Written by GAC Staff
Lisa Browning is not just a publisher. As the founder and publisher of One Thousand Trees, Lisa is dedicated to empowering and uplifting people through storytelling. Her publishing company aims to create a space where the narratives of “beautifully broken people”—those who have endured hardship and emerged stronger—can be shared.
Founded in 2010, One Thousand Trees was originally envisioned as a magazine, though the publication eventually evolved into something more. For a decade, One Thousand Trees existed as an online magazine, a platform where stories of struggle, triumph, and transformation were shared. Over time, these stories began to resonate deeply with readers, leading to the creation of an anthology, SHARING: anthology of Women’s Empowerment Stories. The success of the anthology, which featured “stories of pain, struggle and courage; healing, hope and vision,” shifted focus onto the publication of books.
In addition to being a publisher, Lisa’s commitment to storytelling extends to offering editing and mentorship services. She believes in nurturing writers, helping them find their voices, and offering guidance that extends beyond the page. Whether it’s through her workshops, one-on-one mentorship, or editing services, Lisa’s mission remains rooted in the belief that storytelling is a powerful tool for healing, connection, and empowerment.
A notable project Lisa has been part of is “The Benjamin Project”, an initiative that paired young writers with animal shelters and humane societies to tell the stories of rescued animals. The project led to the publication of several books including, Angel Has Her Wings, written by a 10-year-old Noah Nogueira in 2013. This project illustrates Lisa’s belief that everyone can tell their story, you do not have to be a proper writer in the professional sense. Lisa has helped many young authors publish their stories.
As an integral part of the Guelph creative community, Lisa appreciates the close-knit nature of the local artistic scene, often running into familiar faces. For her, being part of this community isn’t just about publishing others’ work, it’s about creating relationships and witnessing the growth of writers she has worked with.
But what about Lisa herself? What stories does she want to tell?
Lisa is currently working on a major personal project, a full memoir about her own journey through extreme emotional abuse, subsequent hospitalization and PTSD, and the empowerment that resulted as she worked through struggles that she realized started long before the abuse began. Lisa hopes to publish this book in 2025, and it’s clear that her story will be just as inspiring as those she has helped others share.
Do you have a story to tell? Reach out to Lisa and One Thousand Trees.
