Borderlands Bakery owner Lisa He is the recent winner of Food Network’s Christmas Cookie Challenge and has also competed on Netflix’s Sugar Rush. Her cookies have since gained over 100,000 followers on Instagram, but she remains shocked at her almost-overnight success. “It’s been very humbling,” she shares. “You never really know what’s going to happen until you try.”

Cookies from Borderlands Bakery

By day, Lisa is a biotech professional who spends her time making sure new products are safe for consumers. As the child of hard-working Chinese immigrants, she grew up under enormous pressure to be academically and professionally successful. She started baking cookies in college, as a way to blow off steam after a long day of studying. “I wanted to do something with my hands,” she recalls, “but I fell in love with making beautiful and delicious cookies.” Thus, Borderlands Bakery (borderlandsbakery.com) was born. 

Lisa He

Over time, Lisa has been able to use her success and experiences to help other bakers around the world improve their skills and grow their own small businesses; she sometimes even gives a portion of her proceeds to charity. Her ultimate goal is to make a positive impact on the world, in any way she can. “I’m so lucky and privileged to be able to help others,” she enthuses.

Currently, Lisa lives in Rancho Cordova with her husband, Brian, and their two dogs. When asked about her hobbies, however, she only laughs, exclaiming, “I bake!”  

By Amber Foster

Q&A

What comes to you naturally? 

Project management and achieving a common goal together. I enjoy removing communication blocks to drive progress—both in work and my personal relationships. 

What’s your biggest pet peeve? 

Seeing how un-resourceful, lazy, and entitled some people have become. While technology has undoubtedly improved our quality of life, many of us are becoming too dependent. 

Biggest life inspirations? 

Simon Sinek. He’s dedicated his life to helping people find fulfillment in work and life. 

Favorite humanitarian cause? 

CCHAT Center Sacramento, which helps children who are deaf or hard of hearing develop communication skills to aid in lifelong success; and SeaLegacy, an ocean conservation and awareness-raising organization.

FAVORITES

Escape: Las Vegas 

Guilty Pleasure: Watching Glee

Meal In Town: Binchoyaki

Local Landmark: Stone Creek Water Tower

Place To Buy A Gift, Locally: The Kitchen Table

Local Nonprofit: CCHAT Center Sacramento

Saying: "If it was easy, everyone would be doing it."