portia-ella wouldn't exist without the visionaries behind our partner brands. These are women who saw something missing in the Canadian market and then found the courage and ambition to make it available. Or perhaps they had a dream to create something to call their own and change the course of life for themselves and their families. We are eager to champion them as individuals - powerful and full of passion. We are proud to offer their creations here at portia-ella; the largest selection of clean-beauty products in Canada.

Today we sit down with Kari Asselin, founder and mind behind Om Skin. "I spent many years working as an esthetician. Although I had access to the ‘best’ skincare products, I could never seem to manage my own skin struggles: extremely sensitive, reactive and breakout prone. I started creating my own with plant-based formulations and saw a drastic improvement in the health of my skin. Without much consideration, I quit my job, maxed out my credit cards and began a three year journey of intensive study into the world of natural cosmetics. My passion, vision and excitement for green beauty took hold. They have become deeply rooted in every part of Om."

about business

How long have you been an indie-beauty brand owner? I’ve been on this journey for just over a decade now. What started as a passion project has grown into a brand I’m deeply proud of.

What was the inspiration to start your brand? The inspiration came from my background as a spa practitioner and my personal struggles with sensitive skin. I was frustrated with the lack of high-performance, truly clean skincare on the market, so I began experimenting with formulations in my kitchen. That curiosity quickly turned into a calling.

What is your involvement in the creation of your products? I’m intimately involved in every stage — from ideation and ingredient research to scent profiles and final testing. Even as we’ve grown, I’ve remained very hands-on because I believe our formulas are what set us apart.

Did everything go as planned as you began to build your business? What were some (positive and negative) surprises along the way? Not even close! Like most founders, I had to learn a lot through trial and error. Early on, I underestimated how much time would be spent on logistics and backend operations. On the positive side, I was blown away by the loyalty and enthusiasm of our early customers — that grassroots support gave us the momentum we needed to keep going.

Amid all the challenges of owning your own business, what motivates you to continue chasing your dream? I believe deeply in what we’re offering — not just products, but a lifestyle rooted in wellness, intention, and integrity. Knowing our formulas genuinely help people feel confident in their skin keeps me going, even on the hard days.

Do you have a “best moment” in your journey that you will never forget? Yes — opening our flagship retail store was a defining moment. Seeing our brand fully come to life in a physical space, surrounded by our team and community, was incredibly emotional. It marked a real shift from dream to reality.

Do you have any regrets along your journey? Something you would do differently if you could? If I could go back, I would have invested in operations and finance help sooner. Wearing too many hats slowed our growth in the early years, and finding the right people to support those areas made a huge difference.

about clean beauty

What does clean beauty mean to you? Clean beauty means transparency, integrity, and safety — without sacrificing results. It’s about formulating with intention and a deep respect for our skin and the planet.

Are there certain ingredients (used in the industry) that you can’t believe are still permitted for use in cosmetics? Absolutely — fragrances shock me the most. They’re known irritants and yet still widely used, especially in mainstream products.

Is there a star ingredient in your product range? Gotu Kola has become one of our hero ingredients. It’s incredible for soothing, repairing, and restoring the skin barrier — and it’s something our customers consistently rave about.

What is your favourite product from your brand? That’s like choosing a favorite child! But if I had to pick, our Coconut Dew Hyaluronic Moisture Cream is the one I always have on hand. It’s nourishing but light, and layers beautifully under everything.

Share your favourite clean beauty product you use regularly from another brand. I love the RMS “Un” Cover-Up concealer — it’s one of the first clean beauty makeup products I ever fell in love with, and I still use it to this day.

about you

Describe a “day in your life.” Mornings are sacred to me — I start with a walk or short workout, followed by journaling and a matcha. Then I dive into the workday, which is a mix of meetings, creative development, and problem-solving. Evenings are for winding down, cooking, and (if I’m lucky) a soak in the tub.

Do you have any tips to maintain balance in your day-to-day? Any life hacks you would like to share? Set clear start and end times for your workday — boundaries are everything. I also try to bookend my days with rituals, even if they’re simple. It helps reset my nervous system and keeps burnout at bay.

What brings you joy – besides the brand you built? Spending time in nature, especially near water. I also love music, travel, and long dinners with good friends.

What occupies your free time? Or if you don’t have much free time, what do you imagine you would fill it with someday? Right now, I don’t have much! But in my dream version of life, I’d spend more time painting, taking weekend retreats, and exploring slow living in all its forms.