In Conversation with Lisa McLaughlin

Tell us about your background:

I'm the Founder of Chasing Summer, a superfruit powered teen skincare brand that I created with my teen daughter to close a gap that we saw in the market. We launched in 2025 DTC as well as boutique retail partners. As a solo founder, I'm currently managing all brand, product development, marketing, formulation conversations, and retail. We're excited to keep growing and continue this journey in 2026 with new partnerships and collaborations.

Before Chasing Summer, I spent 20+ years in Manhattan real estate in both rentals and sales. 8+ years at Douglas Elliman before taking a step back to prioritize raising 2 children full time.

I hold a degree in Fashion Design and Merchandising from Marist University. After college I worked in the childrenswear and menswear industries for a few years. I was introduced to real estate in Manhattan and found that to be an industry that fused creativity, design, client relationships, sales, and marketing for me.

What do you wish you’d known when you started out?

I wish I realized how important the connections are earlier in my career.

Best career advice you've ever received?

I can have it all, but maybe not at the same time. (regarding family and career)

What leadership qualities are important to you?

Loyalty, dedication, empathy, and support.

What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?

My biggest challenge has been creating Chasing Summer without any industry experience. Every day is a new challenge.

How do you define success in your career, and how has that definition evolved over time?

I define success in my career as being able to be financially independent in a career that I've built while also being a present mother and wife.

Over time I've realized how important my financial independence is to me. My husband is amazing and supportive, but my confidence comes from the independence.

How has networking contributed to your professional growth and success?

Networking has been the way that I've been able to grow and build my brand. I always ask people that I work with, trust, and respect for referrals and intros.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-mclaughlin-87b57a7/

Website: www.chasingsummerbeauty.com

Instagram: @lisa-mclaughlin-87b57a7