Meet Liz
We are in awe of Smarties Candy Company's (yes, the iconic Smarties candy rolls that was your favorite candy of your childhood!) Co-President Liz Dee, who tells us her best advice for women in business - and why natural light is a must-have in her dream NYC home.
In addition to being a candy-maker, Liz is also CEO of Baleine & Bjorn Capital, a venture capital fund that invests in businesses creating solutions to outdated animal products, and founder of Vegan Ladyboss, a global community of organized, connected and empowered vegan women. Liz lives in the West Village in NYC with her husband, Nick Garin, and their rescue dog, Sandy.
The DLT: What is your superpower?
Liz Dee: Kindness! It really is everything.
The DLT: What is the best piece of advice you have ever gotten?
Liz Dee: “How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.” - Annie Dillard
The DLT: How do you structure your days? How do you start your days? When does your work day end?
Liz Dee: I prefer to keep my days very structured. My color coded outlook calendar is my guide and I plan almost everything in advance, including workouts, commutes and down time.
Time, to me, is more precious than anything else, and I am mindful about how I spend it.
I’m on year three of reading at least a book per week, so I always take time to read each day.
I start my days snuggling with the dog, Sandy. Then on to a green drink (using green vibrance powder right now) and meditation. Soon after, I head to work at Smarties Candy Company with a smoothie (my husband makes a delicious smoothie with banana, berries, kale, almond butter, flax seeds, chia seeds and dates) and an oat milk latte.
My work day never really ends, but I generally am at the Smarties NJ office from 8am to 3:30pm.
Fun fact: Monday through Friday, I smell like candy! Outside of my Smarties office hours, I fit in work for Baleine & Bjorn Capital and Vegan Ladyboss.
The DLT: Who is your role model and why?
Liz Dee: Right now, I feel very inspired by my Smarties co-presidents Jessica Dee Sawyer and Sarah Dee who are incredible working moms with young kids. I have much to learn from their perseverance, commitment, and ability to prioritize.
The DLT: Now to get to the fun real estate questions! What is home to you? How can a home make you better at the work you do?
Liz Dee: Home is sanctuary where I can rest, recharge and be with loved ones. It is imperative to have my basic needs covered at home so I can do meaningful work out in the world.
The DLT: What is your dream neighborhood and why?
Liz Dee: The West Village is my dream neighborhood because of its quiet charming streets and beautiful buildings. It feels like an oasis to me.
The DLT: What is your must-have for your dream apartment and why?
Liz Dee: My must-haves for my dream apartment are ample natural light, lots of plants around, excellent air filters and a top notch drinking water purifier. Light, nature, clean air and water - basic and so important!
The DLT: How can people keep up with your activities?
Liz Dee: The best place to see what I’m up to is on Instagram → @TheLizDee
This series is published by The Jane Advisory.
A long time women's rights activist, Danielle has created "Where She Lives" in order to give everyone access to the authentic journeys and struggles of entrepreneurs that identify as female. Home is often a sanctuary, and we have investigated what our fellow female entrepreneur needs to make their home a salvation from their daily work. We hope this blog both inspires you and brings up new ways of seeing the world and your own journey. To contact us to help with your own home process, or for any other reason, please reach out to us here.
