise stronger children and become better partners. We’d love to hear from you!
