mamas rock: lisa borden
Filed Under Going Green, Mamas Rock | April 19, 2010
In honour of Earth Day on April 22nd we thought it timely to profile Lisa Borden, an eco-lifestyle specialist and the official “Idea Girl” of Toronto-based Borden Communications + Design Inc. A full-service marketing firm, they have a strong focus on helping people ecofy their lives, schools and offices.
Lisa’s environmental awareness grew when she realized she was having far too many “How-the-hell-didn’t-I-know-that!?” moments for a reasonably educated, urban consumer and modern mum. Decisions like using formula in BPA laden bottles even though she breastfed and made all her own organic baby food; purchasing the “best” mattress for her unborn first child only to later realize it was full of flame retardants; and slathering on Tricolsan-laden hand sanitizers to keep her family healthy.
Like all of us who’ve had similar moments, she thought she was doing what was right and best for her growing family. She’s since realized that “each little thing does add up. We can do better for our kids. We can give them all they deserve – pure food, non-toxic information, meaningful love and complete appreciation for all that they are.”
Borden Communications + Design Inc. was born in 1994 in the corner of Lisa’s one bedroom apartment when she was 22 years old. She didn’t have money, a partner or a business plan, but she had a goal – to over deliver on every promise while maintaining a passion for her work.
Seventeen years, one husband and three children later, her basement is her office – with its own entrance and a very eco-friendly commute – and she works with clients such as Klean Kanteen and Eco-Me. She admits that trying to fit everything in means she sometimes has to give up “me” time. She and her husband pack the kids’ lunches, eat breakfast with them and do drop off and pick up (at two different schools) but their live-in caregiver is integral to making their daily life work.
She finds the rewards of having her own business include being able to “choose the rewards you want… which is, in my opinion, the greatest reward in itself.” But, like many entrepreneurs, she admits she does miss the perks of working for someone else, little things like maternity leave, sick days and real holidays.
Find out more about Borden Communications + Design Inc. at www.bordencom.com.
Entrepreneurial Tip:
“Give up looking for balance…it doesn’t exist! But that’s ok, because, if you love what you do as a mother and for your work, just do the best you can everyday. I guarantee success. I live and work by this African Proverb: ‘If you think you’re too small to make a difference, try sleeping in a room with a mosquito.’”
For a full q&a of our conversation with Lisa visit our yoyo diaries blog, she had heaps to say and we couldn’t fit it all in here.
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Let us know what you think or share your great finds with us so we can share them with other Vancouver mothers!
Lisa is a visionary. She offers great ideas that makes the world a better place.