Green solutions in hygiene and beauty

Local entrepreneurs are advocating for safer and more sustainable alternatives in the feminine care and nail industry.

Recently, the true scope and importance of organic products has become more apparent, and with an organic version of almost every product available in almost every country, Guyana is no exception. That’s because the husband-wife duo is leading the way in eco-friendly feminine hygiene products and now nail products.

Lexanna McFoy and Theon Alleyne have been at the forefront of eco-friendly products in the feminine hygiene and nail products space. Lexanna, an experienced and certified nail technician, runs Women’s Haven, an eco-friendly alternative to basic feminine hygiene products. The couple has started 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.

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

In a conversation with Pepperpot Magazine, Lexanna shared details about Green Nail Salon’s upcoming Lunch and Learn event at the Ramada. “This is an event we host for nail salons, beauty professionals and nail vendors. We want to bring together nail technicians and salon owners and discuss how we can transform our salons into eco-friendly spaces,” she said.

What makes Lexanne products unique is their origin; she describes them as “original, American-made, eco-friendly nail products.” Lexanna hopes to showcase her products to Guyanese nail artists, including nails, acrylics and other products.

The goal of this passionate entrepreneur is clear: to unite Guyana’s nail technicians and share the benefits of more natural alternatives. “This event aims to raise awareness of eco-friendly products and biodegradable materials in our products and practices,” she said and emphasized the inclusive nature of their mission. “This is a workshop, not technical training. “We want to target nail technicians, salon owners and even regular nail salons so they can choose salons that use the best products.”

Lexana’s journey to creating eco-friendly beauty solutions wasn’t just business-oriented, it was personal. “The products I supply are made by an American company and are held to a higher standard,” she explains. “They are low-odor, environmentally friendly, and free of common allergens found in cosmetic products.”

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

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

Women’s Haven, Lexanne’s first organic product venture, remains close to her heart: “I own Women’s Haven. Many people know me from Women’s Haven, and others know me from nail art. So we want to connect the two because both are green businesses. Every day I hear so many different things and experiences from the women I work with.”

In her experience, Lexanna sees a clear connection between her businesses. “Women suffer in silence, whether it’s during feminine hygiene routines or when they get their nails done. “A women’s shelter going green could change that for them,” she said.

Theon, her husband and business partner, brings a strategic perspective to their mission. “The most important thing is to open up the opportunity for them to earn more by transforming their space,” he explained. “Once you become aware of this and begin to implement these changes, it will be easier to move from offering low-cost treatments to paying more for green, high-quality services.”

His passion for women’s health matches that of his wife. “Organic feminine care is great for women because their cycles can be reduced from seven days to three or four. After a course, some women experience itching or infection, but this is often due to the products they use. By investing in better care, life becomes easier for both partners,” he shared.

Theon also emphasized the preventive aspect of his work. “The mission here is organic beauty, health and wellness. Many women don’t stop to focus on themselves until they feel sick, and often it’s too late. The goal is to get them thinking and asking, ‘Am I as healthy as I can be because of the products I use and the experience I have?'” he said.

The duo hopes to bring about a major change in the feminine hygiene and beauty industry by promoting more natural alternatives for the benefit of women across Guyana.