Toronto-based Denise Williams founded Matter Company, a luxe range of all-natural skincare products, in 1996.

After pursuing environmental studies, and inspired by a profound interest in the natural world, Williams turned her attention to the traditional practices of herbalism. She apprenticed with a renowned herbalist and learned firsthand about growing, harvesting and wild-crafting herbs and plants, earning a certification as a Therapeutic Herbalist.

Armed with knowledge about plants and their medicinal properties, Williams began creating skincare products that were not then available on the market and that were good for the body – both inside and out. Skin salves and first aid ointments were formulated in her kitchen, using all-natural ingredients such as shea butter, plant and herb extracts, and scented with aromatic essential oils; and without chemicals like parabens and petrolatum.

The resulting skin-soothing formulas were gifted to friends and family, and became such a hit that Williams decided to launch a full-fledged natural skincare line focused on the healing power of herbs. Thus, Matter Company was born.