Linda Hipp is the President & Founder of LIJA.
Photo credit: lijastyle.com
LIJA is making an impact on women’s active apparel.
LIJA evolved from pushing boundaries in golf apparel to now pushing boundaries in training, run, yoga and tennis apparel, and is best known for designing collections where technical performance apparel meets modern, innovative style. Drawing inspiration from global high fashion and Vancouver’s active lifestyle, LIJA’s mission is to motivate women to express their individuality and move with confidence.
If you read LIJA’s Founder’s Message by Linda Hipp on their website, you’ll quickly learn, “My designs are inspired by today’s busy lifestyle and the need for clothes that transition from one activity to the next.” Well, I personally posted about this very need earlier in 2015 after walking the seawall, meeting a friend for lunch and then heading off to an afternoon business meeting, I just knew that we needed to meet Linda and also introduce her to PowHERhouse.
Describe your Mission. What’s it all about for you?
It has always been my goal to create fashionable clothing that allows creative, independent women to look unique & feminine, feel confident and perform at their best during their active pursuits.
What is your ultimate dream for LIJA and where you’d like to take it?
LIJA has achieved amazing success in the tennis and golf markets, and we are growing rapidly in run, training and yoga. I’d like to see increased market share in our emerging categories and become known as THE go-to brand for premium technical apparel fused with modern, innovative style.
In an interview you did last spring with Vancouver Magazine, you shared that you had flirted with the idea of joining the professional golf tour. Can you share with us the reason you decided not to and instead launched LIJA?
Ultimately, I just don’t think I was good enough as much as I wanted to believe I was! And the path I chose was the one that I was truly passionate about.
Biggest highlight in your career/journey thus far?
There are many highlights along this journey that we’re proud of. Here a just a few that come to mind… launching our first tennis Collection in 2009 with almost instant success, taking our staff to Vegas for our 10-year anniversary, being named as one of the top 3 brands in North America in both golf & tennis by influential customers and media, selling LIJA in the merchandise tent at The Open at St. Andrews, Scotland, selling LIJA on Net-A-Porter and in Harrods.
One thing that you feel has been most pivotal or useful thus far in your career/journey?
I think staying true to your fundamental business philosophy has been the most useful lesson learned along the way. It’s very easy to be swayed to change direction through the life of your business. We’ve learned the hard way that you need to stay true to your ideals.
Photo credit: lijastyle.com
How would you describe what brings you the greatest joy in your current role?
When I started the business, I loved the creative aspect of designing the line each season. As the business grew, there were far more responsibilities to running a company that needed attention, and I lost touch with this part of my role. In the last year, we’ve re-structured our business model which has given me the opportunity to again focus more energy on the creative which is what I truly love.
Another piece of happiness is seeing women on the streets, on the tennis court or at the gym wearing LIJA. Makes me smile and realize its all worth it!
Best advice you ever received
Do what you love and success will come to you (from my Dad).
How do you balance between being an impactful community leader, a busy wife & Mom, volunteer and so much more without dodging your own self-care?
Many women struggle with this “balancing act” these days. It’s very difficult to be successful at all of them, and you can easily feel spread too thin. My family is most important to me so I work hard to protect that time and not be distracted when I’m with them.
Self-care almost always seems to come last but it’s so important to make time for yourself as it truly does clear your mind and provide balance to the rest of the puzzle! If you don’t give yourself time to rejuvenate and ensure you live a healthy balanced lifestyle, the rest will crumble.
What are some of your favourite self-care routines & rituals?
My favorite things include running & yoga twice per week. I meditate when I need to. And of course my indulgent self-care routines are a hot stone therapy massage & a facial which I try and do every two months.
You must have some pretty long days. How do you keep your energy up and your focus consistent? How you stay PowHERful and on the top of your game?
I try to live a balanced life and exercise regularly which helps my stress levels and allows me to be more focused and energized. And my daughter gives me loads of motivation as I want to be a strong, inspirational role model for her as she grows up!
If there were three life (woman-to-woman) lessons that you could pass onto your daughter, what would they be?
- Treat others how you would like to be treated
- Always be confident, believe in yourself and trust your instincts
- Stay inspired & dream big
What would you say your Top 3 Excellence Habits are (ie. habits that ensure your success).
- Practise self awareness – Know your strengths & weaknesses, and there is always more to learn.
- Have a crystal clear vision and focused objectives.
- Live a balanced, healthy lifestyle.
Describe your Top 3 Time Management Tips as they relate to your Mission.
- Plan your time – I spend 30 minutes every morning planning and designating time to specific parts of my role. It’s easy to feel scattered with a variety of responsibilities.
- Take action – procrastination is a time waster.
- Block distractions – schedule time for phone calls and email, and allow time for uninterrupted work.
Favourite energy meal or healthy snack.
Two of my favorites:
- Poached egg with diced avocado mixed with lemon juice and pepper on toast.
- Kale salad with yams, avocado, dried cranberries, and walnuts in a tahini & olive oil dressing.
Favourite indulgence or treat.
Dark chocolate with sea salt and Swedish Fish.
At a time of year when many women ‘jump back onto the diet bandwagon’, do you have any wisdom to share around taking the focus off of ‘weight’ and placing it on a perspective that’s far more powHERful? We all know that deprivation doesn’t work for the long term. It’s 2016! The ‘diet’ conversation is ridiculously redundant.
I think the conversation has to turn from diet to healthy & balanced lifestyle. Exercise and eating right will ultimately help you feel good inside & out, build confidence and promote happiness in your life. And there’s nothing wrong with a little indulgence either! You only live once.
Your thoughts on mentoring young women? What do you feel your most valuable lessons to pass on are?
I feel that leaders in the community should dedicate some time to mentoring young women. I have done it in the past through the FWE (Forum of Women Entrepreneurs) organization, and its very gratifying.
In terms of key lessons, it may sound cliché but always listen to your gut. There is one particular incident I can think of where I didn’t listen to my gut, we moved forward with a relationship, and it nearly cost the business.
Passion, determination and drive are very important characteristics to have when launching a new business. There are many challenges along the way, and without the passion or determination, it’ll be harder to get through the difficult times. You must also be prepared to make sacrifices for at least the first few years. But the upside is limitless so go for it. It’s better to try than to always wonder.. “what if”.
What is your theme word or intention (1-word) for 2016?
Simplify
