When you first meet Lisa after reading her story, you find a calm, relaxed demeanour with a great sense of humour. The kind that makes you laugh unexpectedly and without a care. Just a deep, hearty laugh. Lisa is a true inspiration. Her story is a powerful one. One that makes you sit back and realize that every woman has a story. Every mom has a strength inside of them that is drawn on when needed that makes her extraordinary. This, is Lisa.
( BEFORE )
My name is Lisa and this is my story.
( AFTER )
Makeup by Harold Santos
Hair Cut, Colour and Styling by Lisa Schoor
I am a recently separated mom of two fantastic kids. I put my name forward, not because I thought I would be selected, but because it was a chance, an opportunity, a first step forward, in trying to find me again.
The past couple of years have been incredibly difficult, eye-opening, challenging yet empowering at times as well. My husband and I separated in October 2014. It was my decision and it was the right one. I didn’t want my kids growing up thinking that’s what a marriage looked like. I didn’t want my son thinking that’s how he should treat a woman. I didn’t want my daughter thinking that she should let a man treat her that way. I wanted to set a better example.
Life as a single mom is not how I envisioned my life. No one close to me is divorced. It’s hard when no one can fully relate.
I work full time and have been solely responsible for the well-being of my kids. Time, I’ve come to realize, is precious; it’s limited. I’m up every day at 5:30 and often not getting to bed until 11:00 at night. Between all the household duties (inside & out), kids activities, my full time job, plus my duties as Chairperson on the board of directors with my kids daycare, there’s never enough time and definitely none for myself. I used to have a small amount of time when my kids would see their dad however, they’ve had no contact with him since November. He didn’t even see or call them at Christmas. I’m doing my best to support them as best I can. Financially, things are tight, but we’re doing what we can. Unfortunately, there’s nothing left for me. But, I’m okay with that as long as my kids have what they need and are happy. I have such respect for all the single parents out there.
The flip side to this though, is that I’ve realized that everyone, including moms, need some time for themselves. One is only as strong as the weakest link in the chain. I had made a comment to my best friend: I’m not living. I’m existing. I feel like I’m on the Titanic and while everyone else is finding safety, I’m sinking and going down with the ship. It was overwhelming and was having an impact on my mental and physical well-being.
So I entered the contest: for the chance, the opportunity, the first step on the way to finding me again. Thank you for this. Even if I hadn’t been selected, I took the step. The other 5 incredibly fantastic women I met, also took that step. My life was changed during this process. Thank you to these women. Thank you to Kelly and her talented team of artists (hair, makeup and photography). This is an experience that won’t be forgotten!
We could not have done this without the help of our community.
Lennard Taylor for the amazingly crafted articles of clothing! We can’t thank you enough for these fantastic pieces!
Sparrow Events Company for the use of your fantastic space and thank you so very much for the wicked change room! Unexpected and just beyond cool!
Forever 21 for lending us the fun pieces we were able use for this shoot!
Suzan Kiernicki Style Consultant for the fantastic Stella & Dot pieces.
Our artists Harold Santos, Whitney Dheilly, Chelsea Watson, Lisa Schoor with The Artist Groupe. We are blessed to call you all partners and work with your talent, selflessness and selves every day! Thank you for giving these ladies the pampering and styling they deserved!
