Local entrepreneurs champion safer, sustainable alternatives in feminine care and nail industry

RECENTLY, the true extent and importance of eco-friendly products have become more evident and with an eco-friendly version of almost every product available in almost every country, Guyana is no different. This is due to a husband-and-wife duo leading the way in eco-friendly feminine hygiene products and now nail products.

Lexanne McPhoy and Theon Alleyne have been at the forefront of eco-friendly products in the realm of feminine hygiene and nail products. Lexanne, a skilled and registered nail technician, is the head of Women’s Haven, an eco-friendly alternative to essential hygiene products for women. The pair have begun a new venture with NSI Nail Salon and Nail Supplies. This natural alternative eliminates some of the most harmful chemicals found in nail polish and similar products.

November 6 will see Lexanne and a panel of experts tackle the benefits and distinctions of these natural alternatives, marking another milestone in Guyana’s journey towards eco-friendly beauty solutions. Through their combined efforts, Lexanne and Theon are not just transforming the beauty industry – they’re creating a healthier, more sustainable future for women in Guyana.

Speaking to Pepperpot Magazine about the event, Lexanne shared details about their upcoming Green Nail Salon “Lunch and Learn” event at the Ramada Hotel. “This is an event that we have for nail salons, beauty professionals, and nail suppliers. We want to bring nail technicians together with salon owners and discuss how we can transform our salons into eco-friendly spaces,” she said.

What makes Lexanne’s products unique is where they come from; she describes them as “Original, eco-friendlier, American-made nail products.” Lexanne hopes to showcase her items to Guyanese nail technicians, including nails, acrylics, and other items.

The purpose is clear for this passionate entrepreneur: to bring together Guyana’s nail techs and share the benefits of more natural alternatives. “This event is about bringing awareness to eco-friendly products and biodegradable materials in our products and practices,” she said and emphasised the inclusive nature of their mission. “It’s a seminar, not a technical training. We want to attract nail technicians primarily, beauty salon owners, and even regular clients who get their nails done so they can choose salons that use the best products.”

Lexanne’s journey into eco-friendly beauty solutions wasn’t just business-driven – it was personal. “The products I supply are from a US company, and they meet higher standards,” she explains. “They are lower-odour, eco-friendly, and free of common allergens found in beauty products.”

The transition to eco-friendly products came from her own experiences. “I went on a journey to find products that could be safer for me, that could be healthier so I could work and not have to worry,” she said. “These products are made to US, European, UK, and Canadian standards. They don’t have some of the toxic chemicals and allergens that other products have, which sets them apart.”

Her personal experience underscores the importance of this change. “Starting with the nails, I began to feel the impact of using traditional products; you might catch a cold after a busy period or start coughing,” she explained.

Women’s Haven, Lexanne’s first venture into eco-friendly products, remains close to her heart: “I own a company called Women’s Haven. A lot of people know me from Women’s Haven, and others know me from doing nails. So we want to connect the two, as both are eco-friendly ventures. Every day, I hear so many different things and experiences from the women I work with.”

From experience, Lexanne sees a clear connection between her ventures. “Women suffer in silence, whether with their feminine hygiene or when they get their nails done. Women’s Haven, going eco-friendly, can change that for them,” she said.

Theon, her husband and business partner, brings a strategic perspective to their mission. “The biggest thing is opening their minds to the possibility of earning more by transforming their space,” he explained. “Once you learn about this and start implementing these changes, it’s easier to move from offering low-cost treatments to charging more for eco-friendly, high-quality services.”

His passion for women’s health also matches his wife’s. “Organic feminine care is great for women because their cycles can reduce from seven days to three or four. Post-cycle, some women face itching or infections, but often it’s the products they’re using that cause it. By investing in better care, life becomes easier for both partners,” he shared.

Theon also emphasised the preventative aspect of their work. “The mission here is organic beauty, health, and wellness. Many women don’t pause to focus on themselves until they’re unwell, and often that’s too late. The goal is to get them to reflect and ask, ‘Am I being as healthy as I can be with the products I’m using and the experiences I’m having?'” he said.

The duo hopes to create a major shift in the realm of feminine hygiene and beauty by promoting more natural alternatives for the benefit of women all across Guyana.