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 Tamara Fleming, founder of Wake Up & Glow. "Founded in 2017 by a mother of four and a seasoned esthetician with 25 years of experience, Wake Up & Glow was born from a passion for creating mindful, botanical skincare that supports natural aging and celebrates the beauty of mature skin. Our founder believes in living a balanced, mindful life, embracing aging with grace, and recognizing beauty in all its forms."

about business

How long have you been a holistic indie beauty brand owner? I’ve been an esthetician for over 25 years, but Wake Up & Glow was created as part of my personal journey into holistic beauty. Transitioning from conventional beauty to a holistic approach has been an incredible experience, and I love helping others embrace aging gracefully with botanical skincare.

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.

What is your involvement in the creation of your products? I’m deeply involved in every aspect—from ingredient sourcing to formulation, testing, and product development. Every product aligns with Wake Up & Glow’s commitment to clean, effective beauty. I believe in the power of nature and carefully select ingredients that deliver real benefits for mature skin.

Did everything go as planned as you built your business? What were some surprises along the way? Not at all! Running a beauty brand comes with unexpected challenges—scaling production while staying true to my values and navigating high shipping costs in Canada were significant hurdles. At the same time, I was a mom of four young kids, managing a boutique, keeping up with hockey schedules, and starting Wake Up & Glow. I couldn’t give it my full focus in the beginning, but I stayed committed. One of the biggest surprises was the overwhelming response to our botanical perfumes—they became a customer favorite and a core part of our brand.

Amid all the challenges of owning your own business, what motivates you to continue? Helping people feel good in their skin—inside and out. Wake Up & Glow is more than just skincare; it’s about rituals, self-care, and embracing the beauty of aging. Hearing how our products have become part of someone’s routine reminds me why I started.

Do you have a defining moment in your journey that changed everything? Discovering Prickly Pear Oil over eight years ago was a pivotal moment for me. At the time, it was barely known or sold, and when I experienced its benefits, I was in awe. Its antioxidants, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids made it a game-changer for mature skin. I knew it had to be part of Wake Up & Glow. Seeing it become a customer favorite has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.

Another highlight has been the success of our botanical perfumes—watching people connect with scent as a part of their self-care has been incredible.

Do you have any regrets? If anything, I wish I had started this sooner. But every challenge has shaped Wake Up & Glow, and I wouldn’t change that.

about clean & mindful Beauty

What does clean beauty mean to you? Clean beauty isn’t just about avoiding toxic ingredients—it’s about holistic, mindful beauty. It’s about choosing ingredients that support skin health, embracing self-care as a ritual, and creating products that are both effective and nourishing.

Are there ingredients still used in the industry that shock you? Yes! Harsh preservatives, synthetic fragrances, and silicones that give temporary results rather than truly benefiting the skin. The beauty industry still has a long way to go in terms of transparency and safety.

What are the star ingredients in your product range? Wake Up & Glow is built around powerful botanicals that support aging skin. Our key ingredients include:

• Prickly Pear Oil – Packed with antioxidants, vitamin E, and essential fatty acids to deeply nourish and revitalize.
• Plum Oil – A luxurious oil rich in vitamins and polyphenols, helping to restore glow and protect against environmental stress.
• DMAE – Known for its skin-firming properties, it helps maintain a lifted and youthful appearance.

These ingredients work in harmony to create products that feel luxurious and deliver real results.

What is your favorite product from your brand? It’s hard to choose, but Wake Up And Glow Prickly Pear Oil remains a staple. And of course, our botanical perfumes hold a special place in my heart—they allow people to embrace clean, natural fragrances as part of their daily rituals.

Share your favorite clean beauty product from another brand. A good mineral sunscreen is a must in any routine. I love finding high-quality sunscreens that complement Wake Up & Glow’s commitment to clean, effective skincare.

about you

Describe a day in your life. I don’t follow a strict routine, but my day always starts with stretches, a celery drink, coffee, lemon water, and a walk. I love Pilates, yoga, and using my treadmill, which help me stay balanced. Walking meditation brings me joy—it allows me to clear my mind while moving. My days are filled with managing Wake Up & Glow, spending time with my husband and kids, connecting with customers, and making time for self-care.

Do you have any tips for maintaining balance? Any life hacks? Prioritizing and setting boundaries is key. I always carve out time for movement and self-care, even if it’s just a short walking meditation. I NEED sunshine also. The red light helps a ton during the winter and monthly facials.Treating skincare as a ritual rather than a task also helps ground me. Water, water, water! I have been carrying around a water bottle since I got pregnant with my first child 28 years ago and haven’t put it down. Water is key to life for me—for my skin, energy, and mood. My water bottle used to drive msy kids crazy and now they love a good water bottle just like their mom :)

What brings you joy outside of your brand? Traveling, my kids, nature, BC, the ocean, and holistic wellness. I love exploring new places, embracing new wellness practices, and deepening my knowledge of clean beauty.

What do you do in your free time? Or if you had more free time, what would you do? Free time is rare, but I would love to travel the world and bring my husband and kids with me. I would also take more classes and continue learning—maybe even become a yoga therapy instructor. Currently, I’m very interested in learning how to give Buccal facials—I’m obsessed with them!