Published at 12:55 am. Updated at 06:00.
What other job would you have liked to have had?
Physician. I think I would have had good diagnoses. I would have liked to have listened and helped. I think it would have been for me. I like people, am empathetic and do precise research. I had a classical education that could have taken me anywhere, but I had an illness [la pleurésie] at 18, which limited my physical abilities.
Your best investment?
My dogs ! I've had dogs my whole life. I love animals. My dogs were always great company. They always gave me support, comfort and love. You gave me courage. All of my dogs made me laugh and play. That's why it's a good investment. I currently have a small brown poodle, it's a female named Beauty.
What words or expressions can you no longer tolerate?
I have three. “Postpone until tomorrow”, I’m having a lot of trouble. 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 you say it's impossible to have evidence. 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 humility. He stands above many other great entrepreneurs, but 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 that from my father. I think I'm sensible before buying, 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 joy 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, even though I know the story, I'm touched every time I see it, because love won.
Which app on your phone could you no longer live without?
Google. Because I am curious and always like to look for interesting answers.
Do you have a mantra, a motto?
Yes, my whole life I've been telling myself to prove them wrong [prouve-leur qu’ils ont tort]. That's what drove me and gave me the greatest courage and will to succeed. I wanted to prove those who didn't believe in me wrong. It has been a great source of motivation throughout my career.
What do you particularly like to cook?
Brie noodles. This is done with an uncooked sauce at room temperature. The pasta is hot, so the cheese will melt when you pour it over the sauce. The recipe also contains raw tomatoes, lots of basil and garlic.
The ideal retirement?
You must be very busy! That is my ideal, otherwise there will be big holes in my life. I have to stay busy. I traveled a lot with my husband, read and took Italian courses. When I travel to Italy, I chat to people in Italian. Everyone tells me I'm good, but I think they're nice. I also have my foundation. Next spring I will be volunteering at a long-term care center two days a week. I'm thinking about playing the piano again and 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 Montreal in November 1942. She grew up as an only child in the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve district.
Her career began in television, where she worked primarily as a presenter. In 1965 she opened the Institut Charme et Beauté Lise Watier. The company offers personal development and makeup courses.
Inspired by Helena Rubinstein, she launched her own cosmetics line Lise Watier in 1972. In 1993, the woman dubbed the “Céline Dion of cosmetics” launched Neiges perfume, which enjoyed huge international success.
In 2007, Ontario firm Imperial Capital Corporation became the company's majority shareholder. Lise Watier will remain committed, particularly as Chairman of the Board of Directors. In 2016, the Quebec group Marcelle bought the company.
Lise Watier, mother of two daughters, Nathalie and Marie-Lise, has been officially retired since 2013. She is particularly dedicated to her own foundation, founded in 2009 to promote financial independence and female entrepreneurship.