Meet Lisa: The Sonshine (to the Broccoli)
I have a special place in my heart for the arts and education! I was immersed in Theatre for the majority of my young adult life so I was thrilled to bring you all the heartfelt passion of Sonshine and Broccoli. They are changing the lives of children through their music! Interactive dance parties, pajamas, you name it- they have so much fun at their shows! They just recently were nominated for a Juno Award for their music in Canada. Get ready for a roller coaster ride of fun with Lisa’s interview, but also be amazed by how truly sun-shiney her bright spirit is!
Tell us a little bit about who you are and your journey to where you are now!
My name is Lisa Sonshine, and I am a singer with Sonshine and Broccoli’’s children’s musical duo from Toronto, Canada! We are at the top of the kid’s music industry here in Canada! When I graduated with my musical theater degree in college, I thought I was going to Broadway but my beautiful partner Brock is the Broccoli to my sunshine and had the wonderful idea to start teaching musical theatre together! At our first class, we really had no idea what we were doing but the moms got to be a part of the class with the kids and they all loved it. They really believed in us and found us to be talented! It was so refreshing. This is what sparked the idea to start writing music for kids! It’s a very specific niche but so special to the both of us! We saw an opportunity with that genre because there isn’t a lot of great kids music out there. Music and singing has been a passion of mine my entire life so I’m so thankful I’m getting to live out that dream and write my own music that really resonates with parents and kids.
2. Tell us about the mission of your brand. How does it empower women?
Sonshine and Broccoli as a brand has evolved so drastically in 15 years- it’s really like a lot of sunshine, a lot of positive energy, a lot of light. As far as empowering women, we recognize that there is room for everyone in our space! We also love to share our journeys with others- our story- we are an open book! Sharing resources, information, and knowledge openly is empowering. If anyone reaches out to me, I am always offering what I can because I’ve been there! Most importantly, to empower, we have to share love!
As a female founder, I am also empowered. My dream wasn’t what I thought it would be, but it is way better than what I could’ve imagined! People always ask me how I am so happy, and I share with them that I work hard to be happy. I had to work to get to a place of wholeheartedly believing in myself.
3. What is the biggest challenge you've had to press there is a female entrepreneur, and what are the steps you've taken to overcome?
For me, I’ve always struggled with body image. When I would audition, they would always say they didn’t know how to cast me- that I didn’t have a “type.” It was always super defeating to me. I ended up being so much more empowered creating my own brand with Sonshine and Broccoli. I was transparent and authentic at all times about where I was at in my journey in order to come to this place of confidence that I am in now- self-acceptance around body image and everything in between.
4. What sets your brand apart from others?
When kids come to our shows, they feel really, really special. We make it a point to really connect with the parents at our shows as well. Our music also sets us apart because it’s so relevant plus parents and kids can enjoy the music together- parents will tell us that they even like to listen to the music by themselves in the car!
As far as writing albums, we attended a recent conference that really got our creative juices flowing! We wanted our next album to resonate with our lives with themes of kindness and acceptance. Funny enough, the album title came to me at a dinner party when a friend of mine was telling me about how her daughter was being bullied and she turned and said to me “I wish it were cool to be kind instead.” It’s Cool to Be Kind quickly became what we adopted as our Album title!
It couldn't have been a better choice for a title because in a world where people may not always agree or have opposing viewpoints, our brand is about love and acceptance and kindness no matter the differences.
5. How do you collaborate with others working towards a better world?
I love collaborating with others. I think it's so important, and it's so healthy. On this last album in particular, we collaborated more than ever! We wanted multiple different backgrounds and viewpoints and creativity represented. Collaborating really requires that you listen first and foremost but with a goal in mind!
As far as events or partnership we will put on with others, there's certain things that served us 10 years ago that maybe won't service now because of how we’ve grown. We are always open to new opportunities thought that align with our values. When you close a door, you have to trust that another one will open- really trust your journey!
6. What advice would you give to female entrepreneurs in the beginning stages of launching their brand or business?
I think getting really clear on your brand- how you want to be perceived and how you are being perceived- is critical. At the beginning, keep it very simple and be open to all the different opportunities that might come your way. You have to hustle and contact people and email and do as much as you can! Network and have a mentor as well- someone you can look up to that will guide you!
Also, always assume positively- assume that others want to be helpful! Don’t get stuck in your mind with “Why would they want to talk to me?” You might miss out on a meaningful connection if you do that- find your tribe and rely on them.