Effortlessly cool and enormously talented, Lisa Paulny is a seasoned journalist and stylist living in Sydney.
She’s worked for some of the biggest publishing brands in Australia, both in print and online, like SHOP Til you Drop (where we met and she was a part of my beauty team), PopSugar.com.au, MyDomainehome.com.au, Byrdie.com.au and more.
It was at Byrdie that she crossed paths with an intern who would change the course of her career – and I dare say – her life.
During their time working together, Lisa’s intern Natalie Fornasier had been re-diagnosed with advanced melanoma. Lisa was inspired to bring awareness to the cancer that kills more young Australians than any other, and with Natalie’s help she created the campaign Call Time On Melanoma. To say it’s been a success is a huge understatement. HUGE.
The campaign quickly became an official Not-For-Profit promoting sun safety, awareness and SPF education, all thanks to Lisa’s dedication, energy and love for the cause.
She’ll be far too humble to tell you that she’s already been nominated for multiple awards for her work on CTOM and just last week, she became a winner! #proudsaspunch
I couldn’t be more excited to give Lisa and Call Time On Melanoma another platform to share their message. Plus prepare to be inspired by her tips on starting a business (on the fly after being made redundant!), motherhood and more. You’ll want to screen grab her beauty recommendations too – have you seen her skin!?
Enjoy the read x
If you want to connect on Instagram, you can find Lisa here and CTOM here.
Where did the idea for Call Time On Melanoma come from?
I founded Call Time On Melanoma (CTOM) late last year as a platform through which to share our ambassador (and my friend) Natalie Fornasier’s inspiring story. Natalie was first diagnosed with stage III melanoma at the age of 20, and then again with stage IV at 24 in 2018.
It’s a not-for-profit awareness initiative that exists to share statistics, facts, first-person stories and sunscreen recommendations. We’re about reframing sun safety as self-care. But more than that, CTOM is a community for sun smart young women.
When did you decide to turn it into a not-for-profit?
CTOM began life as an editorial initiative on Byrdie Australia, late last year. Basically, the week we were due to launch it, I was made redundant, along with most of my team. So we sped up our timeline and sent it live the next day, just wanting it to be out there. And wouldn’t you know it, the response was bloody incredible. The content was the highest performing ever on that website. We were all blown away. Just seeing the incredible traction—I knew it had to live on. So I built CTOM’s own site and social, and I guess
it just organically evolved into a not-for-profit. It’s what made the most sense.
How long did it take to go from idea to a fully-fledged company?
Not long! I’ve had a slightly different journey to most business owners in that I effectively got to test the market (via Byrdie Australia) before I launched CTOM as an entity all on its own. But once I made the call to do that, it was action stations. From ideation to soft launch on Byrdie, it was just under 8 weeks. (!) I registered the business a month later. It’s now been in operation for just over 9 months.
What has been the most exciting part?
First of all, being able to do this with and for Natalie means the world to me. We’ve become closer through our work together and I cherish her as a friend and colleague. And then the community we’ve found is just incredible. From women who are currently or have previously battled melanoma, to sun safe influencers and also women who have learned something from us and changed their sun safety habits—I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s been the most rewarding work of my life.
What has been the hardest part?
Probably the negative self-talk and my perfectionist streak. I’ve had many ideas for business ventures in the past, but none have ever gotten off the ground because of my own self-judgement. In hindsight I think it was a
gift that I was made redundant—I suddenly only had 4 days to send CTOM live or I would have let down not only Natalie but the rest of my team and quite a few brands.
Where did you need help?
I’ve chosen to self-educate to progress the business because I don’t have a lot of capital. For instance, I built the website using WIX over a long weekend. My approach is to do the best I can with what I have.
(Which isn’t much—CTOM launched the week I lost my job after having been back from maternity leave for three months.) That said, I’ve also been incredibly fortunate. I have many skilled friends willing to donate their time and services to help CTOM which is wonderful. Right now, I’m working with a boutique agency on branding and web design, and they’ve taken CTOM on board as a charity partner. I originally reached out for a design quote as I follow them on Instagram and admire their work and they then kindly offered. Being a NFP means people may be more inclined to
help, but having a passion for your purpose really can inspire others to support you.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learnt so far from the experience?
That I get in my own way. A lot. I’ve learned that standing in my experience, skills and vision isn’t boasting, it’s just owning my worth. In other words, that my playing small doesn’t serve the world.
The best business advice you’ve ever received?
Go with your gut.
What is coming up next for CTOM?
Right now, we’re working on podcast in collaboration with the Melanoma Institute of Australia. There are a few very exciting projects I can’t quite talk about yet but summer 2020 is going to be big.
