Lake & Skye Founder on Acquisition by Tru Fragrance: ‘I’m excited to take the company to the next level’

On January 8, 2025, fragrance and wellness brand Lake & Skye announced that it had been acquired by Tru Fragrance. Tru Fragrance & Beauty first made a minority investment in Lake & Skye in 2018. Company officials hope that this acquisition will help continue Lake & Skye’s growth and portfolio expansion.

Founded in 2015, Lake & Skye is a mission-driven clean fragrance brand focused on the intersection of wellness and scent. Founder and chief creative officer Courtney Somer suffered a health scare early in her adulthood, which set her on a course to learn about several methods of healing, including aromatherapy, yoga and nutrition. 

Perfumer & Flavorist+ spoke with Somer about the inspiration behind the brand’s signature scents and how the acquisition will impact future growth. 

Can you describe how your health scare in your 20’s led you to alternative therapies such as aromatherapy and yoga? 

I faced a challenging period in my early twenties involving multiple doctors and procedures due to ovarian cysts that required surgery twice. During this time, I sought the guidance of an intuitive healer, which sparked the beginning of my 10+ year holistic journey. Initially, I delved into this exploration to enhance my own wellness, which led me to study various modalities including aromatherapy, yoga, breathwork, and more. I also participated in weekend retreats and immersed myself in holistic nutrition, meditation, Reiki, and other wellness practices. I wanted to learn it all. I consider myself a student of the world, constantly learning.Courtney Somer, founder, chief creative officerCourtesy of Lake & Skye

How are your fragrances inspired by these alternative therapies?

I learned the most from my aromatherapy teacher and quickly turned to essential oils for healing. This then inspired me to create products that could help others heal, just as they had helped me. I started with creating 11 11 as a roller ball, designed to create a calming presence and boost confidence. 

Why do you think it’s important to be at the center of the Venn diagram between wellness and fragrance?

At the center is the tie between emotional and mental well-being. Fragrance has a profound effect on emotions and mental states. Certain scents can support relaxation, reduce stress, or help with focus. By combining wellness and fragrance, products can be designed to support mental health and emotional balance, creating a more holistic sense of well-being.

11 11 has already established your brand among consumers. Are there any plans to expand this product lineup? 

The 11 11 Collection is consistently evolving and now has three unique variations within the scent family: 

11 11: This signature scent, inspired by the energy of that magical time, blends an ethereal mix of white ambers to create a clean, uplifting fragrance. It's a go-to for those seeking a scent that is both modern and timeless. (Available in EDP, purse spray, and an oil rollerball)

11 11 Azure: A refreshing twist on the classic 11 11 scents, featuring water accord, lotus blossom, blue amber, and musk (Available in a full-sized & travel-size variation and an oil rollerball)

11 11 Vanilla: An expansion of Lake & Skye’s iconic 11 11 collection, this fragrance is a soft, warm, and slightly sweet twist on the classic scent (Available on Lake & Skye and exclusively on Ulta in a full-sized & travel-size variation alongside an oil rollerball

Lake & Skye just announced the acquisition by Tru Fragrance & Beauty. How will this acquisition set your company apart from the competition?

The capital infusion and closer alliance with Tru Fragrance will enable Lake & Skye to more aggressively grow its consumer base, support national retailer partners including Ulta, Nordstrom and Blue Mercury, and delight loyal and new consumers with market-leading fragrance innovation.Somer shared, "Fragrance has a profound effect on emotions and mental states."Courtesy of Lake & Skye

What has the collaboration between yourself and Tru Fragrance been like over the past 5 years?

Tru Fragrance has been a longtime partner of Lake & Skye, making a minority investment in the brand in 2018. We have since grown our partnership while expanding the brand. They have been a true and trusted partner and I’m excited to take the company to the next level. 

What are your hopes and goals for Lake & Skye in the coming decade?

For the brand's future, I would love to collaborate with other brands, further expanding Lake & Skye’s reach and impact.

Any product launches you can tell our readers about?

I am highly intentional with each product launch, only introducing what I feel strongly about. While fragrance remains Lake & Skye’s primary focus for the foreseeable future, I am excited to expand into body sprays in 2025. I truly love how versatile Lake & Skye is, fitting seamlessly into different environments, which is why they’re available at a range of places like ULTA, INNESS, Moon Juice, and Nordstrom.