What does beauty mean to you?
It’s changed a lot over the years, now beauty to me is a reflection of self-confidence and authenticity. It’s not about striving for perfection, but rather the assurance that comes from knowing who you are and feeling comfortable enough to express that through your everyday actions and choices.
This philosophy is reflected in our brand name. We are drawn to the Ancient Greek understanding of the word poet and the idea that each of us has the capacity to cultivate imagination, curiosity and creativity to shape our lives beyond what our minds often believe possible. Through supporting skin health, we hope to inspire that same sense of confidence and redefine beauty as embracing individuality, rather than something dictated by external expectations.
Can you walk me through your daily routine? How does it ground you, or not?
I can’t help but check my phone first thing in the morning. I don’t have an elaborate skincare routine, I think consistency and creating small acts of care for yourself are far more important.
I prioritise sleep and movement, so my daily routine includes either reformer Pilates, the gym, a sauna session or a long walk outdoors. In a world that often rewards productivity and being “busy”, slowing down for moments of self-care is a privilege and can be incredibly grounding.
Where did the name Poets Atelier come from?
We were drawn to the interpretation of poet, meaning “to create”, and atelier, meaning workshop or studio, reflecting the intersection of creativity and craftsmanship in many forms. Poets Atelier was founded in Sydney by my sister and I, bringing together our backgrounds in Cosmetic Chemistry and Dermal Therapy to create thoughtful, high-performance skincare.
How does being an Australian brand shape Poets Atelier’s identity and ethos? Is there something about this landscape, its flora, its pace, its culture, that you feel is reflected in the brand?
Australia has definitely influenced the way we think about skin health. Living under some of the highest UV levels in the world has instilled a strong appreciation for prevention, resilience and supporting the skin through its natural cycles as we age. We are equally inspired by the rich biodiversity of Australia and New Zealand. Many endemic native botanicals from these regions are celebrated for their exceptional phytonutrient profiles, and they continue to shape our formulations. There is also an honesty and practicality inherent in Australian culture that reflects our approach to skincare – thoughtful, effective multi-beneficial formulations designed to simplify routines and genuinely improve skin health.
“Microbiome” and “bioactive ingredients” are words that seem to be everywhere right now. Can you tell us what they actually mean, and their relationship to Poets Atelier?
These weren’t terms that were commonly used when we first began developing Poets Atelier, so it’s been exciting to see the industry embrace a more holistic understanding of skin health. For us, microbiome science isn’t a trend, it has always informed how we formulate, particularly for those with sensitive, stressed or reactive skin.
The skin microbiome refers to the diverse community of microorganisms that naturally live on our skin. When this ecosystem is balanced, it helps support barrier function, regulate inflammation and maintain skin resilience. I often think of it like a rainforest ecosystem with each element playing an important role, and when that balance is disrupted, it can manifest into a whole range of issues.
Bioactive ingredients are compounds that interact with biological pathways in the skin. At Poets Atelier, we combine clinically supported actives with bio-fermented ingredients to work in harmony with the skin’s natural processes. Through our labs own bio-fermentation, we transform carefully selected raw materials into unique active compounds that cannot be easily replicated by other brands. It makes our formulations gentle on the skin but more effective – similar to kombucha and kimchi.
