Meet the woman behind The Modern Scrunchie (aka my absolute favourite hair accessory of all time), Lisa K Simmons. Lisa is a mom of one little cutie (pictured below), nurse by trade and creator at heart.

What started off for Lisa as a collection of gemstone jewelry and crystals has evolved into a larger collection of meaningful pieces, made by amazing companies and brands we can stand behind.

Lisa's decision to bring other brands into the mix stems from her realization of just how valuable community is in supporting and helping one grow both personally and professionally. It was through attending and vending at many artisan markets over the years and coming out on the brighter side of depression that Lisa was flooded with the thought "stronger together". Understanding and appreciating the strength in community has lead Lisa to curate a collection made for women, by women, which focuses on bringing forward comfort, fashion and sustainability.

Personally, I fell in love with Lisa's Modern Scrunchies! I am all about the return of the scrunchie, and I'm fully embracing this old trend that is making a comeback. Scrunchies are perfect for giving your high ponytail, topknot or messy bun some added lift, and they're also super cute to wear around your wrist, if you ask me!

If you want to amp up your ponytail game, check out The Modern Scrunchies I've chosen for the shop. The elastic bands feature soft fabrics in pretty colours. One colour has a name that literally made me LOL when I was placing the order.

Keep reading to find out more about Lisa and her business!! 

MEET THE MAKER Q&A

Name: Lisa Simmons

Location: London, ON

Name of business (and where did the name come from?!):  Lisa K Simmons (I’ve had many business names over the year but working under my name now gives me the freedom to change the direction of my business whenever I need since my name will never change)

Number of years in business: oh gosh, about a decade offline and online since 2012.

Description of business: Curated online boutique - Made for Women, by Women.

Reason for starting business: as a creative outlet

Is it a full-time job or side hustle? I am a Registered Nurse by trade, mother and business woman. I’ve been on maternity leave for the last year which has let me dive head on into my business. Its been both terrifying and exhilarating at the same time.

If side hustle, what is your main priority right now? (ie. being a mama? a career in a completely unrelated field? both? neither? Tell me more!!) My number one goal is to allow my business to always be fun. I want a balance of being home with my son while being able to manage the business side during down-time. Is there a perfect balance? I’m not sure but I am willing to find out. Time will tell…

How do you juggle entrepreneurship + life? Any advice for finding balance? Hire someone. Right now, I have someone do my IG posting to curate my feed. I wanted less “screen time” and outsourcing provided more relief that I thought it would.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? I am a RYT 200 so I enjoy yoga, running and just chilling with my son, Noah.

What does self-care look like to you? Alone time. For me, there’s nothing better than a little silence.

Who do you lean on for support? My husband. He has always supported any decision I’ve made and pushes me to go further when I don't think its possible.

Are there any resources you wish you had discovered in the earlier stages of your business that you didn’t know about but wish you did? That’s a great question and I’m not sure I have an answer. When someone starts out in a new business, sometimes they expect all the answers handed to them and to be honest, part of the process of growth is hustling to find those answers.

Do you have any tips for building your brand? Find a niche and stick with it. You’ll never please everyone but find your people, engage with them and let them get to know you.

What has been your biggest challenge so far? Showing my face. I have a beautiful IG feed and no one knows who I am. I’m a bit camera shy but my goal for the next 3 months is to get some head shots.

Greatest accomplishment? Concurring motherhood. That shit is HARD.

Best lesson learned? Always trust the universe.

What does “success” mean to you? Happiness.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years? With a community of women who support each other and maybe maybe open a brick and mortar store front.

RAPID FIRE

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? TACOS

Favourite word/phrase you find yourself saying on repeat: I am enough.

Last book you read: Girl, wash your face.

One thing you could NEVER live without: sparkling water

Go-to emoji at the moment: laughing face

Name one thing on your bucket list: going to bali

One thing that makes you smile: Noah

Favourite season: summer

Coffee or wine? Coffee

Night in or night out? Night in

Sunrise or sunset? Sunset

Music or podcasts? Music

Steak or salad? Steak

CONNECT WITH LISA

Website: http://www.lisaksimmons.com

Social Media:

http://www.facebook.com/itslisaksimmons

Upcoming Markets:

Bump, Baby and Toddler Marketplace  in Hamilton, ON - November 10th & 11th

West 5 Holiday Market in London, ON - November 17th from 10am-3pm

London's Handmade Craft Sale in London, ON - November 18th from 10am-3pm

The Modern Mom Show - November 23rd & 24th