People often claim that black women have the coordinates for the fountain of youth locked away in a secret chamber passed down through generations and across the diaspora. While the idea of that urban legend is worth exploring, the truth is we just do what we need to care for ourselves. For Cleo Ravariere, the care and health of our skin are a personal calling she pursues passionately.
Cleo B is the #GlowWhisperer, a Licensed Medical Esthetician, which means she knows her ish about the care and health of skin, especially our faces. Her entrance into the industry came honestly, having traumatic bouts with psoriasis and eczema throughout her childhood. Frustrated and disappointed that every prescription her parents received did not work, they went back to basics for an organic solution. One great thing in the Caribbean is relying on natural herbs and plants’ benefits and healing properties. Her parents’ relentless pursuit of helping her inspired her journey in skincare. This experience changed her in more ways than she can count, but it affected her tremendously regarding how she viewed herself, her self-confidence, and her self-worth. She put in the work to heal and find genuine self-love, and now what she does improves the self-esteem and confidence of men and women and transforms how we see ourselves.
The journey to loving myself was still rough as the discolored areas were still there, but I didn’t feel as disgusted with myself when my skin was awful. As I came into contact with more people, especially on social media, there were so many who shared the same experiences. People who were not confident in themselves and didn’t love themselves because of their skin conditions. These experiences added more drive inside me to share my story, create clinical plant-based products, and bring about hope and inspiration to individuals who lack self-love due to their skin issues.”
Cleo officially launched Mia Lueur in 2018, but the company’s blossoming only happened a year later. Cleo knew what she wanted to bring to the skin care industry, but like many of us, a fear of failure and imposter syndrome held her hostage. That fear disconnected her from calling, but not for long. She knew that Mia Lueur would change the skincare industry, not just for her but for the women connected to her and those she knew she was meant to help. Self-work, therapy, and wholehearted commitment to her brand helped to turn things around, launching her into an internationally recognized skincare clinician and brand. She is a recognized CIDESCO diplomat and has conducted a pediatric clinic in Australia on Regenerative Treatment Oil to treat patients with skin conditions such as eczema and other inflammatory skin issues.
As a black woman in a male-dominated industry, Cleo focuses on what’s next and capitalizes on what sets her apart. The formulas, products, and services speak for themselves, but the true success is seeing her clients change their perception of themselves and love who they are. She doesn’t just provide fantastic skincare products, but she educates, especially women, on skin health and how different our skin health is from others. Women’s skin acts as a beacon signaling health issues, hormonal changes or triggers, and other underlying issues. Knowing how our body chemistry impacts our skin health is essential, and Cleo puts educating others first. Her personal experience of skin issues shaped the foundation of Mia Lueur, making it relatable and creating a sense of understanding that was not only physical but emotional to her clients.
Cleo hopes to advance the goals of future medical estheticians or dermatologists as she continues to shift and shape the skincare industry. “My goal is to continue touching the world in tangible and virtual ways, creating coaching spaces for individuals who experience psychological and emotional distress due to skin conditions. Opening physical stores globally and continuing philanthropic efforts. The Mia Lueur Foundation is currently in the works, intending to provide scholarships and grants for individuals who have a passion for skin health and want to become a medical esthetician or a dermatologist. There is so much we have planned but these are a few at the top of the list.”
Another essential part of her work is centered around culture and community. Our community needs to create spaces to educate the younger generations about herbs and plants that treat skin-related and overall health conditions. These holistic remedies are part of our culture and play a huge role in alternative medicine, as not all pharmaceutical prescriptions are effective and safe. Cleo and Mia Lueur will be around for as long as possible, and she intends to hold space for holistic skin health care.
As she continues to change the world one glow-up at a time, she also enjoys and wants to put more time into her other passions, high fashion make-up, and runway beauty. That part of the beauty industry highlights flawless beauty and the #GlowWhisperer already eats up that part. Who knows, maybe we’ll see Cleo and Mia Lueur at NYFW!
Cleo B. is a Certified and Licensed Medical Esthetician and Certified Life Coach
She has a B.A. in Communication, M.A. in Communication Management, and an MBA in Project Management
CIDESCO Diplomat
IG Personal: @theglow_whisperer
IG Businesses: @mialueur, @mialueuresthetics
Website: www.mialueuer.com
Email: mialueur@gmail.com
Cleo B – The Glow Whisperer