Inside the LA Home of Maison Louis Marie Founder Marie du Petit Thouars

Marie du Petit Thouars never consciously planned to build a plant-focused beauty business. You could say the genetic impetus was there, though – she has an ancestor who was a respected eighteenth century French botany researcher. As a child, Marie enjoyed playing in her grandparents’ garden in Belgium and crafting her own tonics and potions. As an adult, her interest in style and aesthetics led her to becoming Sunday Times fashion editor and then a fine art photographer. The creative passion to play with plants had perhaps been lying dormant, until one Christmas when her desire to make her loved ones feel cared for led her to creating personalised scented candles from scratch. Ever since then, alongside her LA native husband Matthew Berkson, she has been the driving force behind Maison Louis Marie, a ‘clean’ fragrance and bodycare brand known for its products’ elegantly pared-back look as much as for their subtle, unusual scents. Now, she shares with us the lessons she is learning along the way, including the most important one, that actually being present, whether at work or in your personal life, is far more important than trying to do everything.

“I didn’t plan on getting into the fragrance business initially. It all started somewhat unexpectedly when I began making candles as Christmas gifts for friends and family. I wanted to create something personal and meaningful, so I crafted unique scents for the people close to me. To my surprise, the feedback was incredibly positive, and before I knew it, there was a growing demand for more.

As word spread and people started asking if they could buy my fragrances, I realised I had stumbled upon something special. That’s when I decided to take it more seriously; what started as a simple, heartfelt gift turned into a full-fledged fragrance business.

I had a variety of experiences growing up that really shaped who I am today. My childhood was filled with moments of learning and exploration, which allowed me to develop a strong sense of independence early on. I was raised in an environment that encouraged curiosity and problem-solving, which gave me the foundation to navigate both personal and professional challenges as I got older.

I think those early experiences taught me resilience and adaptability, two qualities that have been incredibly valuable as a founder. Managing and running Maison Louis Marie nonstop requires staying focused, and I attribute my work ethic to the values I learned when I was younger. My childhood definitely shaped my ability to tackle multiple roles—whether it’s being a mother, a founder, or someone always striving for more.

One of the most challenging periods in my life has been this one I am in right now, when I am trying to find the balance between running Maison Louis Marie and being fully present for my young son.

The challenge has been in figuring out how to be there for my son in a meaningful way, while also handling the relentless pace of my business. It’s a constant balancing act, and some days I feel like I’m stretched thin, but I know being there for him is the most important part of my life. These moments have tested my ability to juggle multiple roles, but they’ve also taught me a lot about resilience and the importance of being emotionally present, no matter how busy life gets.

I am dealing with these challenges by learning to prioritise and delegate, both in my personal and professional life. A key step was realising that I didn’t have to do everything myself.

At work, I increasingly leaned on my team, trusting them to take on more responsibilities so that I could carve out the time and mental space to be more focused. A flow on effect of this was I was able to offer more support to my team than I had before.

I also made a conscious effort to create boundaries between work and family time. By setting aside dedicated time for my family, I was able to be more emotionally available, which made a huge difference in how we connected, even during challenging moments.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is the importance of actually being present. It’s not just about how much time I spend with my son, but the quality of that time and my emotional engagement. I’ve also learned that it’s okay to ask for help, whether at work or home, and that delegating doesn’t mean losing control—it means making room for what really matters.

At the end of the day, I want people to see me as someone who is deeply committed to both my work and my loved ones, and as someone who never stops learning or growing.

The best parts of my work are the creativity it allows, as well as the connection it fosters with people.

I love crafting special scents that evoke emotions and memories and seeing how customers respond to them is incredibly rewarding. It’s fulfilling to know that something I created brings joy to others, whether it’s through a personal fragrance they wear every day or a special gift they give to someone else. Being able to transform a passion into a business has been a huge blessing.

On the flip side, the worst part can be the nonstop demands, especially as the business has grown. There’s always something that needs attention, whether it’s managing production, handling customer service, or staying on top of marketing. It can feel overwhelming at times, especially when trying to find space for my personal life.

Additionally, the pressure to keep up with demand and ensure everything runs smoothly can be stressful. There’s little room for error in a competitive market, and that constant pressure to perform can be exhausting. But overall, the positives far outweigh the negatives. Seeing my business thrive and knowing that people love what I create makes it all worthwhile.

