Glamography Magazine aims to feature everyday women and their stories. Our mission is to give these women the opportunity to break out of their day-to-day, get glammed up a little, and celebrate their true, authentic selves. This is Lisa's feature from Issue #3 of Glamography:

From her early days as a marketing professional to becoming a five-time published author, a champion for pet adoption, and a driving force behind her husband's entrepreneurial ventures, Lisa's journey is an inspiration to anyone who has ever dared to dream or felt the pull of a different path.

A Midlife Crisis and a New Beginning

Lisa's life took a dramatic turn in 2009 when she lost her job in digital media. This unexpected setback became a catalyst for change, leading her to explore new avenues and rediscover her passions. "I decided in 2009 that I wanted to get more involved in social media," she recalls. "Kind of build my toolbox, because at that point, Twitter was very new. Most social media platforms that we know now were very, very new."

Lisa's foray into social media led her to start a blog, initially a hodgepodge of marketing tips, retro Friday music posts, and Notre Dame football. Eventually, the blog evolved into a dedicated space for Notre Dame football, reflecting her lifelong love for the university and its team. "I always loved the university, loved the football team, you know, and I decided to go all in with that," she says, her voice filled with passion.

A Blogging Contest and a Brand New Car

In 2011, Lisa's dedication to Notre Dame football led her to an unexpected opportunity: a blogging contest for the biggest fan of the Big East Conference. She was selected to represent Notre Dame, embarking on a six-month journey of covering Notre Dame basketball and interviewing fellow writers. "They flew me to New York City. I got to go to media day like I was an actual reporter," she recounts, the excitement still evident in her voice.

Lisa's unique approach to the contest, which involved interviewing her fellow writers, set her apart from the competition. "They said all of those extra stories that I wrote was kind of what put me over the top," she says, reflecting on her victory. Her prize? A brand new car, awarded to her on center court at Madison Square Garden.

From Blog to Bookshelf: The Making of an Author

The blogging contest catapulted Lisa's blog into the spotlight, attracting thousands of readers and opening new doors for her. She then started a series called "Where Are They Now?", interviewing former Notre Dame football players about their experiences and their lives after sports. "The first blog post had like 2,000 page views, and the next one had 10,000," she says, describing the rapid growth of her audience.

One of the football players she interviewed suggested turning her blog posts into a book. “I didn't know anything about writing a book. It was quite a surprise. But this football player had published a book and he became my writing coach. His mother-in-law was a grammar teacher so he became my editor. And then his wife helped me with marketing, so it was just kind of a family affair.

"We wrote the book in March and April, and then I had it in my hands on August 1; it was crazy fast. I never thought I would write a book, let alone, you know, something like that," she admits. The book was published in 2013, followed by three more books in 2016, 2019, and 2021, all part of her Echoes From Notre Dame book series.

Lisa's writing journey didn’t stop there. In 2023, she published a children's book about her French bulldog, a delightful tale inspired by her love for her pet and her day job at Purina. "It was my first Amazon number one new release, which was cool," she says, a hint of pride in her voice.

A Day Job with a Purpose: Championing Pet Adoption

Lisa's career at Purina spans over a decade, during which she has held various roles, including being the voice of the Beggin' Strips dog on social media. "I got to talk about dogs and bacon all day long," she says with a laugh.

Her current role at Purina is particularly close to her heart. As part of the Petfinder team, she works with shelters across the country to help them showcase their pets in the best possible light, increasing their chances of adoption. "It's really cool to work for a company that you love and to feel some purpose in your job," she says, reflecting on her fulfilling role.

Lisa's passion for pet adoption is evident in her voice as she talks about the challenges shelters face and the importance of finding forever homes for animals in need. "We have so many pets that need to be adopted," she says, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

A Zoo, an ‘80s Music Festival, and a Shared Passion for Entrepreneurship

Lisa's story took another unexpected turn when her husband decided to open a zoo in Branson, Missouri. "The year I wrote my first book was also the year that my husband decided to open a zoo in Branson," she recalls. "So we were both making these big career changes all at the same time."

Lisa's husband's entrepreneurial ventures didn’t stop at the zoo. Fueled by their shared love for ‘80s music, they opened an entertainment complex in Branson, complete with a mini golf course, a haunted house, a movie museum, and a restaurant, all themed around the 1980s. "It's been a lot of fun to learn a new business," Lisa says, reflecting on the experience.

"We're really excited to kind of start a movement to bring live music back to Branson," Lisa says. Their latest venture is an ‘80s music festival, bringing iconic bands like Foreigner, Journey, Night Ranger, and Motley Crue to Branson.

Balancing Act: Managing Multiple Passions

Lisa's ability to juggle her day job, her writing career, and her involvement in her husband's businesses is a testament to her exceptional time management skills and her passion for all that she does. "I feel like when I'm busy, I actually am the most productive," she says, emphasizing the importance of staying organized and focused.

She also stresses the importance of recognizing one's limitations and prioritizing tasks. "I can tell when I'm starting to get overextended," she says, explaining her ability to step back and regroup when needed.

For Lisa, the key to managing multiple passions is finding activities that energize and fulfill her. "My side hustle or hobby, whatever you want to call the writing, energizes me," she says. "So it doesn't feel like a job, it doesn't feel like a drain."

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Multi-Passionate Individuals

Lisa's advice for those seeking to wear multiple hats or pursue diverse passions is rooted in her own experiences and the lessons she has learned along the way. "Time management is a really important piece in life in general," she says, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing tasks and staying organized.

She also encourages others to embrace their passions and find activities that energize them. "Find what you're not good at and surround yourself with experts in those areas," she advises. "Get involved in your community. People do business with those they know, like, and trust."

A Life Well-Lived: Embracing the Journey

Lisa’s story is a testament to the power of reinvention and the unwavering pursuit of passion. Her journey, marked by unexpected twists and turns, has led her to a life filled with purpose, creativity, and a deep sense of fulfillment. As she reflects on her experiences, her words offer a powerful message of hope and inspiration: "It's been a lot of fun to kind of learn a new business. And, you know, I mean, we may not do great at the beginning, but I feel like we have a vision."

Lisa's story is a reminder that it's never too late to pursue your dreams, that setbacks can be opportunities for growth, and that with passion, determination, and a supportive community, anything is possible.

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