Lisa Frost, 39, of Rockford is a national artist.

How you would fill out your social networking “status update”: WOW! I am super-honored to be here ... after all — in the words of June Cash — aren’t we all ‘just trying to matter’ ???

AMY J. CORRENTI | ROCKFORDWOMAN.COM
Lisa Frost at Benson Stone Co. in Rockford.

Proudest achievement and why: Watching my girls grow into extraordinary ladies, even if sometimes they’re still sassy. My professional achievement is creating my dream career that gives me the opportunity to showcase my love for an artistic and whimsical lifestyle and permits me to give back. I just have to pinch myself when I see my work and inspirational message finding a place in this world. It is because of the people of this community, who have supported and encouraged me over the years. They believed in me and I believed in me, and I never gave up and pushed it forward. So in turn, as I continue to grow, I remember those who have helped me. I am proud to have created a community event and to have given 24 scholarships to local students.

Best job and why: I am a wife, mommy, daughter, teacher, community volunteer and artist — enabling me to feel like the luckiest person on earth. I am so grateful to have the love and encouragement of a wonderful husband. I can operate a mommy-run business, serve on boards, teach classes and interns, make people happy and still have time and energy to throw a kick-butt birthday party, give a high five at a soccer game and tuck my kiddos in at night.

What “getting involved” means to you: Leaping in and allowing your wings to appear. Rolling up your sleeves, having a can-do attitude and bringing your gifts to the table. It also can mean learning something new, working as a team and being present for the right reasons.

Three words that describe you, or best trait: I’m sure people would say that I am a creative gal, a “go-getter” and a big dreamer.

Words to live by: If you can dream it, you can do it.

Biggest challenges, then and now: When I first started down my path, my biggest challenge was to stay true to my passion for art because everyone tried to persuade me to choose a different direction. Now I face the daily challenge, like many other working women, of how to keep all the balls in the air and hold it together.

Current goal or wish: I want to inspire others. My mission is to spread cheer throughout the land. I dream of a flagship studio, a destination spot where women and children can come, participate and experience an artistic, whimsical world. A studio, where not only the work is produced but a place where workshops are offered, a daily webcast is filmed, tours are given, artists are supported, children can’t wait to visit, ice cream is served, and one can experience the whole “life and style” movement of my work and mission.

What motivates you: I am motivated to spread cheer because there is too much sadness out there.

Two things you do to relax: Since I come from an Italian/Irish family, the best way to unwind is to fill the house with good food, laughter and music. I must confess after many years off, I have recently taken up running. I am working so hard to make a three-mile loop.

Hours of sleep per night: Some would say that I don’t sleep, but last I checked it was 5.5.

Young women should ... Listen to their inner voice. Find their passion and “bring it” — their best, their excellence, their full potential — and work hard. “Give it” — give back. There are so many ways to go, but if you listen to your heart you will know how and what way your special gifts can help another person. And “live it.” Be who you are and have confidence.

What makes you smile: A field of sunflowers, coffee with steamed milk, my kiddos’ laughter, the smell of Easter lilies, kids creating, my mom and dad, library books, connecting with girlfriends, and lots of sunshine.

AMY J. CORRENTI | 
ROCKFORDWOMAN.COM

About Lisa Frost
Age: 39

Family: Husband, Kevin; daughters Maddie, 11 and Libbie, 9

Birthplace: Rockford

Residence: Rockford

Education: Boylan High School, Class of 1988; Northern Illinois University, Bachelor of Science in art education, Class of 1993; State of Illinois teacher certification: Type 1 — Special K-12.

Occupation: National artist. In 2008, signed an international licensing deal with Silvestri/Demdaco to develop designs into products that are sold and distributed all over the world. Speaker and presenter, Demdaco National Sales Convention. Named part of the inaugural 2008 Forty Leaders Under Forty by the Rockford Chamber of Commerce. Employer to college art student interns. Public school art teacher, 1994-2001; Educator of the Year by 21st Century Magazine, 1999.

Community Involvement: Founder of Frost & Friends, a community event that showcases local talent and funds art-related scholarships for local youths, board member of the Rockford Public Library, board member of Discovery Center Museum, board member of the Advisory Council of Boylan High School, former president and member of the Junior League of Rockford, 1996-2006, celebrity dancer and cake decorator, host of a children’s art contest, speaker, presenter and volunteer “room mom” at Holy Family School.

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