Meet Shaleen Dove Cuevas | Owner of Virago Lux Skin Care

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shaleen Dove Cuevas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shaleen Dove, what role has risk played in your life or career?
There’s something undeniably romantic about taking risks. It’s exhilarating, faith-driven, and just the right amount of terrifying. You can analyze, plan, and prepare, but at the end of the day, a true risk is that moment when you step off the ledge—trusting that, no matter what, you’ll either learn to fly or land on your feet. It takes confidence. It takes faith. And faith and fear cannot exist in the same space.

Everything meaningful in life is a risk—love, career, business, growth, the unknown. But we take those leaps anyway because without risk, there is no growth. In my life and in my business, I approach risk with both strategy and courage. There are times when I have no choice but to take a leap, and other times when I do everything I can to ensure that my risks are calculated—equipped with backup plans, adaptability, and a willingness to pivot at a moment’s notice.

The truth is, we don’t always win when we take risks. And that’s okay. Sometimes, the loss is more valuable than the win. Every outcome—whether success or failure—comes with lessons, and if you walk into every challenge knowing you’ll learn either way, how can you ever truly lose?

Starting Virago Lux Skin Care was a risk. I invested my time, money, and passion into something that, in theory, could have failed. What if no one connected with my products? What if I had missed something crucial? But I made sure that every detail was intentional, every ingredient was pure, and that we always led with integrity. And that’s the key—when you move with integrity and purpose, you never really lose. Even in setbacks, there’s pride in knowing you gave it your all. You dust yourself off, stand tall, and step into the next challenge with more knowledge, more resilience, and a renewed determination.

Virago Lux isn’t just a skincare brand—it’s a testament to the beauty of taking risks, believing in yourself, and embracing the unknown. Because when you lead with passion and integrity, you’re already winning.

What should our readers know about your business?
Virago Lux Skin Care isn’t just a skincare line—it’s an experience, a labor of love, and a commitment to all-natural, organic, and vegan skincare that truly delivers results. What sets us apart isn’t just our luxurious formulas or handcrafted approach; it’s the integrity behind every product. When you use Virago Lux, you’re not just applying skincare—you’re indulging in a full collection of handcrafted, all-natural products, each created with intention, backed by nature, and designed to make you feel confident in your skin.

Getting here wasn’t easy, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Starting a business means putting everything on the line—your time, your money, your energy—but it also means believing in something bigger than fear. There were moments of doubt, setbacks that tested my patience, and times when I had to remind myself why I started. But every challenge taught me something valuable: resilience, adaptability, and the power of leading with integrity. I’ve learned that people can feel when something is made with care, which is why we’ve built a loyal community—not just of customers who love and share our products, but also of beauty professionals who trust and collaborate with us, knowing that Virago Lux delivers quality they can stand behind.

What I’m most proud of? That Virago Lux isn’t just another skincare brand—it’s a movement toward clean, effective, and intentional self-care. It’s proof that you don’t have to compromise between luxury and natural ingredients.

I want the world to know that Virago Lux Skin Care is for those who value quality, who want skincare that works without the chemicals, and who believe that self-care is more than a routine—it’s a ritual. Whether you’re here for glowing skin, a well-groomed beard, or simply to invest in yourself, you’ll find that Virago Lux was made with you in mind.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Houston is a city that never stops surprising me. Even after moving here from NYC almost four years ago, I feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface of everything it has to offer. It’s a melting pot of cultures, flavors, and experiences, and if my best friend were visiting for a week, I’d make sure they left feeling like they had tasted, seen, and felt the heart of this city.

First stop? Houston Hotties Social Hour—an absolute must. Nicole curates these incredible events designed for women in business, and trust me, it’s not just networking—it’s an experience. Picture stunning decor, a room full of brilliant, ambitious women, and a warm, welcoming energy that makes you feel like you’ve known everyone for years. It’s the kind of event where you dress up, take endless pictures because everything is so gorgeous, and leave with real connections, maybe even lifelong friends.

For a co-ed vibe, I’d take them to a Mixy Event by Iyana. She’s a Philly transplant who saw the need to help newcomers connect in Houston, and she does it effortlessly with movie screenings, happy hours, and unique social experiences that make it easy to meet people. If you’re new to Houston or just visiting, this is how you immerse yourself in the city’s social scene.

Now, let’s talk food—because Houston’s food scene is next level. We’d head to A’Dor Kitchen & Cocktails, a place so full of love and community that locals affectionately call it “Granny’s House.” And if we’re going, we’re going on a Wednesday for The Flaming Smoke Box’s legendary steak night. Think honey garlic lamb chops, smothered oxtails, ribeye steaks, homemade mac and cheese, yams, dirty rice—the kind of meal that makes you close your eyes after every bite. There’s a live band, a vibe that feels like a family reunion, and by the end of the night, we’d be walking out with takeout bags of soul-warming food, already planning our next visit.

Houston is a city that feels like home, no matter where you’re from. It’s full of energy, good people, and experiences you won’t find anywhere else. And if you come visit, just know—I’ll make sure you see the best of it.

One thing’s for sure, though—we would NEVER leave Houston on a Sunday! That’s when the city comes alive in a whole new way—Sunday Funday in Houston is an all-day experience. From buzzing brunch spots with endless mimosas to day parties that turn into night parties, the energy is unmatched. The vibes are so good, you’ll find yourself canceling flights just to keep the party going a little longer!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
If there’s one person who deserves a shoutout in my journey with Virago Lux Skin Care, it’s my spouse Shaun Coleman. He’s a “meat and potatoes” kind of guy—literally, since he’s a chef—but beyond that, he’s also my quiet, steady force. He’s not one for many words, but his actions speak volumes.

If you’ve ever seen our pop-up boutiques, you know they’re more than just a table of products—it’s an experience. Flowers, vines, carefully displayed skincare, glowing neon lights—it’s a full production. And he’s right there with me, loading, unloading, and meticulously helping me build out our setup. Not only that, but he has a knack for finding easier, more efficient ways to get things done and can fix anything on the fly if something breaks.

He listens, too. There have been times when I’ve casually mentioned needing something for Virago Lux, and before I know it, there’s a box at our doorstep—because he’s already ordered it. Shaun talks about our beard care line to his friends, and they don’t just listen—they purchase and come back asking for more. He never takes away from my business; instead, he lifts it up, gives me the space to do what I need to do, and reminds me to slow down and take care of myself. As an entrepreneur himself, he understands the hustle, which is why he suggested our weekly date nights—to help us both find balance and make sure we’re nurturing our life together, not just our businesses.

I know how rare it is to have a partner who not only supports your dreams but actively contributes to them, and I don’t take that for granted. He’s not just my person—he’s my teammate, my problem-solver, and a quiet but steady presence in the journey of Virago Lux Skin Care.

Website: https://www.ViragoLux.com

Instagram: @ViragoLuxSkin

Facebook: Virago Lux Skin

Other: Tik Tok: @ViragoLuxSkin

Image Credits
Images: Deziree Propes (Dez Media Management), Alexander Elatassi (Unified Productions), Shaleen D. Cuevas (Virago Lux Skin Care)
Styling: Daja Gay (ENHERPWR)
Makeup: Debbie (DS Glamz)
Hair: Lucero Vasquez (Sleek Society Salon)