When I was 34 and living in Milan, Italy, a friend said something shocking. Her friend saw some photos of us playing miniature golf and asked if I was always so sad. As embarrassing as it was to hear that it was obvious to a stranger, I knew the answer to her questions was,
At the time, I was an unhappily married fashion photographer, and I wasn’t just sad. I was stuck and lost. For 13 years, I had chosen to stay married to a man who I later realized was a pathological liar. Even though I knew our relationship was dysfunctional and I told myself I could do better, I was too afraid to leave because I thought I’d be alone for the rest of my life.
A little book, The Laws of Success by Paramahansa Yogananda, fell into my hands. I would read a few pages each day and retreat to the darkroom to print pictures for my portfolio. As I rocked trays of chemicals and watched images emerge, Yogananda’s simple spiritual truths permeated my mind.
I felt that, for the first time, I was looking at my life through a new lens and I asked myself, “Lisa, why ARE you so sad?”
It was true. At 15, when other kids were worried about what to wear to prom, I watched my mother lose her hair, waste away, and die. I told myself I’d been cheated out of a childhood and I would always be sad.
“Lisa, you made up the story that you would always be sad,” the voice said.
This stunning insight seemed to come out of nowhere.
I HAD created this story and it worked. Nineteen years later, I was still sad.
“But I don’t want to continue feeling this way,” I thought.
“So, make up another story,” the voice replied again.
“What if I were to say that my mother’s death made me wiser? I’d rather be wise than sad.”
“You just made up that story, too,” the voice said again.
And the stories we tell ourselves dictate who we become.
As I emerged from the darkroom and into the lighted hallway, I decided right then and there that I’d start creating a more positive life story. After all, if I was making it up, I might as well make it good.
After that, I began to look at my deeply rooted issues from the past. My mother was a rageaholic and codependent; my father was an alcoholic and a womanizer. They hated each other. I had work to do, but now I knew I had the power to change my story.
So, I worked with the best mentors and teachers I could find. I received my Master’s Degree in Spiritual Psychology. I did Dream Work with Don Miguel Ruiz and 12-Step for compulsive eating. Deep digging. Self-acceptance. I looked at some ugly truths about myself. Sometimes I wondered if there was a finish line to the inner work and if I’d ever find my guy.
I had moved back to Los Angeles and, one day, I found my worst nightmare coming true. I was turning 40 and I was still single. I had no illusions. I was attractive but there was no way I could compete with all the young, pretty, sexy, slim women in LA.
But then I took a step back and saw my situation clearly. Despite their youth and beauty, few of these women were in loving, lasting relationships and that’s what I was longing to find.
Internet dating was relatively new, and I saw it as the answer to all my prayers. For the first time, I no longer had to wait for men to ask me out on dates and I had limitless opportunities.
In two years, I went on 96 first dates. I was putting everything I’d learned into practice.
Ninety-five dates didn’t result in a second, but the 96th first date introduced me to Benjamin, the Guardian of My Soul, and my husband for over two decades.
On our first date, he asked, “What are you looking for?”
“Since I left my ex-husband, I’ve been working so hard on myself, and I’m done working hard. All I want to do is meet a great guy and have fun!” I answered.
Benjamin later told me this was the most beautiful thing he’d ever heard a woman say. That same night, he took down his profile.
After our first date, I left for a three-and-a-half-week business trip to Vietnam. Benjamin marked my return on his calendar and wrote to ask me out again that same day. On the first anniversary of our first date, he asked me to marry him, and a year after that, we were married.
In 2003, just three months after we’d met, Benjamin said I should be a therapist or a coach. When I asked why he said that personal transformation was my passion and all I talked about.
Symbolically, though, I am still a photographer. A photographer magically turns a blank piece of paper into a beautiful, timeless piece of art in a darkroom. I did this with my life and have helped thousands of women do this with theirs.
Lisa Shield is a love, dating, and relationship coach with over two decades experience. She has a Master’s Degree in Spiritual Psychology and is a certified coach through The Coaches Training Institute. She has studied extensively with Don Miguel Ruiz, author of The Four Agreements. She has been a featured expert in The Huffington Post, Buzzfeed, LA Times, and Cosmopolitan. She was also a guest on ABC News and The Millionaire Matchmaker.
Last year, 12 of Lisa’s clients were married, and she was asked to officiate four of those weddings. Her most successful year yet was during the pandemic: where many more of her clients found the partner of their dreams, got engaged, and married—proving again, no matter the hurdle, true love really is unstoppable. She and her husband, Benjamin, are passionately in love for over two decades. They live in Santa Fe, NM with their two adorable dogs, Oliver and JAX.
Benjamin Shield fell in love with bodywork in 1971 while attending New College in Sarasota, Florida. He received his Ph.D. in Health Sciences, and his teaching focuses on craniosacral therapy, pediatrics, spinal mobilization, visceral manipulation, and courses on brain anatomy and function.
