Lisa Smith is a leader in self-awareness, recognizing the potential and raising the value in others. Through her life experienes of feeling the smallest, Lisa learned how to create strategies on how to grow in the world with what she had. She now helps others build simplified solutions vs focusing on problems and gets the job done to maintain forward momentum and progress. Lisa is the creator of Caterpillar in a Jar life coaching and mentoring, a less-than-complicated program to enhance personal and professional growth. Her mission: helping humans unlock their personal DNA so they can walk in their full authority.
Lisa Smith, Life Coach and Mentor
Introduce yourself! Please tell us about you and your life, so we can get to know you better.
Hi, I'm Lisa, and it's so lovely to be here. A bit about my life: I was born in Pusan, South Korea, and was adopted from an orphanage when I was a couple of weeks old. I have three kids I love spending time with and cherish the moments when we all get together. I have a rescue dog named Ralph, who is a very spoiled child. I have a boyfriend who cooks excellent food for me and supports everything I do, which is rare nowadays. For the last 15 years, I have been a student and a leader in the beauty industry and have recently moved into entrepreneurship through building my coaching/mentoring business.
One of my favourite hobbies is hiking and being out in nature. I enjoy being on the trails in the early mornings with my dog, in silence, where all I can hear are the birds. I find the most peace and my utmost appreciation for Mother Earth.
My true passion comes from helping others. I love meeting new people and listening to their life stories. I think of myself as a traveller through life, a creator of space to be seen and heard, and a builder of living fearlessly. I take pride in being a thought provoker and using foul language because the word "Fuck” is exceptionally therapeutic. I have always wanted to do a mission somewhere in the world, helping to build clean water supply systems, building shelters with/and for people without housing, and providing food to areas that need it the most.
What inspired the name "Caterpillar in a Jar" for your business, and how does it reflect the products or services you offer?
I thought long and hard about what I wanted to call my business. The name came to me in my sleep. I remember jumping up and yelling, "That's it!" It stems back to when I was little. I would collect caterpillars and watch them morph into these beautiful butterflies. The metamorphosis process has always fascinated me and relates to how I felt for a good portion of my life. A trapped human, stuck in life, waiting to one day break free and morph into the person she always knew she could be. I know others feel trapped as well, so the name has become very relatable. I designed my program for those looking to break free from their excuses and ready to reach the next level in either their personal or professional life.
Could you tell me more about the mission or vision behind Caterpillar in a Jar? What do you hope to achieve with your business?
My mission is to support individuals in living their best lives and unlocking their full potential, empowering them to embrace their authority. Every person possesses this power, but many are afraid to utilize it. I define personal authority as a combination of an individual's principles, values, morals, and non-negotiable aspects of their character.
My vision is to continue cultivating inspirational leaders who make positive emotional, mental, and social contributions to the world.
What sets Caterpillar in a Jar apart from other similar businesses in your industry?
I find it challenging to compare myself to others in my industry. Doing so can create a trap that distracts me from being true to myself. I always aim to be authentic, without any unnecessary fluff or pretense. I'm not afraid to ask difficult questions in a compassionate and empathetic manner, and I enjoy learning from experts such as Mel Robbins and Gary Vee.
Can you walk me through the process of creating or sourcing the products available on Caterpillar in a Jar? How do you ensure quality and uniqueness?
I advocate for outsourcing things that will help free up more time. I work with a small team of people who support me in building the back end of the tech side, as this is not my area of expertise. Working with experts who align with my mission and vision helps convey my messaging to clients in more transparent and precise language. Utilizing my voice ensures I'm coming across as myself, which filters into my products.
How do you engage with your customers and community? Are there any special events, promotions, or initiatives you're particularly proud of?
I love engaging in the spaces that I'm in. Whether it's Toastmasters, coaching groups, a guest on podcasts, or hosting webinars, I live for human connection. One of the initiatives I'm particularly proud of is the group I created called "Overcome the Cuckoo." We meet every Sunday to discuss various topics, work on interactive projects, and host special speakers and guests. I will continue to focus on developing and expanding this aspect of my business.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for the future of Caterpillar in a Jar? Are there any exciting developments or upcoming projects we can expect?
I am currently working on an up-and-coming and exciting project that aims to support coaches looking to enhance their businesses. With this project, I plan to extend my mentoring services to assist them in achieving their goals and realizing their full potential. Once the project is complete, I will gladly share the details with you and everyone else interested.
Tell us about your greatest career achievement so far.
I am proud of my decision to jump into entrepreneurship at the age of 45. This decision embodies the very principles that I preach to my clients and practice in my own life. I believe in taking risks, facing fears, building good habits, managing time effectively, and persevering with unwavering self-belief. This experience has been a true test of my character and an opportunity to grow.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why?
I would love to see the coaching industry become regulated and treated as a mental and emotional health resource in the same way that therapy or counselling is. Coaching is a much-needed resource; people can benefit from it in many ways. Coaching helps people move forward without staying trapped in a long-term phase of stagnation.
Tell us about a pivotal moment in your life that brought you to where you are today.
I have many, but my separation was one of the pivotal moments. It changed the course of my life in many ways yet helped me break into my internal freedom. I would never have been able to be my authentic self if I remained in it. It has allowed me to become who I want to be: a dynamic leader with a strong voice who can contribute value and positive change in the world. Everything happens for a reason, and all my experiences in life have led me to where I'm supposed to be, which is right here, right now, serving others.
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