What Does Success Look Like to You? – Lesley Beador

What Does Success Look Like to You? – Lesley Beador

Lesley Beador is an entrepreneur, mother, and lifelong learner who has built her path through determination, creativity, and a strong work ethic. She grew up near Lake Tahoe, where she developed an early love for nature and the outdoors. This environment shaped her view of resilience and balance, two themes that show up throughout her work and life.

Lesley accelerated her education by taking community college classes as a high school sophomore. This allowed her to graduate six months early from South Tahoe High School. Finishing early gave her a sense of independence and opened the door for her next goals. It also taught her how much she enjoyed stepping outside the normal path to create her own.

Today, Lesley is building a skincare line that reflects her interest in wellness and beauty. She approaches the project with a practical mindset, focusing on products that are useful, honest, and rooted in care. Her goal is to design a line that helps people feel confident while staying true to her values.

Outside of business, she is active in charitable work and volunteers with Meals on Wheels. She believes service keeps her grounded and connected to her community.

Lesley splits her time between Newport Beach and Montana with her husband, David, a civil engineer. Their family spends summers in Park City, restoring historic homes and exploring the outdoors. She has traveled to 48 states and continues to draw inspiration from nature, family, and everyday life.

Her story is one of steady growth, personal discipline, and building a meaningful life on her own terms.

Q&A with Lesley Beador on Success

When you think about success today, what does it mean to you?

Success feels simple to me now. It means building a life that feels honest and steady. I look at my kids and how they are growing, and that tells me more about success than anything I ever planned. When I see Inga working hard on her acting or Anna trying out singing and finding her voice, I feel proud. Success is not a finish line. It is the daily work of supporting the people you love while still growing in your own way.

You grew up near Lake Tahoe. How did that shape your idea of success?

Tahoe shaped everything for me. I grew up around mountains, clean air, long hikes, and cold mornings. You learn to push yourself in nature. You learn that some days are uphill and some are not. I spent a lot of time outdoors as a kid. Hiking and skiing were a normal part of life. That gave me a real sense of discipline. It also gave me space to think. I learned early that success needs room. It needs quiet. It needs time to reflect on what you want. Those habits still help me as a mother and as someone building a skincare line.

You graduated high school early. What did that teach you?

I started community college as a high school sophomore so I could finish six months early. I pushed myself because I wanted independence. That experience taught me that effort matters more than talent. It also showed me that timing is something you can shape for yourself if you are willing to do the work. It gave me confidence to take on projects that felt bigger than me at the time.

What has motherhood taught you about success?

Motherhood has been my biggest classroom. You learn patience. You learn how to listen. You learn how to help each child grow in their own direction. My kids are creative and curious. They each have their own pace. Raising them has taught me that success is not about speed. It is about consistency. It is about creating an environment where ideas can grow. Even simple things like crafts at home or paddle boarding on warm days become lessons about effort and joy. Those moments matter.

You and your family split time between different states. How does travel influence your views on success?

Travel reminds you how big the world is. I have been to forty eight states. Each place has its own rhythm. Summers in Park City feel different from holidays in Montana. When we are in Montana, we raft, hike, ride quads, and explore Yellowstone. When you see a geyser rise or hear the quiet of the forest, you remember how small you are. That helps keep success in perspective. It shifts you from trying to control everything to appreciating what is in front of you.

You are building a skincare line. What does success look like in that part of your life?

Success in business is very similar to success at home. It is about clarity. It is about knowing why you are creating something and staying true to that reason. My skincare project is still growing. I want it to reflect wellness, confidence, and natural beauty. I pay attention to small details, research, and testing. I want the process to be thoughtful. If the end product helps someone feel more comfortable in their skin, that feels like success to me.

You volunteer with Meals on Wheels. How does service fit into your definition of success?

Service keeps you grounded. I deliver meals because it reminds me that success is not only personal. It is also shared. When you meet someone who is lonely or struggling, and you show up for them, even in a small way, it shifts your perspective. Helping others has always been part of my life. It keeps me focused on what really matters.

What advice would you give someone who is still figuring out their own idea of success?

Start with something small. Think about what makes you feel calm, capable, and proud. For me it was nature, family, and simple daily habits. For someone else it may be school, art, or travel. Do not rush. Success grows in layers. You learn from the places you live, the people you meet, and the work you choose. If you stay curious and stay kind, the rest tends to follow.