Food, complimentary services, a breast cancer awareness giveaway, and lots of smiles greeted visitors at L’Elite MediSpa for their grand opening and ribbon-cutting of their newest MediSpa in Harlem (1661 Madison Avenue). This is the third location for the company, which was founded by Richina Lukes-Milledge, a breast cancer survivor who brings advanced restorative cosmetic and medical solutions to her MediSpas.
Lukes-Milledge has nursing experience in intensive care, emergency medicine, home care, and nursing education and is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner. During her breast cancer fight, she became interested in skincare and skin treatments, as well as hair removal services, for cancer patients and cancer survivors. She gained expertise and certifications in medical esthetic services — procedures that include makeup, eyelashes, and tweezing. Lukes-Milledge also educates clients about the procedures and services they are receiving.
In her remarks at the ribbon-cutting event, Lukes-Milledge told the gathering at L’Elite MediSpa about her journey: “When I was diagnosed and the cancer was very very aggressive … I saw the strength that my mother had [shown and how] she fought through it … but I did go to hell and back. I had chemo, radiation, surgery … My hair is my crown — I lost every bit of hair that I have on my head. I didn’t think I looked good, I didn’t think I felt good … After I finished treatment, I sat down with my oncologist and I asked him what can I do to prevent a recurrence, what are we going to do, what’s our plan.”
One of the actions that Lukes-Milledge decided to take was to open a series of MediSpas on Long Island, in Crown Heights, and now in Harlem. According to a press release: “L’Elite MediSpa’s services focus on supporting clients with personalized treatments, including IV vitamin infusions, bioidentical hormone therapy, peptide weight loss, facials, and more. Special attention is given to those recovering from cancer and other illnesses, empowering them to regain health and confidence. Guests of the grand opening were also treated to a tour of the new space.”
One of those in attendance was Lukes-Milledge’s mother, Diane Gaines. When asked about her daughter’s accomplishments and the work she does to help others, Gaines said, “She makes you feel beautiful, she brings you health tips. I’m just so proud of her.”
Lawrence Ben Miles, business assistant and outreach specialist for the New York Women’s Chamber of Commerce, echoed that pride. “I wanted to come by and support and welcome L’Elite,” he told the AmNews. “You know how hard it is to open a new business in Harlem? She is doing it — she’s here. Everyone has to come and support her.”
L’Elite MediSpa’s motto is “Rejuvenate and Unleash your Beauty from the inside out.” Through the grand opening of their third site, its founder and her staff plan to do just that in Harlem.