Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaleen Dove Cuevas
Shaleen Dove, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in Brooklyn, NY, and after years of the hustle and bustle, I felt ready for a change. I still wanted the energy of a big city, but with a bit of a country vibe. So, I visited Houston, TX—and loved it so much that I packed up my life of nearly 40 years and moved there in just 30 days. It was clear this was where I needed to be.
What I didn’t expect was how drastically my skin would react to the change in climate. Coming from a place with four seasons to Houston’s one and a half seasons, my skin wasn’t happy. The intense Houston summer heat was harsh, leading to acne, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and recurring styes. It was a constant struggle, and nothing seemed to work—no matter how many high-end products or over-the-counter remedies I tried. On top of that, managing vitiligo made it even harder to find the right skincare.
Frustrated but determined, I threw myself into researching natural skincare ingredients. I began experimenting with different formulations, learning everything I could about what my skin needed. Ultimately, I just wanted to be able to walk out of the house without having to cover up my skin with makeup. There’s nothing more freeing than waking up with healthy skin, a beautiful set of lashes, and some lip gloss—just natural skincare giving you that glowing, radiant look.
Through my dedication, I discovered the powerful benefits of natural ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, and more. I began formulating products focused on purity, quality, and effectiveness. After much trial and error, I finally developed a serum that completely transformed my skin—leaving it balanced, radiant, and youthful. I had found my solution!
When I shared my results on Instagram, the response was incredible. People, especially those who had also moved to Houston, connected with my story and were eager to try the products that had worked so well for me. That’s when Virago Lux Skin Care was born—my line of 100% organic, vegan, and all-natural skincare products designed to help others embrace their skin and feel confident in their own natural beauty.
During this journey, I wanted to ensure that men also had a skincare line that catered to their needs. So, I developed an all-natural hair growth beard oil—perfect for boosting hair growth and thickness. Through my research, I learned that many of the same natural ingredients that benefit skin are also amazing for hair! The beard oil not only nourishes the skin but also promotes healthy beard growth, all while leaving behind a luxurious scent.
Fast forward to today, and Virago Lux has expanded into a full skincare and beard care collection. We offer facial products like the Pure Essence Face Bar, Facial Toner, and Serum, along with a complete beard care line, including the Pure Essence Beard Bar, Beard Moisturizer, and Beard Oil. Every product is handcrafted with care to provide luxurious, effective solutions that not only work wonders for your skin but also smell absolutely amazing—creating a spa-like experience every time you use them.
In 2024, we hit major milestones, including participating in 65 vendor markets, growing our team, and expanding our online presence. I’ve had the honor of sharing my journey on various podcasts, speaking on panels at events to fellow women entrepreneurs, and being featured by Houston influencer @MySouthernBrand. But the highlight of 2024 was being named Entrepreneur of the Year—an achievement I’m incredibly proud of.
Virago Lux is a reflection of resilience, passion, and the belief that nature holds the key to healthy, glowing skin. I’m excited to continue this journey, creating products that inspire people to feel confident, radiant, and comfortable in their own skin. And we’re just getting started!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We are incredibly fortunate, but the road hasn’t always been smooth. One of our biggest challenges has been building brand awareness in a billion-dollar industry filled with countless options. Standing out in such a saturated market can feel daunting at times.
Another challenge we’ve faced is the emphasis placed on the number of followers a brand has. While we’ve been growing our page organically, many people tend to wait until a brand reaches a certain follower count before they decide to buy in. This can be tough because it takes time to build that kind of momentum. But I’ve learned that the key is patience and consistancy—put your head down, do the work, and trust that if you create something of value, people will come.
That’s why we focus on providing exceptional customer service, valuing our returning clients, and welcoming new customers with open arms. Above all, we stay true to our commitment to offering all-natural, vegan, and high-quality products that help people achieve their skincare and beard care goals—radiant skin and healthy, thriving beards.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Virago Lux Skin Care is more than just a brand; it’s a celebration of natural beauty and self-care. We’re a luxury, all-natural, vegan skincare line dedicated to helping people achieve radiant skin and healthy, thriving beards. Our Pure Essence Skincare & Beard Care collections are crafted with the finest organic ingredients to provide effective, gentle solutions for every skin type.
What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to purity and quality. We believe in harnessing the power of nature to address skin concerns like hyperpigmentation, dark spots, acne, and more, all while nurturing your skin. Our handcrafted products are designed to be both luxurious and accessible, giving everyone the opportunity to embrace their natural radiance with confidence.
We’re incredibly proud of the loyal customer base we’ve built—not just here in Houston, but also in NYC, across other states, and even in some countries around the world. The impact our products have had on our customer’s skin and self-esteem is what drives us. At Virago Lux, it’s not just about skincare—it’s about empowering individuals to feel their best, naturally. Whether it’s a glowing complexion or a perfectly conditioned beard, we’re here to make self-care a beautiful and uplifting experience.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something surprising that most people might not know about me is that I have a few unexpected passions and talents that balance out my entrepreneurial side. For starters, I’m an avid pool player—it’s one of my favorite ways to unwind. I can easily spend five or more hours at a pool hall, just me, my cue, and my earbuds, lost in my favorite music of the day. It’s my ultimate stress reliever. While I often play solo, I also enjoy playing with others whenever I can.
On the professional side, I’ve spent over a decade in operations, which has been a huge asset to building Virago Lux Skin Care. When I decided to start the business, my experience in managing processes and executing ideas paid off—I was able to launch everything in just 30 days! That includes forming an LLC, creating a website, designing a logo, and even handling product photography. It seems like 30 days is my magic number (lol).
And then there’s my love for salsa and bachata dancing. Life gets busy, so I don’t get to hit the dance floor as often as I’d like, but when I do, it’s like reconnecting with my roots. There’s nothing quite like the joy of Latin music and dancing—it’s a passion that makes my heart feel full.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ViragoLux.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viragoluxskin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Virago-Lux-Skin-Care-61555952774733/?_rdr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@viragoluxskin
Image Credits
Photos credit: Deziree Propes and Shaleen Dove Cuevas
