Full Article: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/local/community/2014/11/30/lisa-originals-spotlight/70102708/
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Interior decorator Lisa Montgomery spent years working as a corporate buyer until one day she realized designing spaces wasn’t enough. So she coupled her experience and connections with her design skills and started Lisa’z Originals.
“When my kids were little, I was traveling a lot as a corporate buyer, so the last 11 years have been spent in decorating, so I could be there for my kids,” she said. “Then I got to a place where it wasn’t fulfilling, so I decided to start this company. It has just kept growing and growing. I couldn’t do this without the team.”
Montgomery described her product line of gift and home decor items as “one of a kind.” The products capture meaningful moments and celebrate occasions in peoples’ lives.
“This concept came to me at 3 a.m. one morning when I was trying to develop something unique. We give flowers when people have babies, get married, celebrate anniversaries and birthdays, recognize funerals, and that’s when the concept came to me. It has just snowballed from there,” she said.
Montgomery spoke with The Des Moines Register about her business.
Q: What is it you offer?
A: Our line is magnetic, collectible and interchangeable to use infinite ways. You can celebrate and honor holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and weddings with our magnetic special sentiments. Infinite Links is there to inspire and connect us to each other, and those we love. Our links make a great gift for the holidays. You can add Infinite Links to a flower arrangement, candle, plant, bottle of wine, mug, etc. and add your special sentiment and give something unique this year as a gift.
Q: Who are your customers?
A: We have customers from all over. We are currently in Treasure House in Ankeny and are working with floral distributors, gift catalogs and Christian accounts. We also sell assortments on Amazon and products on our website.
Q: Do you plan to expand the line?
A: Yes, we will continue to add phrases and sayings, keeping it fresh.
Q: What has the response been so far?
A: Wonderful. The feedback has been amazing. It’s also quite versatile — you can use it in your home or on a gift to give someone. Right now, one of the sentiments is on a Scentsy candle in my office.
Q: How has the process of starting a new business gone for you?
A: Like anything, it has its ups and downs. We have some great days and challenging days, but you keep your eye on the process. When you’re passionate about something, what you’re doing brings meaning to life.
Q: You also have missions that your business supports?
A: We are very active in our church and we have a family that is adopting a girl from Malawi. Our mission at church is to raise funds to fight malaria there, so my company helps support that.
I also had a dear friend lose her sister and family members to breast cancer, so we support that cause. Then my son’s friend has NF2, a disease where there are internal and external tumors that reduce your life expectancy. My niece’s finance also has this.
Lisa’z Originals
LOCATION: Ankeny
HOURS: By appointment
OWNER: Lisa Montgomery
BUSINESS HISTORY: The business was created in 2011.
CONTACT: 877-LINK-230, www.lisazoriginals.com, Facebook @ Lisa’z Originals