The first time I encountered Uygen was on a PSY podcast in Bhutan. He was speaking about the launch of his wellness company, Kuzu Pure Bhutan, “Kuzu” meaning body, and introducing his Reishi and Cordyceps tinctures.

What touched me was not only the product itself, but the sincerity behind it. His father had passed away at a relatively young age from cancer, and this loss became a quiet catalyst in his life. Uygen felt called to learn, to educate himself deeply about natural medicine, and to create high-quality products that support and protect the body.

We finally met in person at my birthday celebration in a small local music bar in Thimphu with great live music by musician friends. Just days apart in our birthdays, we shared laughter, conversation, and the beginning of a friendship. I left Bhutan that time with four bottles of his precious Cordyceps tincture in my suitcase.

Shortly afterward, while I was visiting my family in Switzerland, Uygen happened to be attending a conference in Rome. Europe is small when the trains move quickly, and why not connect worlds? I invited him to Basel, where he could experience firsthand the environment of one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical hubs. It was important to me that he see both the global scale of the wellness industry and the unique value of what he carries from Bhutan.

Mentoring a young entrepreneur stepping into the international arena requires both courage and connection. It means supporting vision, strengthening clarity, and opening doors when the timing is right. Uygen brings integrity, discipline, and a genuine desire to contribute to people’s well-being.

For those interested in his work, his products can be ordered directly through his website. And for those traveling with me to Bhutan, it is a meaningful opportunity to encounter his work at its source,  and perhaps bring home a gift rooted in the high-altitude vitality of the Himalayas.