For Self-Care Awareness Month, Lala & Elm and The Human-Animal Alliance Launch a Philanthropic Partnership

In celebration of Self-Care Awareness Month, Wilmington, NC-based clean beauty boutique Lala & Elm is teaming up with national nonprofit The Human-Animal Alliance (H-AA) to launch a yearlong campaign that blends clean beauty with meaningful impact.

As part of the collaboration, Lala & Elm has been named H-AA’s Exclusive Skincare Partner, with proceeds from in-store events, limited-time promotions, and private shopping experiences supporting nonprofit organizations that believe in the transformative power of human-animal connection. From animal-assisted therapy for trauma survivors, to keeping people and their pets united, The Human-Animal Alliance is making an impact, one human-animal connection at a time.

“This partnership is rooted in the belief that self-care and connection go hand in hand,” said Jackie Ducci, founder of H-AA. “When we take the time to care for ourselves, we become more open, more present, and more capable of forming the kinds of deep, healing relationships that animals so naturally offer. That’s what this collaboration celebrates—the quiet, powerful ways that wellness and compassion can transform lives.”

Founded in 2022, H-AA has funded animal-assisted therapy sessions, facility dogs who serve local communities, animal-assisted learning initiatives, disaster recovery efforts when people and pets get separated, and more. 100% of all public donations go directly to grantee partners, thanks to internal funding that covers all operating costs.

“This collaboration speaks to everything we believe in,” said Erica Mearns, LaLa & Elm Founder and Owner. “We’re a family-run business that leads with care—care for people, for animals, and for the community around us. Partnering with H-AA lets us extend that care beyond our store, and into something much bigger.”

The partnership will continue into 2026, with additional events tied to key awareness moments such as Stress Awareness Month, and PTSD Awareness Month—each inviting customers to support healing and connection through everyday purchases.

To learn more, visit the Lala & Elm website.

About The Human-Animal Alliance

The Human-Animal Alliance (H-AA) is a nonprofit organization that deeply believes in the power and value of human-animal connection. Through its grantmaking program, H-AA supports programs nationwide that preserve existing human-animal connections and create new ones. The H-AA also advocates for a more pet-inclusive society and educates the public on the life-changing impact animals can have on human lives.

About Lala & Elm

Lala & Elm is a family-owned clean beauty & wellness boutique based in Wilmington, North Carolina. The store is led by founder Erica Mearns and co-managed by her daughters, Alexis and Claire, who bring a multigenerational perspective to product curation and community engagement. With a focus on cruelty-free, sustainable, and luxurious self-care, Lala & Elm offers more than 70 premium beauty and wellness brands—alongside concierge-level service and a deeply personal approach to retail. The boutique regularly hosts masterclasses, private events, and philanthropic activations designed to make beauty both purposeful and inclusive.

To explore the boutique or shop online, visit www.lalaandelm.com.

Contact Information

Jackie Ducci

Founder

The Human-Animal Alliance

Contact via E-mail