Celebrate Female Beauty Founders
Katelyn Rousselle of Atmosphera: Building Skincare That Respects Real Life
This March marks a significant milestone: Atmosphera, the beloved Canadian skincare brand born from clinical expertise and personal truth, celebrates 10 years.
Female founder Katelyn Rousselle is an esthetician, formulator, mother and entrepreneur.
Here is her journey, the values that ground her, and what it takes to build a brand that stands the test of time.
What inspired you to create Atmosphera and what were you determined to bring into the world?
"Atmosphera was born from both professional experience and personal frustration. After more than twenty years treating skin across very different climates, I saw how dramatically environment shapes skin health. At the same time, I was navigating my own breakouts, sensitivity, dryness, stress, and hormonal shifts while trying to juggle motherhood and entrepreneurship.
What emerged was a philosophy: strengthen the skin first, simplify the routine, and create formulas that work with the realities of women's lives, not against them."
As a female founder, what has been the most challenging and the most empowering part of your journey?
"The most challenging part has been the emotional weight. The loneliness of leadership. The invisible labour. The responsibility of carrying vision, payroll, growth, and brand integrity all at once. There are moments that test your resilience in ways no one prepares you for.
The most empowering part has been discovering my own capacity. Building something from nothing. Watching women connect deeply to the brand. Realizing that staying rooted in my values, even when it is slower or harder, is actually the strength of the company."
What core values guide the way you build and lead your company?
"Integrity above all. We formulate with intention, not trends. Skin does not need to be flawless. It needs protection.
And respect. For women's time, for their intelligence, for the realities of their lives."
Choose one hero Atmosphera product that we retail. Why is it special to you, and what does it represent about your brand?
"Sun Veil Luminous Tint SPF 44 is my favourite because it does three important things at once. It protects the skin from daily environmental exposure, hydrates and supports the barrier, and gives the complexion a healthy, luminous glow. It is the product I reach for when I want my skin to look polished and protected without needing a full routine."
What advice would you offer to women who feel the pull to start something of their own?
"You do not need to have everything figured out to begin. You need the willingness to keep going when things become uncomfortable. Start before you feel ready. Protect your integrity. Build slowly if you must, but build something you are proud to stand behind."
What does International Women's Day mean to you personally?
"It is a reminder that progress is both collective and deeply personal. It is about celebrating women who lead with courage and those who are quietly building something in the background. It is about recognizing that success looks different for each of us, and that there is space for many expressions of leadership."
