Lisa’s 1973 Founder Lisa Roberts Hurd Interview

In this 2023 interview, Lisa Roberts Hurd, founder of Lisa’s 1973, discusses what led her to start the brand, how she balances entrepreneurship with parenting, and where she hoped to take the business. Her comments about health and nutrition reflect her personal experience and perspective.

What Inspired Lisa’s 1973?

Hurd said her own experience with autoimmune conditions pushed her to think more seriously about the relationship between food and health. Drawing on her background as a culinary archaeologist, she decided to build a food brand around what she described as real, family-friendly food.

For her, the business was also about the kind of food system she wanted her son and future generations to inherit.

Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship

Hurd described her current mantra as “enoughness.” As a self-described perfectionist, she said she had to let go of the idea that she could do everything perfectly without creating unnecessary anxiety or mom guilt.

Her mornings usually began before the rest of her family was awake. She used that time to meditate, reflect on the previous day, and write down the things she needed help letting go of.

She said those routines helped when work and parenting collided, especially when she was in the middle of a creative or professional challenge and her son needed her attention.

Did Parenting Change How She Ran the Business?

Yes, mainly by forcing her to become more efficient with her time. Hurd said being a parent required constant creativity in deciding where her attention needed to go.

Where Did She See the Brand Going?

At the time of our interview, Hurd said she wanted Lisa’s 1973 to become a broader resource for women and parents looking for convenient food options that matched the brand’s philosophy.

She also hoped to expand distribution through major retailers and online stores, work with more organizations, and eventually publish a cookbook.

On the community side, she discussed continuing the brand’s work with Healing Meals and expanding Cooking Around the World, a volunteer-based cooking program for children.

Those were Hurd’s plans and goals in 2023, so current products, partnerships, distribution, and programs may have changed since this interview.

For another founder’s perspective on building a public-facing business, read our Alexa Curtis interview.