Lesley Beador is a mother, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who has built a life centered around creativity, family, and purpose. Born and raised near Lake Tahoe, she grew up surrounded by mountains and lakes that inspired her love of nature. Those early years taught her the value of balance, patience, and living with intention. Ambitious from a young age, Lesley began taking community college classes while still in high school and graduated early from South Tahoe High.
Her drive and curiosity eventually led her to entrepreneurship. Today, she is developing her own skincare line—a project that reflects her belief in self-care, wellness, and authenticity. She approaches business the same way she approaches life: with care, creativity, and a focus on helping others feel their best.
Beyond her professional goals, Lesley finds joy in giving back. She volunteers with Meals on Wheels, delivering meals and connection to seniors in her community. “It’s not just about food,” she says. “It’s about showing people they’re not forgotten.”
Family remains at the heart of everything she does. She and her husband, David, a civil engineer, share a love of adventure and spend time between Park City, Montana, and their favorite escape—Yellowstone National Park.
Whether she’s skiing, hiking, or crafting with her children, Lesley Beador brings warmth and energy to everything she does. Her life is a reminder that success isn’t defined by titles or things—it’s found in passion, gratitude, and how you choose to live each day.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My days start early, usually before sunrise. I like to begin quietly—with coffee, a few minutes of journaling, and a short yoga session to center my mind. I’ve learned that how you start your morning shapes the rest of your day. After that, I help my kids get ready for school and use the midmorning hours for creative work—skincare formulation notes, brand development, or catching up on calls.
Afternoons are for movement or nature. I might go paddle boarding or take a quick hike if I’m in Park City. I make my days productive by breaking them into segments and being fully present in each one. When I’m with my family, I’m with my family. When I’m working, I’m all in.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Ideas start as scribbles in a notebook. I always carry one with me because inspiration strikes at odd times—on a trail, while traveling, even cooking dinner. Once I have a concept, I break it into pieces and ask, “What’s the first small step?” That’s how my skincare line started—with one idea: clean products that reflect real life.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I love seeing more people return to natural living—using fewer but better products, spending time outdoors, cooking from scratch. It reminds me of my childhood near Lake Tahoe, where simple living wasn’t a trend, it was a way of life.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I prioritize rest. It sounds simple, but when you don’t rest, everything becomes harder. I set a rule: no emails or calls after 7 p.m. That space keeps my mind fresh for the next day.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t rush. I was always looking ahead—graduating early, starting projects quickly. I’d tell my younger self to enjoy the process, even when it feels slow. Growth doesn’t happen all at once; it happens in quiet moments.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I think success and stillness can coexist. We live in a world that equates busy with productive. But I’ve found the best decisions come when I slow down and listen—to myself, to others, to nature.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Get outside every day. Even if it’s for ten minutes. Fresh air and movement shift your mindset. Some of my best ideas have come during walks with my kids or while snowshoeing in Montana.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I pause. I’ll step away from my desk, light a candle, or call one of my kids just to hear about their day. Sometimes, perspective comes from disconnecting for a moment and remembering what really matters.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Listening. Whether it’s feedback from customers, suppliers, or mentors, I treat every conversation as a chance to learn. When I started developing my skincare line, I spent months talking to women about what they really wanted from their routines. Those conversations shaped everything.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I partnered on a business project that didn’t align with my values. I ignored my instincts because I didn’t want to seem difficult. It fell apart quickly. I learned that saying “no” early is better than regretting it later. Now, if something doesn’t feel right, I trust that instinct.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
There’s room for a subscription service that connects families with meaningful volunteer opportunities. A monthly plan where parents and kids can sign up for curated ways to give back together—local cleanups, care packages, or meal deliveries. Giving back shouldn’t feel complicated.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Trello. I use it for everything—organizing skincare product timelines, tracking ingredients, even planning family trips. It’s visual and simple, which helps me see progress at a glance.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I love Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. It blends science and spirituality beautifully. It reminds me that nature isn’t just a place—it’s a teacher.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I recently rewatched Chef. It’s a film about creativity, family, and rebuilding your life on your own terms. It’s also a reminder that joy often returns when you follow what you truly love.
Key learnings
- Purpose and productivity thrive when daily routines include rest and presence.
- Listening deeply—to people, nature, and intuition—creates better outcomes in business and life.
- Simplicity can drive innovation; great ideas often start small and grow through consistency.
- Setting boundaries protects energy and encourages creativity.
- Real success is found in balance—between ambition, gratitude, and giving back.