Hidden Gems: Meet Sakena McGuire of Le Mont Botanique US (operated by Luxian LLC)

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sakena McGuire.

Sakena, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I never imagined that moving halfway around the world would eventually lead me to start my own business.

For many years I lived in Hong Kong, where I worked alongside my friend Lucia Videnova, originally from Bulgaria, helping develop Le Mont Botanique – a fresh plant-based skincare brand inspired by Bulgaria’s rich plant heritage. Together we shared a simple belief: the fresher the ingredients, the more they can do for your skin. That philosophy became the foundation of the brand, with products made in small batches using fresh botanical extracts and Bulgarian Rosewater. We believed in keeping our formulations as fresh and natural as possible, without artificial preservatives, so the plants could retain their vitality.

When my family and I later moved to Vermont to be closer to my husband’s family, I stepped away from the business to focus on raising our children. It was a completely new chapter in my life. One thing I didn’t expect was how dramatically Vermont’s climate would affect my skin. After spending my entire life in humid Hong Kong, my skin struggled through its first winters in New England. No matter what I tried, it constantly felt dry, dehydrated, and I gradually lost the healthy glow I had always taken for granted.

Out of desperation, I reached out to Lucia and asked if she could send me some of the products we had helped create years earlier. Within a week, I noticed a remarkable difference. My skin felt hydrated again, healthier, and comfortable for the first time since moving to Vermont. That experience reminded me why I had believed in these products from the very beginning.

That personal experience inspired me to start Luxian LLC in Vermont, bringing Le Mont Botanique’s fresh botanical philosophy to families and independent retailers across the United States.

As a small business owner, I believe success isn’t measured by how quickly you grow, but by the trust you build. Every retailer, every customer, and every conversation matters. My hope is to help people discover a simpler, plant-based approach to skincare, one that I trust enough to use with my own family, including my teenage daughters.

Looking back, it’s amazing to think that the challenge of adapting to a Vermont winter became the beginning of a journey I never expected. Today, I’m grateful that something which first helped restore my own confidence has given me the opportunity to share it with others.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like many small business owners, my biggest challenge hasn’t been the business itself: it’s finding the right balance between growing a company and being present for my family. Luxian is still in its early stages, and I’m building every part of the business myself, from developing relationships with retailers and creating marketing content to packing orders and handling customer service. There’s always something that needs attention, so learning to prioritize has become both exciting and challenging.

At the same time, I’ve learned that success means very little if it comes at the expense of the people you love. My husband and our daughters are my greatest supporters, so I make a conscious effort to protect family time and remind myself that some work can wait until tomorrow.

Starting a business has also been a constant learning experience. Everyday brings something new to figure out, whether it’s building relationships with retailers, learning new technology, or navigating parts of entrepreneurship I’ve never experienced before. While it can be challenging, it’s also one of the most rewarding parts of the journey because every small step feels like real progress.

I know there will be many more challenges ahead, but I’ve learned that building something meaningful is a marathon, not a sprint. As long as I keep learning and stay true to my values, I believe every challenge is an opportunity to grow.

We’ve been impressed with Le Mont Botanique US (operated by Luxian LLC), but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Le Mont Botanique US is the official U.S. home of Le Mont Botanique, bringing fresh plant-based skincare from Bulgaria to American retailers and consumers. Our mission is to introduce a different philosophy of skincare: one built around freshness, simplicity, and carefully selected botanical ingredients rather than long shelf life.

Unlike many conventional skincare products, Le Mont Botanique products are produced in small batches using fresh plant extracts and Bulgarian Rosewater, with formulations and thoughtful packaging designed to preserve the freshness and natural vitality of the plants.

What I’m most proud of is that we’re building this brand thoughtfully and organically. We work closely with independent retailers who share our passion for quality, wellness, and personal service, while also making our products available directly through Le Mont Botanique US for customers who don’t yet have a local retail partner.

At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: skincare should be something you feel confident sharing with the people you love. Whether someone discovers us through a local boutique or our online store, I hope they experience the same freshness and care that first inspired me to bring Le Mont Botanique to the United States.

One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been seeing Le Mont Botanique displayed alongside other thoughtfully selected products in independent stores, where knowledgeable owners take the time to help customers find what truly suits them.

At the end of the day, I hope people don’t simply discover another skincare brand, but a healthier, more thoughtful approach to caring for their skin.

To learn more about Le Mont Botanique US and explore our products, visit lemontbotaniqueus.com.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I’ve learned that meaningful growth takes time. Whether it’s building trust with customers, developing relationships with retailers, or growing a business, there are no shortcuts. The strongest foundations are built patiently, one relationship at a time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lemontbotaniqueUS.com
• Instagram: lemontbotanique_us

Image Credits
Le Mont Botanique US
Sakena McGuire
South Woodstock Country Store, VT