Tru Fragrance & Beauty Acquires Lake & Skye
Tru Fragrance & Beauty has acquired Lake & Skye, aiming to drive continued growth for the wellness-focused fragrance brand.
Lake & Skye, founded in 2015 by Courtney Somer, was born out of Somer’s personal wellness journey following her battle with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Her exploration into holistic health and clean ingredients became the foundation of the brand, known for its clean formulas and iconic fragrances, including the signature sheer musk and white amber scent, 11 11, as well as its flankers, 11 11 Azure and 11 11 Vanilla.
The brand’s product range, which includes candles, body care, home fragrances, and its best-selling eau de parfums and fragrance oils, is grounded in the brand’s belief that fragrance is a powerful force for emotional wellness—capable of transforming moods, evoking emotions, and fostering a deeper connection to the present moment. Available at Ulta, Nordstrom, Bluemercury, Anthropologie, independent boutiques, and its own e-commerce platform, the brand is on track to double its year-over-year sales in 2025, with projected retail sales exceeding $25 million, according to WWD.
Tru Fragrance & Beauty, established in 1969, is a global beauty incubator with a diverse portfolio of owned, licensed, and exclusive fragrance brands. Its lineup includes Gen-Z favourite Le Monde Gourmand, alongside Yellowstone and Wrangler. In April 2024, Los Angeles-based private equity firm Monogram Capital Partners acquired a majority stake in Tru Fragrance, aiming to accelerate its growth, expand distribution across key markets, and foster talent development and complementary acquisitions.
“Founded on Courtney’s vision of creating iconic clean fragrances, Lake & Skye is recognized within the fragrance community for this commitment since the launch of 11 11,” said Eric Bilenko, CEO of Tru Fragrance & Beauty. “The brand’s unique ability to connect wellbeing with scent resonates deeply with today’s consumers and aligns perfectly with Tru’s mission to nurture brands with purpose and longevity.”
The acquisition deepens a partnership that began in 2018 when Tru Fragrance made a minority investment in Lake & Skye. This closer alliance is expected to help the brand broaden its consumer base, strengthen its national retail presence, and scale operations, including plans for European expansion later this year.
“Tru Fragrance has played a pivotal role in Lake & Skye’s growth since 2018, and I’m excited to deepen our collaboration and continue our upward trajectory,” said Somer. “By working closely together, we’re poised to elevate the brand to new heights, deepening our relationship with the fragrance and wellness community that has so warmly embraced us.”
As part of the acquisition, Somer will transition from her role as CEO to Chief Creative Officer, while retaining minority equity ownership. Meanwhile, industry veteran Roxann Blasz, who brings over two decades of experience from leadership roles at L’Oréal, Coty, and Oribe, will join as President to steer Lake & Skye’s strategic growth and market presence.
This acquisition reflects broader trends in the fragrance market, with industry experts optimistic about continued dealmaking in 2025. As the year’s first major fragrance acquisition, Lake & Skye’s story highlights the category’s growing appeal to both consumers and investors.