Lesley Beador is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and mother whose life blends business drive with a commitment to community.
Raised near Lake Tahoe, she grew up surrounded by the outdoors, hiking, skiing, and learning the value of resilience. Determined from a young age, she began community college courses as a high school sophomore and graduated from South Tahoe High School six months early, a sign of the focus that would guide her career.Today, Lesley Beador is building her own skincare line, a venture that reflects her passion for wellness and beauty. Her approach is shaped by years of experience living in diverse climates, from sunny summers in Park City to snowy winters in Montana. “I needed products that worked in every season,” she explains, a philosophy that now guides her work in developing solutions for others.Her entrepreneurial work is matched by her dedication to service. Beador volunteers with Meals on Wheels, delivering food and companionship to people in need. She views this not only as charity but as human connection. “It’s about making sure people feel seen,” she says.Beador’s leadership is defined by balance. She values family, travel, and creativity as much as business. Together with her husband David, a civil engineer, she spends time restoring historic homes, exploring Yellowstone, and encouraging her children’s love of the arts.Through business, philanthropy, and family life, Lesley Beador continues to show how determination, creativity, and compassion can shape both career and community.
Q: You grew up near Lake Tahoe. How did that environment shape you?
Lesley Beador: Nature was always part of my daily life. I spent my childhood hiking, skiing, and being outdoors. It gave me a sense of resilience and balance. That connection to the mountains still influences how I live today. When I’m working on my business or with my family, I often draw on those early lessons—patience, persistence, and respect for the environment.
Q: You finished school early. What motivated that decision?
Beador: I started taking community college courses when I was a sophomore. I wanted to challenge myself and move forward quickly. By the time I was meant to graduate, I had already earned enough credits to finish six months early. It wasn’t about rushing—it was about being ready for the next stage of my life.
Q: Tell us about your current venture in skincare. Where did the idea come from?
Beador: Spending time in different climates had a big impact on me. Summers in Utah, winters in Montana, and always travelling meant my skin was constantly adjusting. I remember trying product after product and thinking, “Nothing works everywhere.” That inspired me to start creating something that could. The aim is simple: help people feel good about themselves, whatever the season or setting.
Q: How does your lifestyle influence your approach to business?
Beador: Travel has given me perspective. I’ve visited 48 states, and each trip has shown me how diverse people’s lives are. When my husband and I restore historic homes in Park City, I see it as both business and preservation. Every home has a story. I try to respect that story while making the space useful for today. It’s the same in business—you honour the past while building for the future.
Q: You also dedicate time to philanthropy. Why is that important to you?
Beador: Volunteering with Meals on Wheels has been eye-opening. Delivering food seems simple, but it’s really about human connection. I remember one woman who told me I was the only person she saw all week. That moment stayed with me. It reminded me that small actions can make a huge difference. For me, giving back is part of living a balanced life.
Q: How do you balance family with business?
Beador: Family comes first. My children are all creative in their own ways—acting, singing, and performing. I try to support their passions the same way I support my own projects. My husband David and I make time for adventure, whether that’s snowmobiling in Montana or visiting Yellowstone. When you make space for family, the business side feels more purposeful.
Q: What challenges have you faced starting your skincare line?
Beador: The hardest part is turning an idea into something tangible. Early on, I had to learn about sourcing, testing, and regulations. It was overwhelming. But I broke it down step by step. I treated it like restoring a house: you don’t do everything at once. You focus on the foundation first, then move to the details.
Q: What lessons from your career stand out?
Beador: One lesson is patience. I’ve had projects take twice as long as planned. Another is flexibility. No matter how much you plan, unexpected things happen. For example, when restoring homes, we often find hidden structural issues. You adjust, and sometimes those adjustments make the final result better. That applies to business too.
Q: Looking ahead, what excites you most?
Beador: I’m excited about launching products that reflect both wellness and practicality. But I’m equally excited about the smaller things—travelling with my family, volunteering, and finding new ways to stay creative. For me, success isn’t just one project or business. It’s about creating a life that feels meaningful every day.
