In fact, it started when I was at boarding school.  My schoolmates would go out dancing, and I would cut and style their hair and do their make-up. I was too shy to join them but I knew in my heart they were the prettiest girls there.  Beauty was my passion then, and is still my passion today! 

All the pieces fell into place when I read Helena Rubinstein’s biography. I was just 19 but her book spoke to me, made me believe that my dream could come true despite the few resources I had at that moment. And then destiny stepped in. I became the host of a series of television shows which addressed women’s issues and concerns. It was a pivotal time in my life. As I sat in the make-up chair every day, I absorbed the artists’ techniques and tips.  And as I worked on set, in front of the cameras, I learned to overcome my shyness. Deeply moved by the positive reactions of my faithful followers, I began to think of how I could do more for women.

That’s when I founded the Lise Watier Institute in 1968, and dedicated it to empowering women, teaching them the fundamentals of beauty, and providing them with in-depth advice on such things as make-up, poise and personal fulfilment. I already knew that real beauty is more than skin deep, that it is best expressed through a glance, a warm smile, engaging conversation.  Beauty is a living thing, a presence; it commands attention. You have to feel good about yourself to be truly beautiful and to have others enjoy being around you. After all, we always find the people we love and admire to be beautiful.

Thousands of women came through the doors of the Lise Watier Institute. By helping them expand their horizons, I was expanding mine. I was discovering the fundamental principles on which I would launch Lise Watier Cosmétiques in 1972. Cosmetics became the tools with which to celebrate the unique beauty of women, to instil a deeper sense of well being, to foster a greater feeling of self-confidence.  My line of make-up, skincare products and fragrances had to meet these requirements without compromise, and they still do. My priority has always been quality, creativity, innovation and respect for my consumers.

Every day, women in Canada put their trust in Lise Watier products; they know they will help them feel more beautiful, more confident, more feminine. And every day, these women inspire me in my life and work.  

I continue to strive to find new ways to fulfil my dream of helping women look beautiful, feel empowered and live a richly rewarding life. Most recently, the Lise Watier Foundation became the crowning achievement of a life dedicated to women. The Foundation now allows me to help in another way; by aiding women in need, women who are less fortunate.”