Kari Asselin found her niche in the “green” beauty world

Throwing all caution to the wind, in 2011, Kari Asselin decided to quit her job and spend her life’s savings to create a line of natural skin-care products. Since then, the business that started in her small loft apartment has blossomed into a storefront in Invermere and an online shop that ships across Canada and the U.S.

OM Organics Boutique Apothecary is a success story and a fan favourite, with several glowing reviews on Facebook to back it up. Asselin’s passion no doubt is the driving force. Below, this young entrepreneur tells us more about her business journey:

How did you come to choose this line of work?

I had been working as an esthetician for 10 years and was looking for a line of Canadian-made organic skin care that was suitable for spa retail and affordable. There seemed to be a gap in the marketplace, which is where my inspiration for OM Organics came from.

What is it about your work that has you excited to get out of bed in the morning?

First and foremost, I love creating. Any chance I get to design a new formula or package is really fun for me. I also enjoy navigating the day-to-day challenges that come with speedy growth.

Where do you like to spend your downtime in the Kootenays?

In nature, spending time with my husband and our two dogs.

What has motivated you throughout your entrepreneurial journey?

Our goal is to make healthy, effective and luxurious skin care products that are affordable and accessible to everyone. Many products in the “green-beauty” world can be pretty expensive. Our goal is to break down the barrier of cost and provide exceptional products with impressive ingredients at a price you won’t cringe at.