We recently had the chance to connect with Lisa Kist and have shared our conversation below.
Lisa , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is a normal day like for you right now?
“A typical day for me is full, but it’s a balance I really enjoy. My mornings start by getting my daughter, London, ready and taking her to school. After that, I usually go to water aerobics — it’s my time to recharge and focus on my health. Then I spend part of the day seeing clients, which I truly love because helping people feel and look their best is so rewarding.
In the afternoons, I shift into mom mode — cooking dinner, taking London to volleyball, and coaching her team alongside my husband. It’s something special we get to share together as a family. Some evenings, I’ll head back to see a few clients, and on weekends, I find balance between working with my clients and doing amazing things with my family.
Even with the busy schedule, I always make time for self-care — whether it’s skincare, journaling, or just a quiet moment to unwind. And, of course, I take care of my husband — who keeps life interesting and occasionally drives me a little crazy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!”
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Lisa Kist, the owner of Believe in Beauty and creator of Kist Kosmetics. I’m a beauty and wellness professional with over twenty years of experience helping women look and feel their absolute best. My journey began as a freelance hair and makeup artist specializing in bridal beauty, and I’ve had the privilege of learning from some of the best professionals in the industry, which shaped the high standards and artistry I bring to my work today.
Through Believe in Beauty, I offer customized facials, scalp treatments, bridal services, and wellness coaching — all designed to help women glow from the inside out. What makes my brand unique is that it’s personal and completely independent; I occasionally freelance in local salons, which I love, but Believe in Beauty stands on its own as a special, separate entity that reflects my values and vision.
I’m also expanding my clean-beauty line, Kist Kosmetics, which focuses on gentle, skin-loving products that deliver professional results. My mission is to empower women to care for themselves — body, mind, and soul — and to remind them that self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A Defining Moment:
A moment that really shaped how I see the world was during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many people, life as I knew it came to a complete stop — the beauty industry shut down, my children were home doing school remotely, and the normal flow of our days disappeared. At first, it felt uncertain and even a little scary, but it became a time of reflection and growth for me.
Being home with my family every day reminded me of what truly matters. I got to slow down, be more present with my children, and see firsthand how much love, patience, and connection shape their confidence and happiness. It made me realize that the same applies to my clients — people need compassion and encouragement just as much as they need care for their outer beauty.
That time helped me reshape my brand, Believe in Beauty, into something more meaningful — it’s no longer just about skincare or makeup, but about wellness, confidence, and healing from the inside out. COVID taught me to lead with heart, value family above all, and use my work as a way to help others feel whole again.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes — there was a time when I almost gave up. It wasn’t just one single moment, but a season in my life when everything felt heavy. I was juggling motherhood, my business, and personal challenges all at once, trying to hold everything together while still showing up for everyone around me. There were days I questioned if I could really keep going — especially during and after the pandemic, when life, work, and family felt completely turned upside down.
But what kept me grounded were my children. They reminded me of my purpose, my strength, and why I started all of this in the first place — to build something beautiful and meaningful not just for myself, but for them. Watching their resilience pushed me to find mine.
Instead of giving up, I rebuilt. I leaned into my faith, my creativity, and my passion for helping others. That’s when Believe in Beauty evolved into more than a business — it became a reflection of survival, self-love, and growth. Every time I help another woman feel confident or rediscover herself, I’m reminded that the hardest moments in life can lead to the most powerful transformations.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes — the public version of me is very much the real me. I’m loving, caring, and kind, and I’ll give anyone the shirt off my back. I genuinely care about people and always try to lead with heart. But I’ve also learned through experience that loyalty and honesty mean everything to me. If someone lies to me, crosses me, or plays games, the dynamic changes — permanently.
I don’t hold grudges, but I don’t go backward either. I believe in protecting my peace, standing strong in my boundaries, and always looking ahead. The real me is someone who loves deeply, forgives internally, but never forgets the lessons that shaped her.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone, I hope people remember me as someone who loved deeply, gave endlessly, and never stopped believing in beauty — in people, in life, and in second chances. I want my story to show that no matter how hard life gets, you can rise, rebuild, and still lead with kindness.
I hope my children remember that I was always their biggest cheerleader — that I showed them how to be strong, how to love without losing yourself, and how to keep faith even when life tests you. I want them to know I built something meaningful not just for myself, but for them — a legacy of resilience, compassion, and purpose.
And I want others to see that Believe in Beauty wasn’t just a business name — it was a message. A reminder that beauty begins within, that healing is possible, and that every woman deserves to feel confident, seen, and loved.
That’s the story I hope people will tell — that I made a difference, even in small ways, and that I always tried to bring light where there was once darkness.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @believeinbeautynj
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/believeinbeautynj
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