Leslie Riley is an entrepreneur, educator, and owner of Natural Pearl Essentials. Leslie is an ambitious and motivated native of Charleston, SC. While much of her background and education focus on working with children and adolescents, she always had a desire to own her business. Leslie attended the University of South Carolina in Columbia SC where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. Later she earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from Webster University. But that wasn’t enough for Leslie. Although Leslie was making a difference in the lives of others throughout her career, she still felt that she wanted to make an impact, but in a different way. That impact would later be her hobby and passion, making plant-based products for hair and skin. These products are without chemicals and harmless to the bloodstream. In March 2016, Natural Pearl Essentials was launched.

“I love making all-natural products. These are the things I am passionate about. Because I love it, I figured I should not only limit what I have to offer to just family and friends but to the world as well.” Leslie’s dream is to have a world full of satisfied individuals using her products. Her offer to the world is gradually happening. Thus far, Leslie has been invited to speak to different groups about her plant-based products. She is a full-time vendor at the Charleston Farmers Market, sells the products in FOCUS: Meds Pharmacy and Wellness, and Naturally Manicured in Duluth, GA. She was invited to showcase her products during the Vitamin Shoppe’s grand opening in Mt. Pleasant, SC and again at the North Charleston location. Leslie also sells her products in local barbershops and hair salons.

Leslie enjoys spending time with her family and friends,exercising, climbing Stone Mountain and doing research on things that would better herself internally and externally. She is a member of Morris Street Baptist Church where she serves on the Health Committee. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Leslie is active in her community and a firm believer of giving back to those in need. Some of her community service projects include the Ronald McDonald House, Habitat for Humanity, Lowcountry Food Bank and Hope Lodge.

Despite everything Leslie has accomplished, she feels as if her greatest accomplishment in life is her daughter, Ardyn Brielle Riley. Leslie lives by her favorite Bible scripture, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13