Leanne, we drool over your recipes. What led you to become a certified nutritionist and holistic health coach? 

For the majority of my adult life, I was a hairstylist and salon owner.  After moving from England to America during my teens I ended up planting roots in Los Angeles working in some of the top hair salons in the city. I ended up opening my own salon with my then partner, Andy.  We opened the Andy Lecompte Salon in 2005.  While running the salon and working as a hairstylist brought me immense joy, it could also be incredibly draining. My deep-rooted love for farmers' markets and the therapeutic nature of cooking for myself and my family inspired me to enroll in culinary school. As I deepened my knowledge around cooking and honed my skills my passion for health and wellness continued to grow. This led me to pursue further education at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Becoming a holistic health coach profoundly transformed not only my self-care routine but also how I engage with and support those around me. Though my schedule doesn't allow me to work extensively with clients, I am always eager to assist and share my knowledge with friends and acquaintances.

What inspires your recipes? 

My recipes typically spring from my own cravings and the desire to put my unique spin on dishes I love. I am Inspired when I dine at restaurants, scrolling Instagram is a fantastic source of inspiration. I have many wonderful friends who are chefs. They are always inspiring and happy to talk to me about cooking and how to improve my skills. I always try to develop my recipes to be both clean and healthy. I firmly believe  "you are what you eat,"  I am blessed to live in Los Angeles where there is an abundance of the freshest ingredients, from all the local farmers' markets that the city has to offer. Whole foods, fresh fruits, and vegetables are the cornerstones of my cooking.

What is your kitchen must-have?

Without a doubt, a really good knife is the single most indispensable tool in my kitchen.

Our founder Jenna has been taking Udea Wellness supplements consistently which is your latest wellness venture. What inspired you to start the brand? 

The development of UDEA Wellness has been a passionate journey for my partner, Natalie Stevenson, and me. Drawing from  two decades of experience working with women in the beauty industry, I observed a common thread—a tendency for women to prioritize everything else in their lives, often at the expense of their own well-being. They frequently engaged in negative self-talk, harboring insecurities about their bodies and self-worth. This observation spurred us to create a product that would provide women with a moment of self-care—a chance to put themselves first. Encouraging small daily rituals, such as taking a vitamin, practicing a brief meditation, or opting for water over sugary drinks, serves as a powerful reminder of self-worth. The way you begin your day sets the tone for the rest, and by investing in self-care, you can better extend love and support to others.

Why did you decide to focus on mood and hair? 

Before finalizing The Mood Pill and The Hair Pill, we conducted extensive research and testing. We recognized that achieving the right mood is crucial for a fulfilling day, and after working with clients in the salon for so many years I know that everyone wants their best hair day to be every day! 

 Where does the name Udea come from? 
UDEA draws its name from the goddess of vitality. Living a life filled with vitality adds a profound sense of purpose and meaning to one's actions. 

What inspired the two supplements The Mood Pills and The Hair Pills?

The Mood Pill was developed with the knowledge that emotional well-being and mood have a significant impact on the overall quality of life. Emotional states can influence everything from daily productivity to long-term health. Therefore, the goal was to provide a natural and holistic solution to support and stabilize one's mood. 

The Hair Pill focuses on  nourishing the body from within. We wanted to create something  that has a direct and positive impact on the health and appearance of peoples  hair. These supplements are designed to provide essential nutrients and support for hair growth and strength, addressing common concerns related to hair health, such as thinning, breakage, and dullness.

What’s next for the brand? 

We are thrilled about the exciting plans we have in store for the brand's expansion. Currently, we're in the testing and development phase for our third product, which promises to be a game-changer. The upcoming year holds so many exciting things, and we're deeply grateful for the support and generosity of those who have supported us on this journey.

While internal health is important for skin health, we of course can’t forget about skincare. What is your go-to LINNÉ product? 
I am a huge fan of  LINNÉ products, particularly the renew face  serum and sunblock.
What is one piece of wellness advice you want to leave our community with? 

Hydration is the key to revitalization, I make it a point to drink half a gallon of water daily, often supplemented with electrolytes. I believe that sleep is the foundation for a good day. My kitchen tip is that water can breathe new life into your produce. I keep my carrots and radishes submerged in water in the fridge. If lettuce is getting limp and sad, submerge it in water and place it in the fridge, it will be as good as new in a few hours. Just be sure to change the water every few days.

What is your go-to LINNÉ product(s)?

The RENEW face serum