Very few Blackhawk residents can say they have had the honor of meeting the Queen of England, but Lisa Loftus can. In 1983, when Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip visited California for a holiday, a select group of children of English descent were chosen to meet Her Majesty in San Francisco. Lisa was among those chosen, and the memory of that day remains vivid in her mind she says, “I recall wearing a beautiful new plaid dress my mom had bought for me from Sears, paired with white tights and black patent leather shoes. Despite feeling nervous, I mustered the courage to curtsy when the Queen extended her hand. It was an unforgettable moment in my life, one that I will cherish forever.”
A California Bay Area native, Lisa was born in San Francisco and briefly lived in Pacifica before her parents settled down in Newark, where she was raised alongside two older brothers. Lisa graduated from Newark Memorial High School and felt inspired to follow a creative career path from a young age. “Growing up surrounded by the creativity of both my grandmother and father has been an endless source of inspiration for me. Their creative talents ignited my own creative spark from a young age, shaping my path and guiding me towards a life filled with artistic expression. Their influence on my creative journey has been invaluable,” says Lisa.
From the moment Lisa first held a makeup brush in her hands, she knew it was her calling. “After high school, I made Pleasanton my home and embarked on a career in makeup artistry. I started at Nordstrom Pleasanton and freelanced as a makeup artist for weddings and special events. During this journey, I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Stompro, a renowned plastic surgeon in Blackhawk. In the early 2000s, he invited me to join his team. Although it meant transitioning away from the makeup brush, I was equally thrilled to explore the world of cosmetic and plastic surgery. Eventually, I became a part of the cosmetic surgery practice of Dr. Stompro & Dr. Cheng in Blackhawk,” says Lisa.
The year 2009 marked a significant milestone for Lisa, a move to Boca Raton in South Florida. “Two years after my move, in 2011, my daughter London was born. Despite being in Florida, my heart always longed to return home to the Bay Area and raise London closer to my family and friends. After thoughtful deliberation, I chose Blackhawk as our new home because of its lively community, welcoming residents, and excellent schools. Since then, Blackhawk has truly felt like our home,” says Lisa.
After returning to Blackhawk, Lisa initially worked part-time at Dr. Stompro and Dr. Cheng’s plastic surgery office. Recognizing the fleeting nature of her daughter’s elementary school years, she made the decision to resign and actively participate in her daughter’s school, activities, and day-to-day life. ”I’m so glad I did, too. Some of the best memories were London’s elementary school years at Tassajara Hills,” says Lisa.
While the pandemic was a tough time for all, it did have a silver lining. Lisa says it gave her some uninterrupted time to seek out a new creative outlet, which led to a new career in home staging. “On 2/22/22, LL Staging and Interiors came to life – a venture I hadn’t planned, but embraced fully. Entering the captivating world of home staging has been nothing short of amazing for me. Home staging allows me to witness the transformative power of design firsthand. Witnessing a once-empty space blossom into a warm and inviting sanctuary is incredibly fulfilling. It’s about creating an emotional connection between the buyer and the property, sparking a vision of their future in that space. In this dynamic and ever-evolving industry, I find endless inspiration and motivation to push the boundaries of creativity. Every project presents a new challenge and an opportunity to innovate, keeping my passion for home staging burning bright. Ultimately, the joy of seeing my clients’ faces light up as they walk into their staged home, is what fuels my love for home staging. It’s more than just decorating spaces; it’s about transforming lives and making dreams a reality.”
When she’s not fully immersed in the world of staging, Lisa says she indulges in a diverse range of activities. “I’m passionate about maintaining my health and fitness, working out at the gym, embarking on exciting day trips, and exploring both domestic and international destinations. Family time and moments of reflection at church hold a special place in my heart, while I also savor the joys of music, lively dinner parties with friends, and trying new local restaurants. I eagerly attend concerts, plays, and street fairs, skiing adventures at Northstar, and find immense joy in the creative pursuit of decorating.”
Being a parent to her daughter London is Lisa’s most important priority. “London embodies kindness, intelligence, and generosity. At the age of 12, she is on the brink of entering the 8th grade at Diablo Vista Middle School. An avid artist and passionate guitarist, she brings creativity and musicality into our lives. My connection to London, England, where my family roots lie, inspired her name. Despite lacking the distinctive British accent, I cherish this connection dearly. She is not just my daughter; she is a source of endless pride and joy in my life,” says Lisa.
The family is completed by Fiona, a cherished feline companion. Fiona was rescued in Florida under dire circumstances, she was covered in bugs and battling an eye ulcer, barely clinging to life. “Since joining our household, she has transformed into a beacon of happiness and vitality. From her playful rolls, eagerly seeking belly rubs, to her amusing escapades with water, Fiona never fails to elicit laughter and joy. She is a constant reminder of the resilience of the spirit and the immeasurable love that animals bring into our lives,” says Lisa.
Avid Disney enthusiasts, Lisa and London frequented Disney World multiple times a year when they lived in Florida and still try to visit at least once a year. They also hope to visit London, England soon. “I hope that soon we’ll have the chance to explore the beautiful city of London together and create lasting memories,” says Lisa.
The family has called Silver Oak in Blackhawk home since 2017 and say they love the community, “It’s a wonderfully
quaint gated community. I have close bonds with all my neighbors. Every month, a group of us moms take turns hosting gatherings at our homes, bringing our families together for drinks, dinner, and plenty of enjoyment. The kids always have a fantastic time. During the summer, we rotate taking the neighborhood kids to the pool. The tight-knit community of Silver Oak is unparalleled in this area. Here, our kids can freely run and play in the streets, and we feel secure knowing that we all watch out for each other. Living in Silver Oak, I genuinely feel like I’ve hit the neighborhood jackpot.”
By Megan Scott, Resident Since 2010