Lise Watier
Founder and Co-Chair of the Board, Lise Watier Cosmetics
President, Lise Watier Foundation
Nominated by Concordia University
Lise Watier built her company from the ground up to make it the number one prestige cosmetic company in Canada. Today, Lise Watier Cosmetics, known as “the brand created by a woman, for women,” features a broad line up of innovative make-up, skin care, and fragrance products.
Born in Montreal, Lise’s early career began as a TV and radio personality covering topics of interest to female audiences. This experience – and a devoted audience that sought her advice – inspired her to start a beauty institute dedicated to beauty and self-esteem. Four years later, in 1972, Lise Watier Cosmetics was born.
In 2013, Ms. Watier stepped down as head of Lise Watier Cosmetics. Since that time, she has devoted herself to fundraising efforts on behalf of the Lise Watier Foundation – a charity she set up to empower women, particularly those in poverty.
Lise’s philanthropy has (and continues to be) extensive: 100% of the proceeds generated from the sales of two cosmetic products have raised over $1,000,000 for the foundation. Additionally, her foundation saw the inauguration of the Lise Watier Pavilion, a space in Montreal not far from her place of birth. The Lise Watier Pavilion provides dignified housing for 29 homeless women to help them reintegrate into society.