Although she testified to the event in an interview with Patrice Roy today, Lise Watier insists she never thought to speak to anyone about it at the time.
He didn’t touch me, but I never thought he would [dénoncer] or complain to someone, she says.
She believes the #MeToo movement, which she describes as a breath of fresh air, is helpful in relativizing behaviors that should never have been tolerated.
“For me, this movement has awakened everyone who has experienced something directly or indirectly. »
— A quote from Lise Watier
In her eyes, such a takeover by women would not have been possible at the time. I think there is a female power today, she claims. I think women are realizing the ability they have where they didn’t realize it before.
Everyone thinks they know Lise Watier. It has been part of the public landscape for more than sixty years. She is one of the first businesswomen in Quebec. She paved the way and is very proud to see that her products are still on pharmacy shelves. How does she see the path taken for women in business?
Female Entrepreneurship
In 1972, Lise Watier launched her own line of cosmetics. Despite being met with numerous rejections from banks, who were particularly reluctant at first, the company that bears her name ended up generating $27 million in sales.
“As soon as people didn’t believe in my project, that spurred me on to prove them wrong,” she says.
The career of Lise Watier
- 1960: Lise Watier begins her career in television. She is a presenter, columnist and model.
- 1968: She founded the Institut Charme et Beauté Lise Watier in Montreal, where she offered makeup and self-esteem classes for women.
- 1972: She starts her own cosmetics brand called Lise Watier.
- 2007: Toronto-based investment firm Imperial Capital Corporation becomes the majority shareholder of Lise Watier.
- 2010: The entrepreneur establishes the Lise Watier Foundation, which supports women in their quest for financial autonomy.
She believes part of her success is due to the trust she has gained from women while hosting on television. Her sincerity and rigor have allowed her to become a real reference for her listeners.
A business pioneer, Lise Watier was one of the first women in Quebec to become successful with her own business.
“It’s a door I opened to all women in Quebec. […] I’m proud of that. If I could do it, others can too. »
— A quote from Lise Watier
In 1983 she received the award for Entrepreneur of the Month because such a category did not exist on the female side. I then managed to change the title to Personality of the Month, she mentions with a smile.
When asked whether the situation of women in business has improved since then, she replies that many still have doubts. In her opinion, women have less confidence in their own abilities and are therefore less tempted to apply for jobs or promotions.
She also believes that aging is still harder for a woman than for a man, even in 2023.
Mutual help as a priority
Helping other women has always been at the heart of Lise Watier’s ambitions.
As early as 1968, while teaching at her Charm and Beauty Institute, she was encouraging women to speak up and find a place for themselves. Her mission was not only to help them show off, but also to give them confidence.
In 2010, she set up a foundation to promote women’s entrepreneurship and help them gain financial autonomy. Also an achievement that makes them particularly proud.
It is very gratifying to see that there are 600 women who have become financially independent [avec la fondation], she emphasizes with shining eyes. If you think you can change someone’s life, it’s very rewarding.