Ski accident led LeBlancs to create Lifted Movement

Article content

An unfortunate injury that the daughter of Saje Natural Wellness founders experienced had a bright spot: the kernel for launching a new company.

Saje, a Vancouver-based retailer of private-label essential oils and skin care products across North America, was founded in 1992 by Kate and Jean-Pierre LeBlanc. In 2010, their daughter, Kiara LeBlanc, joined the brand to support their growth across Canada. In 2016, the company partnered with Greenwich, Conn.-based private equity firm L Catterton and the LeBlancs stayed in the business until 2020 when they left their roles but remain board members today at the company.

Unfortunately, Kiara had a ski accident that led to surgery and the need for physical rehabilitation.

It was the search for home gym equipment that met all their criteria in order to aid Kiara’s recovery, and not finding what they were looking for, that led to the founding of their next company, Vancouver-based Lifted Movement.

Here, the mother-daughter co-founders discuss what they learned at Saje and how Kiara’s accident strengthened their commitment to physical and mental health. The family also weigh in on how they give back through their family foundation.

What inspired you to create Lifted Movement?

Kiara LeBlanc: “After leaving Saje Natural Wellness, we had so many ideas of what we might do next. But it was a happenstance of a vision Kate had during a massage on New Year’s Day of 2021, vowing to put her physical fitness at the top of her refreshingly clear calendar heading into the year.

At the same time, I experienced a traumatic ski accident that led to ACL surgery and the unshakable knowledge that for full recovery, my commitment to physical rehabilitation had to be at the top of my priority list.”

Kate Ross LeBlanc: “After Kiara’s accident, we were on the hunt to outfit our Whistler home gym with extraordinary fitness equipment that was both beautiful and functional. After searching and searching for equipment that met our criteria, all we found was a gap in the market – our entrepreneurial brains were on fire.

We looked at each other over a lunch on Granville Island – the first we had been able to manage following Kiara’s surgery – and knew what our next business would be all about: creating what some people have called ‘Architectural Digest-worthy’ fitness equipment with the hypothesis that if you don’t have to hide it, you’ll reach for it.”

How do you find working as a family?

KL: “Working together as a family unit is an incredibly fulfilling endeavor. The inherent trust that comes with collaborating alongside our loved ones makes even the most challenging moments more manageable.

Moreover, it’s fascinating to deepen our understanding of each other within this unique context. If we were pursuing separate paths, there would be a whole aspect of each other’s lives left unexplored.

Of course, it’s not without its challenges, as in any meaningful relationship, but there is a built-in incentive to embrace growth as part of our culture. A commitment to growth lies at the core of who we are. We have always believed that you can’t grow a business if you can’t grow yourself.”

What are your most positive experiences from your time working as a family at Saje Natural Wellness?

KRL: “Expanding into new markets and celebrating together at grand openings in cities and communities across Canada brought us pure joy. Watching our loved ones excel in their work, while being right there to witness it, is an incomparable feeling.

We invest so much of our time in our life’s work, and the journey of supporting each other through both triumphs and challenges strengthens our bonds even more. We have a deep understanding of one another, allowing us to provide objective feedback that fuels growth and self-reflection.

It’s not always smooth sailing, but the rewards are immeasurable. It takes me back to my upbringing on a family farm and the shared satisfaction at the end of a long day, when everyone is exhausted, dirty, and hungry, yet filled with the joy of a productive day’s work. Some of our best moments at Saje have truly taken me back to those summer days of baling hay.”

KL: “As with Saje, at Lifted Movement, the core of our mission lies in a steadfast commitment to creating exceptional products that enhance the lives of our valued community members.

How do you inspire each other as a family?

KL: “While we share some personality similarities, our approaches and motivations differ significantly. This diversity provides a valuable opportunity for mutual learning, and we are fortunate to genuinely admire one another. It is important to remember that if we all thought alike, our individual contributions would be redundant.

KRL: “One of the core values we have embraced from our family and incorporated into the values of Lifted Movement is the concept of cheering each other on. As a family, we are constantly pushing each other to improve and it is ingrained in our nature to be each other’s greatest supporters. Kiara often reflects on how much further she can reach to achieve something because she knows that those she cares about are counting on her, as opposed to when she is working alone.”

When it comes to wealth management, how do you navigate challenges and maintain stability?

KRL: “This question delves into the core of how our family makes financial decisions. When it comes to significant choices, despite our unique personalities and styles, we only proceed when we are in agreement.

If one of us wishes to pursue a particular path that differs from the others, we have learned that it is best to pause and seek alignment, even if it means passing up certain opportunities.

Are there ways you aim to give back as an enterprising family?

KRL: “The LeBlanc Family Foundation was created with a genuine commitment to support causes that are personally meaningful to us. We have a wide range of diverse interests, and our support reflects that.

There are a few initiatives that hold a special place in our hearts. One of them is The Enneagram Prison Project, a ground-breaking group on a mission to free people – all over the world –from the prisons of our own making. Through the transformative power of the Enneagram, this program brings healing and personal growth to incarcerated populations.”

KL: “Another cause that resonates with us is Project Angel Food, an amazing organization that provides nutritious meals to individuals affected by critical illnesses. Their unwavering commitment to serving those in need is truly inspiring.”

Jean-Pierre LeBlanc: “We love supporting FSC, Foundations Social Change, an impactful organization dedicated to addressing systemic issues with innovating solutions and cascading them to other organizations. Their tireless efforts to create a more equitable society aligns perfectly with our core values.

Their New Leaf Project addresses homelessness with direct cash payments .

As well, we support PAC, the Psychedelic Association of Canada in an effort to make available solutions to mental health for all Canadians.

What are some of the projects or initiatives you are most excited about in 2024?

KL: “In 2024, we are incredibly excited to further our mission and support others in disrupting the cycle of procrastination when it comes to physical activity. We are working on some exciting partnerships this year and constantly ideating ways to continue to elevate the home fitness category, which we believe has so much untapped opportunity for growth.”

Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.

Please visit here to see information about our standards of journalistic excellence.