I keep my skincare routine minimal but focused on products that deliver results. Products become essentials for me not only because they make my skin look great but also because they help it feel nourished and protected.

One of my favourite beauty products is the Natura Bissé C+C Vitamin Cream. I love using it as part of my daily skincare routine because it leaves my skin feeling hydrated, firm, and radiant. It’s packed with antioxidants and helps brighten my complexion while fighting signs of aging, which is important to me as I focus on aging gracefully. I usually apply it in the morning after cleansing my face, as it provides a nice glow and helps protect my skin throughout the day.

I also use the Natura Bissé C+C Vitamin Splash [Ed. note: not available in Australia], which is a refreshing spray that I love to apply during the day or after exercising. It feels revitalising and gives my skin a quick hydration boost. It’s perfect for those busy days when I need to refresh my skin without doing a full routine.

After my facial skincare routine I love using our No.04 Bois De Balincourt Body Oil and the deodorant. These products both work so well, and also are the perfect base for any fragrance from my collection that I choose to wear on top of it.

At night, I switch to the Sisley Phyto-Blanc range. It’s great for evening out my skin tone and keeping it bright and clear. This range has really helped me maintain a balanced complexion, and I like how lightweight yet effective it feels on my skin after a long day.

My hair has gotten thinner over the years and I use Sisley Revitalizing Volumizing Shampoo with Camellia Oil to help manage it.

This shampoo is specifically formulated to add volume and vitality to thinning hair while also nourishing it. The camellia oil in it helps strengthen and protect the hair, while giving it more body and a fuller appearance. I love how it gently cleanses without stripping my hair of moisture, and it makes a noticeable difference to my hair’s volume. It’s become a staple in my hair care routine.

I take care of my body by staying committed to regular exercise and maintaining a balanced, healthy lifestyle.

In addition to physical activity, I pay close attention to what I eat. Also, staying hydrated is a big part of my routine, as I believe it’s essential for overall health and skin vitality.

Lastly, I focus on rest and recovery, making sure I get enough sleep each night. I’ve learned that taking care of my body isn’t just about the physical activity I do, but also about giving it the rest and nourishment it needs to function at its best.

My day starts with getting my son ready for school. Once he’s settled, I always make time for exercise, whether it’s at the gym, at home, or heading out for a run.

Exercise helps me get centred and focused for the day ahead. It’s my way of clearing my mind, boosting my energy, and ensuring I’m in the right mindset to tackle both personal and work responsibilities.

I like to make sure I am building muscle and overall working on body conditioning. I incorporate full-body exercises, using free weights and resistance bands to keep things dynamic and engaging. For cardio, I enjoy running outside, which helps clear my mind and gives me a great boost of energy. I also really enjoy the Peloton when I want a high-intensity workout – and it’s so convenient! On top of strength training and cardio, I swim regularly, which is fantastic for both endurance and keeping my muscles toned without too much impact on my joints.

I have always been interested in how clothes are built – the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into a well-made garment.

Dresses are my go-to because they’re easy, elegant, and can be styled up or down depending on the occasion. Whether it’s a simple, flowing dress for the day or something more structured for an event, I appreciate their versatility. Dresses allow me to look polished while still feeling comfortable and true to my personal style.

They give me the ability to move through my day, from work to personal life, without much fuss. I’m a big fan of designers like Dries Van Noten, Phoebe Philo, Simone Rocha, and Margiela. I love their attention to detail and how they play with structure, texture, and minimalism in unique ways. Dries Van Noten’s prints and tailoring always feel fresh yet timeless, while Phoebe Philo’s designs resonate deeply with me because they reflect a true understanding of how women want to feel in their clothes: confident, comfortable, and subtly powerful. Simone Rocha finds such a beautiful balance between femininity and edge, and Margiela’s avant-garde, deconstructed designs are so inspiring.

My attitude toward ageing is one of embracing it with grace and acceptance.

I am so grateful that I feel stronger than ever. As I’ve grown older, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of myself, physically and mentally. Exercise, self-care, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle have given me a sense of empowerment as I age.

For me, growing older is an opportunity to continue evolving, and I feel more resilient now than I ever did in my younger years. I focus on staying active, healthy, and purposeful, which has helped me feel confident and capable at every stage of life.”