Lisa Wenger is an extraordinary individual whose dedication and expertise are truly remarkable. As the owner of Healing Haven of Wisconsin and founder of the Healing Identity Foundation, she has pioneered a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals navigate hair loss and redefine their identity following a diagnosis. With over 34 years of experience as a licensed cosmetologist and a third-generation hair replacement specialist, Lisa’s commitment to her craft is unmatched. Additionally, her expertise as a licensed Trichologist, specializing in hair and scalp disorders, further exemplifies her passion for helping others. Not only is Lisa a master wig maker, but she also generously shares her knowledge by teaching hair replacement techniques to professionals across the United States. Her tireless efforts and unwavering compassion make her an invaluable asset to her community and beyond. Lisa Wenger is truly an inspiration, touching the lives of countless individuals with her transformative work.
Lisa pointed out that we all carry scars, whether they’re visible on the surface, physical, or deep within our hearts, emotionally. These scars can be a powerful reminder of our resilience. We have the choice to bury them deep within ourselves or to harness them to uplift others. I choose to empower others with my own experiences!
About Lisa Wenger
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband and I both grew up in the Lake Country area, we got married 24 years ago and have 3 beautiful daughters that are in college, ages 21, 20 and 17. Our home and hobby farm is in Pewaukee which includes 6 horses, ducks, chickens and our German Shepard, Oakley, that lives for guarding and herding everyone on our funny farm! There is always something happening, we truly could have our own reality show!
Q: Please tell us about your life and what you do (whether working in our community, a business owner, volunteer, etc.). How did you choose that path?
Our life is certainly overflowing with activities. My husband and I both own businesses, his is Cogmatic in Milwaukee, specializing in large diameter steel gears and sprockets for construction and mining equipment. Mine helps people that are dealing with hair loss whether it is from cancer, illness, auto immune, trichotillomania and simple thinning from age, I see it all. We both serve the community in different ways whether it’s through our faith, outreach programs I’ve created for the local cancer centers such as “Thriving” at UW ProHealth Care and AMP’d for teens battling cancer at Children’s of Wisconsin. We also love mentoring youth entering the business world. Darin is also part of an amazing camp out west in the Tetons in Dubois, Wyoming, Teton Valley Ranch Camp. This is an amazing summer camp that teaches teens survival skills, horsemanship, rodeos, fly fishing, riflery and so much more… it’s such a cool adventure! The west is definitely in our blood!
Q: What do you love most about what you do?
Oh, that’s a tough question, there is so much I love about what I do! I love helping people regain their confidence. Hair loss is extremely personal. No matter how much or how little one has lost, it’s very emotional. I always say, people never truly understand it unless you have experienced it. When you start to peel away the layers of fear, anxiety, anger, sometimes even shame… it’s very rarely about the hair, it’s about normalcy and control. I know I’ve done my job when they take that deep breath and exhale and let go of all the emotions as if to say, “yep, I’ve got this!” A quote that has always stuck with me since I was young, by Ralph Waldo Emerson, “to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, that is to have succeeded.” I live by this. It’s not about me, it’s about helping your sisters and brothers in this world!
Q: What was the most difficult challenge in getting to where you are now or in your life?
Death, losing clients and friends from cancer, especially the little ones is simply heart breaking. What has brought me peace is this, I had a parent thank me after losing their young daughter. She said, “Lisa, the best gift you have given us was an amazing memory. This special day, the last day of her laughing and being a kid again, not thinking about cancer at all! She spun around in your salon looking in the mirror in her princess dress with her “new hair” and sparkles. We will forever cherish this.” So will I. Yes, these are the most difficult, yet the most beautiful at the same time.
Q: What is the most rewarding part?
Hearing someone say thank you, I feel like myself again. Thank you for helping me feel beautiful again, with tears in their eyes.
Q: What are some of your future goals? Do you have anything exciting coming up that you would like to share?
I have a number of workshops coming soon! We will be opening a new hat bar this summer! This will allow people to create their own western felt hats! Little fun fact, I went to millinery school and am obsessed with hat making! The official date will be announced soon!
Q: What advice would you give to someone interested in doing something similar to what you have done/are doing?
Never be afraid to make mistakes and always look for mentors who are willing to help!
Lisa Wenger & Our Community
Q: What is your favorite thing about our community, favorite thing to do, or something unique about our community that you love? (Feel free to share as much as you’d like!)
I love the lakes and trails! I’m an adventure kind of gal!
Q: Who is an interesting person you’ve met here in our community, and how have they inspired you?
My clients, their grit and determination always put life into perspective!
Q: Do you have a favorite coffee shop, cocktail shop, or restaurant?
Nona’s: They are hardworking, family owned and really know how to rock a fantastically healthy smoothie!
For Fun
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am a milliner, I LOVE making western style hats… call me obsessed! I travel far and wide shadowing other hat makers across the country to learn new techniques!
Q: What is your favorite book, TV show, movie, poem, or song? Why?
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, Books and Poetry: When I am Old I shall Wear Purple. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe -The Chronicles of Narnia-all of them!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Jesus
Q: If you were a drink (can be a coffee drink, alcoholic, non-alcoholic, etc.), what would you be?
Jalapeno margarita, sweet and spicy! Sneaks up on you if your not careful! ha!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Traveling more, this list is quite long! I would love to go back to Italy!
Q: What makes you the happiest?
A clean house and traveling to a warm climate!
Q: Any general life advice you would like to share?
Say yes, take the adventure!
Where to Find Lisa Wenger
Email: healinghaven1@gmail.com
Phone: (414) 333-4128
Nice To Meet You:
I believe in positively impacting my clients and the community I live in, which is why I jumped at the chance to be an ambassador with “The Faces of Lake Country”. It’s a perfect blend of why I enjoy being a Realtor with Shorewest, Realtors, and everything I love about living in Lake Country.
I truly enjoy being a part of this community and helping others along the way. Prior to real estate, I was an Office Supervisor for the City of Waukesha Park & Recreation Department. During this time, I had the opportunity to work with many business owners and serve the general public. It was there that I realized that it really does take a village to make a community great and each and every one of us plays an important role.
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