Lisa Kisber attended McGill Univeristy in Arts for undergraduate studies and then got two law degrees from McGill, her BCL and LLB, before landing a job at a large law firm in New York. Fashion had always been her calling though, and she returned to Montreal to launch what is now a passionate career in the industry...
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I do a few different things so an elevator pitch would be tough! But mostly I do content creation and marketing consulting and I am also a fashion and beauty blogger/personality. I currently consult for a few different fashion and beauty brands simultaneously, and I am acting CMO and spokesperson for GLOSSYBOX Canada.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I moved back to Montreal after having been a corporate attorney at a huge law firm in New York City and I truly had no clue what to do with my life. I had always had an extreme passion for fashion and beauty; during our summers of law school, while all the other law students were clerking for judges and working for professors, I was studying fashion design and marketing at Parsons and FIT and interning at W magazine. When I started my fashion blog, I set the goal of covering fashion week, and four months later I was doing just that as the official style blogger for Toronto Fashion Week. Once I realized that I had developed my own brand, I started seeking out opportunities to work with other brands doing the same.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part is that I LOVE what I do. I am beyond passionate and excited about my work every day. I am one of those annoying people who want the workday to last. My first career path definitely taught me to work hard, but working hard at something you love is literally the bomb.
The most challenging part is finding hours in a day! I am perpetually working, networking, researching and trying to push my own boundaries and limitations, and not to mention have a social life, publish worthy blogs on Virgin and LKISStyle.com and GLOSSYThoughts, do videos for Virgin, GLOSSYBOX and Askmen.com, and TV appearances fairly regularly…so time is something that I constantly need and, for me, there is never enough.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
This gig, only bigger, would be fan-freaking-tastic.
What does success look like to you?
Success is definitely monetary, but the most important part is feeling a sense of purpose and pride. When you get all of those factors combined, it’s magic.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
The day I published my first blog post. With no followers to speak of at the time and the only readers being my brother, parents and husband, it was really no big deal, but it started the momentum that has lead me to this point.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Paying dues is essential. Hard work is the only way to ensure that you are prepared when good luck finally comes your way. Stay curious and take risk. You never know until you ask and fear is a huge limitation. Dress for the job you want, not the job you have and, finally, as a business practice, deliver what you promise or else don’t make the promise. I live by this and I think that it is truly valued by those that I work for and for those who work with/for me.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I am on the Board of Directors for Art of Fashion, which helps support and promote up-and-coming Canadian fashion designers. I love this organization because it provides a platform for truly talented people to launch a career in fashion.
What to you is notable?
Professional integrity, reason and grace (especially in moments that do not inspire poise)…and of course style.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone, iMac, iPad…i-everything.