Meet the Lepar Family
A Family Rooted in Love, Creativity, and Purpose
On a safari adventure in South Africa
In a world that often feels rushed and disconnected, the Lepar family offers a refreshing reminder of what matters most: love, creativity, and meaningful connection. Whether mentoring others, creating programs that uplift, or simply embracing the ups and downs of everyday life, the Lepars show that fulfillment comes not from perfection, but from living with heart.
Love at the Core
Doug and Sheleen’s love story started early. Growing up in Cape Town, South Africa, they attended the same middle and high school. For Doug, it was love at first sight, though their relationship began as a friendship. Doug was a computer geek and too shy at the time to ask Sheleen out. Years later, during university, love blossomed. They journeyed across the world and made Newport Hills their home. Together, they built a life rooted in warmth and the beautiful adventure of family life, with their children, Keira and Aaron.
Their love extends beyond their household. They are very close to their family in South Africa and Vancouver. Their home has also become a welcoming space for friends and lively gatherings.
Love Meets Purpose
Giving back is woven into the fabric of their lives. They are committed to environmental, social, and animal causes - from forest restoration projects and supporting organizations such as Team Trees and Seattle Children’s Hospital. Doug has dedicated countless hours to mentoring scholars and has organized events through the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS), while Keira has raised funds for global food security efforts.
Sheleen’s social enterprise, Purple Splash Studios, reflects this purpose-driven ethos. Founded in 2014, it offers kids/family coaching, creative arts therapy, and products that nurture emotional resilience and family harmony. The work has impacted tens of thousands of lives and donated over 1,000 books to underserved communities. In 2023, they received the ORT Jet Shining Light Award for their contributions.
The Heart Behind Purple Splash Studios
Purple Splash Studios began as a tribute to Sheleen’s mom. While taking a break from the corporate world, after having Keira, Sheleen started delving into her creative passions. One project included illustrating and publishing one of her mom’s stories as a birthday gift to her and fulfilling her mom’s lifelong dream to become an author. That spark grew into a vibrant platform for children’s books, journals, and printables that promote self-belief, personal growth, and kindness. Their products have become Amazon and Etsy best sellers, earning multiple #1 rankings, and global recognition.
Beyond products, Sheleen offers workshops, coaching, creative arts therapy, and school/community/Girl Scout programs designed to help people overcome obstacles, achieve their goals, and thrive. If you’ve attended Newcastle Days or visited the Newcastle Library, you may have seen her sharing her passions.
Living Life Fully
The Lepars embrace life with curiosity and zest.
- Keira is a dynamic eighth grader who blends academic excellence with artistic flair. She’s performed in musicals, co-wrote and directed her school’s production, and volunteered at Bellevue Youth Theater. Her achievements include being selected for a STEM leadership camp, participating in the Future Problem-Solving State Championships, and receiving a scholarship for being a well-rounded student. She’s also learning American Sign Language and Spanish and enjoys baking, biking, rock climbing, texting her friends, and “roasting” her parents.
- Aaron is a thoughtful, hardworking, and fun-loving fourth grader who enjoys soccer, biking, swimming, problem-solving, and of course, gaming. He’s also explored hip-hop dance, piano, and karate (orange belt). His poetry and art have won multiple PTSA Reflections Awards, including district-level recognition. Known for his empathy and resilience, Aaron makes friends easily and brings the fun wherever he goes.
- Doug spent 17 years at Microsoft and previously worked with C-Suite executives at multiple Fortune 20 companies in the Bay Area. He’s a respected mentor and leader, earning him multiple executive and board-level awards, including Microsoft Platinum and Pinnacle Awards. At home, he’s the steady anchor, guiding his family with kindness, integrity, delicious food, and bad dad jokes. If he is not helping others at work or home, you may find him playing computer games, his life-long hobby.
- Sheleen juggles parenting, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. In addition, she’s a lifelong dancer - performing, teaching, and choreographing professionally from a young age. Her styles include jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and hip-hop. She continues to share this passion by teaching dance and hosting dance parties at Body Language Studio in Renton, a vibrant dance community close to her heart.
Joy in the Everyday
Despite their busy schedules, the Lepars don’t take life too seriously. From family Halloween costumes to karaoke nights and “Nailed It” baking challenges, their home is filled with silliness. They love traveling, recently to Costa Rica, and have explored five continents together. Locally, they enjoy camping (more glamping), hiking, and visiting favorite spots like DIY Tea Lab, Yea’s Wok, Tapatio, and Frosty Barrel.
For the Lepar family, success isn’t about accolades; it’s about the love they share, the lives they touch, and the joy they cultivate.