Sometimes boldness arises when you feel: it's time to choose my own path. That's exactly how Lisanne decided to start her own business. In Celebrating the Bold with… we speak with Lisanne de Bruijn, founder of LIS the Agency and co-founder of LIS Brands. What began with an intuitive step out of employment has grown into two companies built on vision, courage, and a strong, individual direction.
In our conversation, Lisanne shares how she makes choices that truly suit her, how she finds balance as a mother and entrepreneur, and why imperfect steps are often the most valuable.
What does "being bold" mean to you personally? Being bold means daring to act, even when the outcome is uncertain. It means taking initiative, thinking creatively, and not being afraid of feedback or mistakes. When do you feel most powerful? When I feel good, not just externally but also internally. I also feel most powerful when I'm surrounded by people who inspire and support me. You started with LIS the Agency, and LIS Brands has since been added. How did that evolve—was it always your plan, or did it just develop gradually? No, it developed over the years. I spoke with Britt (my co-founder of LIS Brands) one evening, and we got each other thinking. She called me the next day with the idea, and after a few conversations, we knew we had to start this together. It's been a year now.
What was the moment you thought: I'm just going to do this? I remember when I was working at H&M (doing influencer marketing there) and I really felt I had to start my own business. I thought, if I don't do it now, I never will. My boyfriend also gave me that extra push; he said he supported me, and that worked well for me. What was the biggest challenge in expanding one agency into two companies, and what did you learn from it? Fortunately, we haven't faced a huge challenge yet, but I sometimes find it difficult to divide my attention. I really love both companies and want to dedicate all my attention to them, but sometimes I have to choose where to focus more. Has motherhood influenced your entrepreneurial approach? Absolutely; the arrival of Louen and Livy has helped me see more clearly what's a priority and what isn't. It also helps you plan better. I always think that mothersare better entrepreneurs anyway!
You combine entrepreneurship with motherhood. How do you find that balance? It's often difficult, because I love my business so much, and it really feels like a child. The only thing is, you won't get back the time Lou and Liv were little, so I always keep that in mind. Because I have my own business, I can be flexible, and I also want to be the reading mom in his class on a random Monday morning, not just sit in the office.
How do you stay true to yourself in a world full of expectations? I stay true to myself by making choices that feel right, even if they're not always what others expect. I'm a very emotional person, and deep down, I've always felt what I should do. The older I get, the more I learn to listen to that; my intuition is always right.
What does success mean to you, and how do you celebrate it when it happens? For me, success means doing what makes me happy. And I celebrate that by consciously reflecting on how far I've come. Furthermore, success means achieving my goals and being proud of how I did it. I celebrate it by treating myself to something nice . Who is a woman you admire for her courage, and why? I don't really have a specific woman who admires me, but I think every woman who chooses herself, I have nothing but respect for.
What advice would you give to women who dream of more but are unsure? Just start. You can spend months, even years, thinking about how you're going to do it, but ultimately, you just have to take the plunge and you'll find it naturally. You don't have to have a perfect plan right away. Just start. By doing, you'll discover the right direction. And importantly: be kind to yourself. You don't always have to be confident or strong to pursue your dreams. It's okay to be afraid or make mistakes. Sometimes being bold is all about the little things. What's a small but courageous decision you've made recently? Choosing to work from home an extra day this week. It feels like a day where I get everything in order, but I always find it so difficult because I love being with my team at the office. Finally: What's your favorite piece of Eline Rosina jewelry? (And why?) Rue Hoops Set, love this one, it's perfect for any occasion and so beautiful!
