BWA Causes – The Boundless Edit With Lilli Boisselet

Lilli Boisselet is the creative half of a duo who founded The Boundless Edit, a profit-for-purpose production company empowering women in business in developing communities.

Beginning her career at a coveted Interior Design firm in Sydney, she spread her wings into photography after a chance meeting with a National Geographic photographer in Madagascar. Since then, she has championed women in creative business in developing communities, working from Uganda to Nepal to tell their stories and encourage creativity in children.

We chatted to Lilli to learn more about the highs and lows of starting her own business and what’s next for The Boundless Edit and the women they support.

Tell us a little about the work that you do?

The Boundless Edit is a profit-for-purpose production house empowering women in business in developing communities.

THE BOUNDLESS EDIT INTERVIEW

What is the philosophy/mantra behind your brand?

In everything we do, we believe big change comes from small moments. We have a strong Code of Ethics at TBE, which we hire all our team on, developed with our Board of Advisors, the one I draw on most in what we do is “Come from heart. Be compassionate, respectful and humble.”

Describe your signature photography style?

I would say ‘Raw’. I always think capturing a special life moment is more important that a technically perfect image. I love the imperfections, the sun flares, a tiny movement blur; that’s capturing small moments, the imperfections that life is made up of.

What inspired you to work in the Aid sector and did you always want to be an photographer?

Not at all! I started out as an interior designer, however photography was always a hobby of mine and I slowly began pursing it full time. Gradually, to be honest, I became more and more frustrated that I was hiring people to take photos and they weren’t capturing my vision, so I got off my butt and taught myself how to use a camera properly to do it myself. I’m so stubborn! It’s incredible now to have the skills to bring my visions to reality myself.

What’s your career highlight so far?

My career highlight is seeing a young girl we sponsored in Nepal graduating her Primary School last year. It’s millions of those small moments accumulated, all around the world, everyday, that are the tidal wave of change for womens rights.

Tell us about some of the collaborations you are currently working on?

With TBE, we’re heading to Morocco in September with our friends at Fair Fabrics to work with their artisans in Fes and Marrakesh. Personally, I have a few exciting clients I’m working with in the next few months that are a more arts based move for me. It’s going to be an amazing year!

What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career so far?

Definitely the learning curve of owning and running your own business on a day-today basis are, at times, overwhelming. I have moments when I’m crying on the floor, but you have to dry your tears and dust yourself off. I find the stress of feeling like you’re being pulled in all directions really tough. But I’ve learnt over time to set
boundaries and breathe through that tense feeling in the pit of your stomach.

How do you create a great a work/life balance?

I work pretty much all the time, between all the ventures I have my hands in, and I don’t say that to try to and seem busy and important, it’s just what I like to spend my time doing. I feel enriched by what I do… 80% of the time! I love spending time with the people I get to work with and I love getting to work towards these visions everyday. I read a book last year that talks about when you find harmony between who you want to be and the work you do, your work and life are your contribution to the world rather than competing forces, and I hope I’m edging closer to that. I’m also obsessed with the ocean, so I’ll always be in water if I’m looking for me time, I call it my vitamin sea.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Always seek to exceed expectations, especially your own.

What would be your perfect day?

Waking up in the South of Madagascar to delicious slow-dripped, locally roasted coffees, watching sunrise with my partner and having a swim in the ocean with him. Visiting a local school and spending the morning doing art with disadvantaged kids and taking lots of beautiful photos to give them and their families. A long lunch with my family, with fresh hand-caught seafood, more coffee! A relaxing afternoon whale watching and snorkelling with my niece, and cooking dinner with my brother and his wife and playing Balderdash with the whole family after dinner with a chilled glass of red wine. Heaven!