What is the most productive part of the day?
Unfortunately, I’m quite a night owl which means my brain really gets going around 3pm. I’m trying to change this, but I do some of my best work after 10pm. (Not great for early starts with a toddler.)
What does ‘balance’ look like in your life?
Honestly? It doesn’t exist. I’ve got a nine-month old business I’m building, a freelance consulting, writing and styling career, and an almost-two year old son. Between all that, keeping our household in order, seeing friends and family and trying to fit in regular exercise and downtime, it’s madness.
Anything you wish someone had told you before you had kids?
Don’t be surprised or sad if your body doesn’t snap back. Most celebrities and influencers have a certain body type so if they are back in size 6 jeans two weeks later and you’re still in maternity leggings six months in, it’s not because there is anything wrong with you.
What has been the hardest parenting period so far?
Definitely now. I parent without timeouts, yelling or smacking and that requires a lot of patience when your child is two and tantrums most days. I have empathy for him and understand his developmental capacity, but it’s still difficult when your kid is banging their ownhead on concrete.
Any tips for navigating motherhood?
Back your own choices. There is an unfortunate culture of judging and shaming mothers for making parenting decisions out there, and it’s perhaps most vicious on social media. From working outside the home to not working outside the home, bottle-feeding to “extended” breastfeeding, sleep training to co-sleeping—there are women out there who will attack you literally no matter what you do. My advice? Educate yourself. Make the right choice for your family. Then back it all the way.
What motivates you the most?
Helping people. It may sound trite, but it’s true. I am far more motivated to help others than I am for personal gain. (Which explains why I can’t get into a consistent gym routine, doesn’t it?)
Your best tip for shaking yourself out of a funk?
I try to do something to change my energy, whether that’s getting a massage (cc: Venustus), going for a walk with a favourite podcast, having a long bath with a book or phoning a mate for a chat.
What has been the best party you’ve ever thrown or been to?
The baby shower you and Amy (Starr) threw for me was so lovely.* Low-key (as per my request, lol) but full of very special, thoughtful touches.
What’s your ideal party theme and why?
Right now, I’m very into a ‘50s tiki bar theme. (Have no idea for what party though, ha!) Hawaiian shirts, cane furniture, tropical cocktails served in coconuts, the Blue Hawaii soundtrack—fun!
Who’s on your dream party guest list and why?
If I could, I’d invite my grandfather and pop. Would give anything to see them both again.
Best time-saving party trick?
Outsource the hard bits. If it’s going to take you two days to construct a cake, or you know you’ll stress about catering or crafting decorations, just buy them. No one has a good time if the host is freaking out so factor the things you don’t like doing into your budget if you can or ask for help.
Your favourite party song?
Anything disco—I love the Bee Gees and Donna Summer.
What are your signature sunscreens?
Right now I’ve got Dermalogica Age Smart Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50, Ultraceuticals Ultra UV Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF50+ and Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF50+ on high rotation
Which beauty products do you use to the very, VERY last drop?
So many! (Too many.) Ultraceuticals Even Skin Tone Serum, Beaute Pacifique Puffy Eyes Gel, SK-II Mid-Day Miracle Mist, Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream, Go-To Properly Clean, Lanolips 101 Ointment, Olaplex (the treatment and shampoo and conditioner), Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer Illuminating, Venustus’ Muscle Melting Spray and Benefit’s Precisely My Brow Pencil.
What are some of your most recent beauty finds?
Fluff’s Bronzing Powder is really, really good. It’s a matte powder that almost melts into the skin, and never looks dirty or ruddy. Elle Effect Self Tan has the best fade of any tan I’ve ever tried, hands down. The colour itself is also great of course. I recently purchased West Barn Co’s Soapbrows Kit and I love it. My brow hairs don’t stay up with regular gel, but this stuff keeps them nicely in place. Another great buy was this makeup box and illuminated mirror from OSC. I am in love with it.
If you could create a signature scent, which perfumes would inspire it?
This is a difficult question for me because I love fragrance and my taste is varied. But because it’s winter I’ll say Byredo’s Rose of No Man’s Land (my wedding fragrance), Le Labo’s The Noir (a woody blend of amber, black tea and rose) and Sarah and Sebastian’s Olympia (all fig, jasmine and spices).
What is your best sunscreen tip/trick/hack that you wish all women knew about?
To reapply sunscreen over makeup, use a dry makeup sponge (one that isn’t very absorbent, so you don’t lose too much product) to dab it on gently. Bear in mind you need to create an even coverage for the sunscreen to do its job so something liquid-y, like Ultra Violette’s Queen Screen, is perfect.
