About Lead

Lead (formerly Self Love Beauty) organization focused on empowering individuals personally and professionally with practical tools to become their most confident selves. Lead isn’t just a name; it’s a reflection of what we stand for – Leadership, Empowerment, Awareness, and Development.

Who is Lead?

About Us

Here at Lead, we empower people with practical tools to become their most confident selves. We have transformed the lives of 12,000 individuals directly. With Lead’s proven track-record, we continue to be a source of empowerment, making a positive impact on the lives of many.

Our Mission

We empower people with practical tools to become their most confident self.

Our Vision

Inspiring all generations with confidence and purpose to live their best life.

Core Values

• Confidence
• Inclusivity
• Resilience
• Continuous Learning
• Purpose

Empowering Lives Through Confidence

Lead (formerly known as Self Love Beauty) was founded in 2012 by Lisa Tarkington, Leadership Consultant and Associate Certified Coach through the International Coaching Federation. Lisa has degrees and training in social impact, positive psychology, mindfulness, communication skills, and coaching. What began as a blog to empower others to feel supported, grow in their self-love, and rise to their full potential quickly emerged to having more than 100 contributing writers in just two years. With Lead’s growing number of supporters and increased need for access to confidence resources across all ages, Lead was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in August 2018. 

Today, Lead’s mission is to empower people with practical tools to become their most confident selves. Lead has transformed the lives of 12,000 individuals directly and over 66,000 indirectly in the state of Michigan. Participants report gaining confidence and self-esteem by an average of 82% after attending just one program. With this proven track-record, Lead continues to be a source of empowerment, making a positive impact on the lives of many.

2012

Lead (then Self Love Beauty) was founded as a blog.

2018

Became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in August which included creating the vision to “bridge the gap of confidence across all generations.”

2020

Hosted first public workshop in Saginaw, MI.

2024

Rebranded from Self Love Beauty to Lead while launching two initiatives, an Online Resource Platform and Training Program and rebranding to further meet mission and vision.

2016

Launch of the Beautiful Me Campaign that happened from 2016-2020

2019

Launch Teen Conference, Family Programs and Affirmation Day.

2023

Doubled the amount of programs.

Meet the Lead Staff

Lisa Tarkington

Lisa Tarkington, the Founder and Executive Director of Lead, is a Leadership Consultant and Associate Certified Coach through ICF. With a decade of corporate and entrepreneur experience, she is known for her dedication to providing resources and programs that empower individuals and inspire them to be their best selves.Outside of work, you will find Lisa enjoying outdoor adventures with her husband Marc and their two labs, Denver and Jackson.

 

Kelsey Snyder

Kelsey Snyder is the Director of Programs at Lead. Prior to joining the team, she spent 12 years in the tech industry where she found her voice, honed her leadership style, and learned to trust her instincts. At home, her life revolves around her husband George, two kids Mason and Brooke, and a 90lb chocolate lab named Weatherby. She enjoys spending her free time walking, reading, and working on DIY projects like renovating an old camper. 

 

Missy Reed

Melissa “Missy”  Reed is Lead’s Director of Development. Missy has spent 15 years in the human services field, including several years as a state investigator, dedicated to improving lives and advocating for others. She is passionate about community welfare and has a strong commitment to creating positive change in our communities. When she is not working, she enjoys golfing, cooking, and traveling to northern Michigan with her fiancé.

Emily Almarouhn

Emily is the Program Specialist at Lead, leveraging her experience in education and a deep passion for supporting at-risk and vulnerable youth in our communities. In addition to her role at Lead, Emily actively volunteers with various community organizations, dedicating her time to those in need and striving to make a positive difference. In her spare time, Emily enjoys reading, attending community events, and spending quality time with her husband and three children.

Meet Our Facilitators

Lead’s workshop facilitators undergo 20 hours of training to ensure they are best equipped to support our participants.

Aimee Mulloy

Chelsea Ebnit

Sarah Maday

Amy Slabaugh

Jen Woods

Mary Draves

Lisa Tarkington

Meet Our Board of Directors

Sarah Maday

Nexteer Automotive

Kelsey Schultz

Yeo & Yeo

Marc Kaeckmeister

First State Bank

Kathie Fuce-Hobohm

Space, Inc

Cathy Geiger

ABC Greater Michigan Chapter

Julia Kepler

Serendipty Road & Joyful Tantrum Recess

Kayley Lyons

DuPont

Morgan Behr

MoLo Farms

Wendy Traschen

Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational

Jon Lynch

Three Rivers Corporation

Stacy L Gannon

Huntington Bank

Join the Lead Movement

By volunteering with us or getting involved in our events you become a part of the movement dedicated to creating a ripple effect of positive change!