My next Mompreneur that I’m featuring is someone very near and dear to me and has been for a good 15 years! She’s someone whom I’ve looked up to both on a business level, a personal level, and most recently a mom level. I’m always finding myself asking every now and then, what would this person do? As you can tell from my boasting, it’s clear she’s someone I admire and aspire to align myself with! The gal I’m describing is none other than entertaining and wedding expert Lisa Lyons of Lisa Lyons Events & Etiquette!
She and I met way back in 2005 both of us so young and eager to carve out our mark as entrepreneurs. I remember swapping business cards with her and noticing that she and I had the same pink and brown color palette (very early 2000’s!) I knew I had met someone very special and we became fast friends, always keeping each other inspired and staying atop of the trends in our industries. Over the past two decades, we’ve seen each other through hard times and times of celebration, and it’s bonded us in a way where we can honestly get through anything!
So when it came time for me to reflect on who I’d love to feature as a Mompreneuer I’d look up to, it was an obvious choice. One thing Lisa and I have always done well together is collaborate on styled shoots where we could showcase the best of our work together. This has led to some FABULOUS photo shoots and yes, many of them (actually ALL of them) end up with a fancy cocktail or glass of rosé somewhere on the set! Our level of creativity that flows when we get together is nothing short of inspirational and always ends in some kick ass branding content that we just naturally roll with on the cross-marketing front. If finding a creative soulmate exists, than its safe to say I’ve easily found that in Lisa.
And with all of this comes Lisa’s effortless style and her “way” of just saying the right thing. I think this is what attracts everyone to her, what makes her an expert in her field, and overall a stand up Mompreneuer in every sense. Just talk to her Daughters! They’re the walking examples. Always graceful under pressure, poised with confidence, and ready with any solution at a moment’s notice, with style of course! That’s the Lisa I’ve come to know and love.
So take a little break from whatever you’re busy with and read my interview about what makes Lisa Lyons the Mompreneuer and incredible person she is today!
Abby (A): What is the name of your company and how long have you been in business?
Lisa (L): Lisa Lyons Events and since 2003! 17 years!
A: How would you describe your brand’s aesthetic?
L: I’d like to think of my brand’s aesthetic as well-appointed, classic, and sophisticated.
A: What made you go into business for yourself?
L: When I started my business, I had two toddlers and was in a crossroads in life. I was in a position where I wanted to be and needed to be financially independent for myself and for my daughters.
A: Were you already a mom at the time and how old are your children now?
L: Very much so! I have a 24 and a 21-year old daughter(s)
A: What’s something most people don’t know (or don’t think about) that’s unique to being a mom and your own boss?
L: Both roles, independent of one another, require a great deal of multi-tasking. Together, you need military precision and a great deal of structure. I don’t believe that should be daunting, however! In my opinion, children thrive with structure and so do (good) businesses.
The most unique part lies with trying to be everything that goes along with being a mother which includes teacher, nurse, dietician, cook, custodial, transportation, etc. Teaching your children to be self-sufficient and self-starters at a young age, where appropriate can spare you of a lot of work as well as teaching them invaluable independence.
A: What or where do you draw inspiration from in your business?
L: First and foremost, it’s always been, my own mother. There was quite some time when it was just her and me, she was a single mother, and put herself through with what was in the ’60s and ’70s, “secretarial school.” She didn’t have a driver’s license (and, actually didn’t get one until she was in her mid-40’s!) and would commute by subway from the Bronx to midtown Manhattan every weekday when she landed a job at a most prestigious pharmaceutical company. I stayed with my grandparents who lived in the same apartment building while she was working, and Mamí was savvy, working her way up in their administrative office. When I was a little girl, I always used to do “fashion shows” wearing her work-wardrobe, because I admired it so much. I knew in those moments that I wanted to be a “businesswoman,” but also wanted to always be there for my future children with school field trips, carpool, and all of those deliriously exhausting, yet rewarding roles we play.
A: In your business, do you desire to leave a legacy to your children? If so, what does that look like?
L: The only legacy I want to leave for my daughters is one of how I treated people along the way, how I persevered, what I accomplished, who I lifted up along the way, and who I, hopefully, made better. These same principles they can carry in their independent personal and professional lives.
A: What would you tell other mothers wanting to start their own company that you wish you would have known?
L: You may never truly have a “day off”. Always, always save at least 20% for taxes and emergencies. Equipping yourself with the right tools (that includes branding!) will save you money. In short, sometimes you need to spend money to make money! Embrace mistakes. Choose wisely when to say yes, and don’t be afraid to say NO. Roll with punches. You know who loves you, darling!
A: What advice would you give to mompreneuers who feel overwhelmed?
L: Find people who are good for your soul, that listen to you and understand you, and are endlessly devoted to seeing you succeed.
One of my very best friends is my direct competitor; empowered women support empowered women! You can’t be your best until you find people who are walking the same walk as you.
A: We all know achieving “balance” doesn’t really exist. What are some practical tips that help you get through your day, week, month?:
L: Plan your day the night before
Create a morning routine
Take some quiet time. (No, really!!)
Try and read an inspirational quote or listen to affirmations or a podcast every day, even if it’s only 10 minutes.
Take a walk or move our body every day; dust those cobwebs off!
Eat that frog! Tackle that item on your to-do list that you are looking forward to the least, and you’ss see how swiftly the rest of your day soars!
A: What’s one thing that you’re able to teach your children that is a direct correlation from being a mompreneur?
L: Keep a schedule
Set a precedent
Establish goals
Factor in money
Teach the future
A: What’s your idea of the best Mother’s Day?
L: I am not one to go out to brunch with all of the other throes of mother’s out there, and not that there is anything wrong with that. The best Mother’s Days I’ve experienced were ones where I didn’t have to make the plans, cook, phone off, etc. I recall my favorite Mother’s day was several years ago where I was lucky enough to have a luxury resort poolside cabana for the day with my girls. It was heaven!
A: Lastly, what are you currently reading / listening to?
L: The Last Collection which was given to me by a fellow mompreneur and friend, Kim McFadden. It’s a fictional novel based on the lives of Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiapelli. It’s great fun, and what I call, “mind-candy!”
My current business read is The Ride of a Lifetime from Bob Iger.
Lisa has always been positive, extremely funny and full of grace. People have always been drawn to her aura. I know this since we meet when I was five. She just had and continues to glow that makes you want to be in her world. ⭐️ Sincerely, Jeannie
Thank you for this feature, Abby! It’s so easy for us to get lost in the daily grind, bu this made me pause to not only answer your questions but to allow myself to feel pride in what I’ve done with my children and the business!
Happy Mother’s Day! xx
Thank you Abby. I needed a moment to pull away and read something light and positive. Beautiful subject, I applaud your highlighting strong women in our community. Thank you for the introduction to your dear friend and colleague.