What does it mean to feel beautiful after cancer? In this episode, we sit down with visionary cosmetologist and community leader Dr. Leia’ Love to explore her remarkable journey from salon owner to paramedical tattoo artist specializing in 3D areola tattooing for breast cancer survivors. Dr. Love has more than two decades of experience in the beauty industry and a heart for healing. Known as the “Head-2-Toe Beauty Pro,” Dr. Love combines art, empathy, and trauma-informed care to help women reclaim their confidence after a mastectomy. In our conversation, she opens up about her path into restorative tattooing, her work with the American Cancer Society, and her deep belief that true beauty lies in resilience. We explore the emotional and physical realities of post-cancer healing, the power of choice in the recovery process, and the importance of creating spaces where women can feel seen, safe, and whole again. Join us to gain valuable insights into the external and internal processes of healing, her approach of combining passion with purpose, and why beauty is much deeper than the skin.
Key Points From This Episode:
• Background about Dr. Love and how her career transformed into a dedication to healing.
• How the American Cancer Society sparked her passion for helping.
• What inspired her to pursue 3D areola paramedical tattooing
• Explore the process, timing, and aftercare for paramedical tattooing.
• Hear a powerful story about a client’s transformation.
• The Leia Love Spark Beauty Fund making healing accessible to patients.
• Unpack Dr. Love’s definition of beauty beyond the surface level.
• Discover how Dr. Love is expanding her work into prosthetic breast molds for women.
• Redefining beauty standards and the importance of giving yourself permission to heal.
Quotes:
“I think people look at beauty as the surface of what you see, but when you get into the soul of somebody, when [patients] have been stripped of everything, just to see [their] strength and courage [is] beauty to me.” — Dr. Leia’ Love [0:25:24]
“My passion for knowledge, [beauty, business, and empowering women] helps me serve my purpose of helping people through whatever challenge they are going through.” — Dr. Leia’ Love [0:29:41]
“It is hard to look in the mirror and not like who you are, and I want people to really love who they are.” — Dr. Leia’ Love [0:30:51]
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
The Leia Love Spark Beauty Fund
Stewart's Caring Place: Cancer Wellness Center
Gwendolyn Mitchell on LinkedIn
MOYO Institute, Inc
Love Letters 2 Our Bodies is sponsored by Moyo Institute, Inc and the Lloyd Symington Foundation
Gwendolyn Mitchell on LinkedIn
MOYO Institute, Inc
instagram.com/moyoinstitute
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