Benjamin wrote four books exploring both healing and spirituality, including Healers on Healing, Handbook for the Soul, Handbook for the Spirit, and Handbook for the Heart.
In addition to his thriving practice, Benjamin works with Lisa, giving her clients a welcomed male perspective. Benjamin joins Lisa on weekly Q&A calls, interviews, and he graciously writes the dating profiles for her clients.
Mindset Coach
Diane Pekmezian, our Head Breakthrough Coach, is in her dream job! After more than 2 decades as a top-performing account executive on Wall Street, she left the city to follow her heart and family. She adopted two infants from Armenia and took care of three loved ones in home hospice.
For all of her adult life, Diane has been on a personal growth journey and feels blessed to have found Lisa Shield. “Lisa’s course was a culmination of everything else I had learned plus all the missing pieces critical for understanding how to be and pick an amazing partner for life. It was the most valuable course I’ve ever taken because it affects every relationship in my life.”
Diane is looking forward to meeting every successful, intelligent woman who is searching for love and wants to transform her life.
Diane Pekmezian, Enrollment Coach, is in her dream job! After more than 2 decades as a top-performing account executive on Wall Street, she left the city to follow her heart and family. She adopted two infants from Armenia and took care of three loved ones in home hospice. For most of her adult life, Diane has been on a personal growth journey and feels blessed to have found Lisa Shield. In 2021, after enrolling in Lisa’s Emotionally Naked Dating. Doing Lisa’s program helped me silence the doubting voice in my head and feel confident in myself. She’s also helped make dating fun, something I thought I’d never say!” Diane is looking forward to meeting every successful, intelligent woman who is searching for love and wants to transform her life. When Diane is not dating or talking about love, she is playing tennis, pickle ball, ping pong, or Billards!
Director of Operations
Abbey is the Director of Operations and a seasoned expert in supporting online coaches. With eight years of experience in the coaching space, Abbey has developed a deep passion for helping women transform their lives. Her dedication lies in empowering women to find and attract the love they truly deserve, while ensuring the businesses she supports operate smoothly and efficiently. Abbey’s commitment to excellence makes her an invaluable asset to both her team and the clients she serves.
Call Coordinator
Call Coordinator
Erin Spence, our Call Coordinator, is a proud member of the team due to her firm belief in the joy of finding ‘your person’ and her passion for the work she does. Erin works closely with our Enrollment Coaches and also runs our orientation sessions – she loves the opportunity to work with so many women and be a small part of their journey! Her blend of leadership skills and startup experience adds a unique dynamic to our team. Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Erin embodies the spirit of the flannel-and-beanie region with her love for the outdoors and camping adventures. She is the proud mom to two cats and two dogs, and wouldn’t trade her zoo for anything.
Erin’s philosophy that finding true connection is life’s greatest experience resonates in her work and personal interactions. She’s not just about the professional hustle; her heart lies in building genuine human connections.
Erin Spence, our Call Coordinator, is a proud member of the team due to her firm belief in the joy of finding ‘your person’ and her passion for the work she does. Erin works closely with our Enrollment Coaches and also runs our orientation sessions – she loves the opportunity to work with so many women and be a small part of their journey! Her blend of leadership skills and startup experience adds a unique dynamic to our team. Hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Erin embodies the spirit of the flannel-and-beanie region with her love for the outdoors and camping adventures. She is the proud mom to two cats and two dogs, and wouldn’t trade her zoo for anything.
Erin’s philosophy that finding true connection is life’s greatest experience resonates in her work and personal interactions. She’s not just about the professional hustle; her heart lies in building genuine human connections.
Operations Manager
IT Specialist
Meet Michael Doyle, our friendly Operations Manager extraordinaire! Hailing from the picturesque Pacific Northwest, Michael brings his passion for technology and people to our team.
As our go-to IT guru, Michael keeps our systems running smoothly, automates processes to make our lives easier, and ensures everything tech-related is in tip-top shape. With his knack for problem-solving and love for optimizing workflows, Michael is always ready to lend a helping hand whenever a tech hiccup arises.
Outside of work, Michael’s adventurous spirit takes him on exciting travels and camping escapades, where he recharges and finds inspiration. Michael finds joy in his work, cherishing every moment as he contributes to the team’s success.
Meet Michael Doyle, our friendly Operations Manager! Hailing from the picturesque Pacific Northwest, Michael brings his passion for technology and people to our team.
As our go-to IT guru, Michael keeps our systems running smoothly, automates processes to make our lives easier, and ensures everything tech-related is in tip-top shape. With his knack for problem-solving and love for optimizing workflows, Michael is always ready to lend a helping hand whenever a tech hiccup arises.
Outside of work, Michael’s adventurous spirit takes him on exciting travels and camping escapades, where he recharges and finds inspiration. Michael finds joy in his work, cherishing every moment as he contributes to the team’s success.
