Chatting Bio Tech with Carol Ahmed, Founder of the cult brand Poets Atelier
Founder of Poets Atelier, Carol Ahmed
What is your earliest memory of caring for your skin?
My mum has always emphasised the importance of nutrition to care for the skin, particularly bone broth to build collagen. My sister and I have been drinking bone broth daily since we were young.
What are your non-negotiables for skin and body care?
I prioritise rest and sleep, nurturing the skin and gut microbiome are essential, along with any form of movement.
What activity do you do which makes you feel most like yourself?
Travelling and spending quality time with my family! In the warmer months, I love being in the ocean.
What was the catalyst for your business?
I wanted to live a more purposeful life that was true to my values so consciously created a path to achieve this which included resigning from my corporate finance role, studying formulations chemistry, and working in the beauty industry. My sister and I launched Poets Atelier a few years later. It made perfect sense to partner together because our skill sets are so different but equally important for our business. Poets Atelier represents the belief that beauty can be redefined through confidence and creativity, and these are the tools that can help you achieve anything you want.
The dynamic duo
Biotech and bioferments - quite the buzz words in beauty at the moment - Could you explain what they mean and how they’ve become part of Poets Atelier products?
Biotechnology represents a new generation of science-based ingredients and involves applying scientific principles to living organisms and cells to produce identical, biomimetic or innovative ingredients that have a lower environmental impact.
Fermentation is a classic example of biotechnology, breaking down organic material with microorganisms to create new active ingredients. At Poets Atelier, we work with biochemists and scientists in a lab to produce our own probiotic bio-ferments, engineered to target hyperpigmentation and premature ageing from sun damage. These potent bio-ferments are unique to our formulations and are more easily absorbed by the body to provide a greater level of efficacy without irritation. We strengthen our formulations by using patented biotech ingredients that have been clinically proven to maintain skin health.
How has the journey of creating Poet’s Atelier changed your approach to skincare?
We put a lot of intention and care towards the development of our products and they’ve been designed to be multi-beneficial, replacing many other skincare products. Because of this, I now take a very minimalist approach to topical skincare - believing in quality over quantity and consistency over high strength.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, or have lost your focus temporarily, what do you do to re-centre?
I go for a long walk outside and that always helps. Most of my best ideas and decision making have been made whilst walking.
What were the non-negotiables when you were creating POET’S ATELIER?
Our products have to be microbiome-gentle and formulated with sustainably sourced raw ingredients. The actives are included at clinically effective levels and all products are essential-oil and fragrance free whilst maintaining a pleasant aroma. Our formulations are pregnancy safe, well preserved and cruelty free. We went through multiple manufacturers to find the right partners who could deliver our vision with uncompromising quality, intention and purpose.
Current FENN/ skincare favourites:
Any Fenn facial treatment + Omnilux Contour Face LED Light
Listening to….
I’m always listening to a podcast on my morning walk, particularly individuals and founders who have succeeded in finding their passions & purpose. I’ve listened to hundreds of hours now and every story is unique, but the one constant is resilience, being able to overcome challenges and showing perseverance in every step of the journey. I think it’s worth noting that you don’t just wake up one day with a passion, you have to follow your curiosity, take action in learning new things, be creative and the passion and purpose will follow.
Reading…..
Still Born - Guadalupe Nettel
Watching…..
Currently watching Drops of God on Apple and Ripley on Netflix