About Lida Lisney and Inside Story

Lida Lisney was born in Montreal and moved to Toronto in 1989. Air Canada based me in Toronto and I’ve never looked back. Speaking 6 languages, I often travelled overseas as my regular route. Paris was a main destination and it was there, for the first time, I was fitted by a professional European fitter. It was a subtle change from what I thought my size was, but it made an incredible difference! From a 34B(wrong) to a 32C(yay!). I noticed immediately on my flight home. The new luxury bra I’d purchased did not ride up my back, the straps did not fall off my shoulders and the comfort was definitely noticeable.

While working at Air Canada, in my 15th year, I took a part-time position at Inside Story Fine Lingerie. I already knew the importance of the proper fit and loved fine lingerie. Within a couple of months, the original owners of this fine lingerie boutique decided to have a serious meeting with me. They offered me the opportunity to buy their business that they’ve been growing for over 20 years!

After knocking on the door of many banks, I was able to convince them that this was indeed a good investment. I believe much of it had to do with my passion for this business.

Just to be safe, initially, I stayed on with Air Canada on a leave of absence, while learning all the ropes (and laces!) of the lingerie industry. My learning curve didn’t exist. In fact, in was more of a straight line upwards and probably bending backwards. That is how green I was. After 16 years, I retired from Air Canada.

However, I am a quick study and combined with loads of common sense and a genuine passion, in one year, I grew the business 50%.
Besides being a mother, this had to be my next biggest source of pride. I did it! I raised a son, who is now 17, and is amazing! I also became a successful business woman!

Again, I had many creative ideas for expansion. In my second, year, we renovated the store to look like the image I’d always had of a woman dressing herself: that of an Art Deco Boudoir. This image always reminded me of the epitome of the strong and very feminine woman with a great sense of style.

In the 3rd year, I was able to double the size of the store. It was very necessary as we needed more change rooms and much more space.

Year 5 was the best and most exciting! Two major lingerie houses, Chantelle and PrimaDonna, invested in a store-in-store concept. To date, we are the ONLY lingerie store in NORTH AMERICA that has these beautiful store fixtures to showcase the lingerie.

I am a single mother of a teenage son who is going to university next year. My puppy, Daisy, lights up my life and I love to walk her in downtown Oakville. My interests other than my family and business, include travelling, reading, exercising and decorating.

Hair done by: Amy Ali (Atlelier Hair Salon)

Photo Credit: Tara West Boutique Photography