Today’s YEDaily features Montreal-based blow dry suite Baristas‘ owner Lisa di Ioia, a driven entrepreneur who says “the freedom of working for yourself is worth millions.” Find out what she means and her inspiration in today’s profile…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I like to believe my day begins and ends with the purpose to inspire! Owning a blow dry suite, I see fabulous hair flock out daily, but more than that I see confidence, drive and smiles.
I love being the director of a place that promotes the power and drive to be anything. Baristas is just that. It’s a platform for what comes after you walk out and into the world…
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I always knew I couldn’t live by someone else’s tune. I knew that would never be my story.
I wanted to be a part of something that was far from mainstream and something so outside the box it would be an element of surprise in every woman’s life. In a world where cookie cutter is way too common, I was set on standing by something different. Anything worth anything must stand out or it just doesn’t do it for me!
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
Best is the relationships I build each new day and challenging is the search for the perfect barista. It’s not just about fabulous hair for us, we want them to be as bubbly as us.
The barista, after all, is your “day maker,” and we take pride in who that will be for you.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I hope baristas will hold a prominent spot in every woman’s life. I hope we become a healthy addiction in the lives of many. But most of all, I hope we are a constant driving force for inspiration!
What does success look like to you?
Having created something that lasts far longer than I will. That is my everything…It’s the peace of mind that comes from waking up every day for myself and not for someone else. Its living by a tune that’s challenging, flexible and, most of all, a tune that sings passion. The freedom of working for yourself is worth millions already!
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Taking a leap of faith against all fears and just opening our doors!
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Focus is huge. You have to commit to focusing on building your dream or someone else will hire you to help them build theirs. This favourite quote I once heard is all one needs to hear and it should drive you long into the nights. Well, it certainly does for me at least.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
None in particular, but hopefully in the future one that focuses on encouraging and promoting empowerment.
What to you is notable?
Anything worth knowing and worth spreading. Anything far from ordinary and rather close to remarkable!
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone (it’s all about the pics).
Stay tuned for tomorrow’s feature on Lisa’s business partner Laura di Ioia