Kari Asselin - Om Organics
"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."
Tags: founder features
Linda Zaurrini & Jennifer Geneve - LaVigne Naturals
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...
Tags: founder features
Graydon Moffat - Graydon Skincare
Is there a star ingredient in your product range? I’m excited by many of the ingredients in our products, but lately I’ve been especially fascinated with Torula Oil because it is the very first “biotech” ingredient we’ve used. It’s in our most recent launch, Moon Boost Serum. Torula Oil is made using naturally occurring microorganisms through a process called “precision fermentation”—think making beer, yogurt, or even kombucha. It sits at an interesting intersection of natural and lab-made because Torula Oil comes from natural sources like yeast, but is created in a lab to ensure consistent potency. To me, it’s the next step forward in natural, ethical, and sustainable skincare, acting as an alternative to ingredients like palm oil that, while natural, also have a tremendously negative impact on the environment. But when it comes down to it, I love Torula Oil because it’s great for your skin. It’s an oil that acts both as an emollient and an occlusive, making it phenomenal at moisturizing the skin. It also promotes a healthy skin barrier, has soothing properties, is a powerful antioxidant that firms skin, and is full of skin-loving components like carotenoids and pro-vitamins. What more could you ask for?
Tags: founder features
Tamara Fleming - Wake Up & Glow
What was the inspiration to start your brand? Losing my sister was a turning point in my life. It led me to explore a more holistic way of living—yoga, meditation, essential oils, and clean beauty became part of my healing journey. I wanted to create a brand that wasn’t just about skincare but about mindful self-care, embracing natural aging, and using plant-based ingredients that truly nourish the skin.