What other job would you have liked to have?
Doctor. I think I would have had good diagnoses. I would have liked to listen and help. I think it would have been for me. I like people, I have sensitivity and I am precise in my research. I had a classical education that could have taken me anywhere, but I had an illness [la pleurésie] at 18, which reduced my physical abilities.
Your best investment?
My dogs ! I’ve had dogs my whole life. I love animals. My dogs have always been amazing company. They always gave me support, comfort, love. They encouraged me. All my dogs have made me laugh and play. That’s why it’s a good investment. Currently, I have a little brown poodle, it’s a female called Beauty.
What words or expressions can you no longer stand?
I have three. “Postpone until tomorrow”, I have a lot of difficulty. Why put off until tomorrow what we can do today? The word “impossible”. When people say it’s impossible when they haven’t even tried, it horrifies me. You have to try several times before saying it’s impossible to have proof. And the word “never”.
Who do you admire in the business world?
If I had to choose just one person, it would be Charles Sirois, for his genius, his simplicity and his modesty. He stands above many other great entrepreneurs, but he still has both feet on the ground.
What type of consumer are you?
Like love at first sight! It’s love at first sight or nothing. But I don’t buy what I don’t need. I learned this from my father. I think before buying, I’m reasonable, but love at first sight is my way of buying.
What book or movie do you usually recommend?
A film that I have seen several times and always with the same pleasure is an American film called Something’s Gotta Give. It’s with Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton. What I like is that it shows that love can change things. In the end, I am moved every time I see it, even though I know the story, because love won.
What app could you no longer live without on your phone?
Google. Because I’m curious and I always like to look for interesting answers.
Do you have a mantra, a motto?
Yes, all my life I told myself Prove them wrong [prouve-leur qu’ils ont tort]. This is what propelled me and gave me the most courage and desire to succeed. I wanted to prove those who didn’t believe in me wrong. Throughout my career, it has been a great source of motivation.
What do you particularly like to cook?
Brie pasta. This is done with an uncooked sauce, at room temperature. The pasta is hot, so when you pour it over the sauce, the cheese melts. There are raw tomatoes, lots of basil and garlic in the recipe too.
The ideal retirement?
You must be very busy! That’s my ideal, otherwise it’s like big holes in my life. I have to keep busy. I traveled a lot with my husband, I read, I took Italian classes. When I go to Italy, I jabber in Italian with people. Everyone tells me I’m good, but I think they’re nice. I have my foundation, too. Next spring, I will be volunteering two days a week at a long-term care center. I’m thinking of getting back into the piano by taking lessons from Gregory Charles. You need passion – otherwise it takes a long time – and having a dog is important.
Who is Lise Watier?
Lise Watier was born in November 1942 in Montreal. An only child, she grew up in the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve district.
Her career began on television, where she was notably a host. In 1965, she opened the Charme et Beauté Lise Watier institute. The company offers personal development and makeup courses.
Inspired by Helena Rubinstein, she launched her own cosmetics range Lise Watier in 1972. In 1993, the woman who was described as the “Céline Dion of cosmetics”, launched the perfume Snows which achieved immense international success.
In 2007, the Ontario company Imperial Capital Corporation became the majority shareholder of the company. Lise Watier will remain involved, notably as president of the board of directors. In 2016, the Quebec group Marcelle bought the company.
Mother of two daughters, Nathalie and Marie-Lise, Lise Watier has officially retired since 2013. She devotes herself in particular to her own foundation created in 2009 to promote financial independence and female entrepreneurship.