Lesa Milan | BELLO Style

Lesa Milan: Balancing Glamour and Motherhood

Lesa Milan, renowned for her role in Bravo’s reality sensation “The Real Housewives of Dubai,” is not just a television personality. She’s a successful fashion designer, entrepreneur, and former Miss Jamaica. In our exclusive interview, Lesa opens up about her strategies for managing a thriving career while nurturing her family, her inspiration behind the maternity-focused brand Mina Roe, and the self-care routines that keep her grounded. Join us as we delve into the life of this multifaceted woman who seamlessly blends glamour with relatability, all while continuing to make a significant impact on women around the globe.

You are a successful fashion designer, entrepreneur, and television personality. Can you tell us about your strategies to conciliate such a busy routine with your immense sense of care for your family and home?

Being present and giving my undivided attention to the task at hand, whether it is my work or my children really helps to navigate my busy life. It’s still a working progress as I sometimes find myself randomly scrolling social media in the middle of helping with homework or during business meetings; which is counterproductive – but I am working on it!

What were your biggest motivations for concentrating your business on mothers and children?

It wasn’t until my first pregnancy that I realized how undervalued and often overlooked the maternity space was. Mina Roe was born out of frustration from not being able to find maternity wear that was both comfortable and stylish (it was always one or the other), I couldn’t find hospital kits that catered to my needs as an expecting mom (most catered to the baby’s needs) and I also wanted skin care that was safe to use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding (not many vegan and organic options) – so when I couldn’t find them, I created my own.

How important is it to establish a self-care routine through motherhood?

There’s an old saying that I love which says “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” I truly believe that in order for you to be the best mom to your children, you first have to take care of yourself.

How do you manage to be so relatable to diverse women all around the globe despite your relationships with huge celebrities and access to glamorous experiences?

I think when you’re born in the Caribbean, raised in the U.S and now living in the Middle East for the past decade; you see life from many different perspectives and I’m able to relate to most women regardless of who they are and where they are from.

How does your participation in the smash hit “The Real Housewives of Dubai” change how your audience perceives you?

I think the audience’s perception of me is only what they get to see on the show, which has been consistent with who I am off the show.

Were there any changes in your routine because of the huge visibility of the show?

Not really. Living in Dubai we don’t get paparazzi, etc (because it’s illegal to take photos of people without their consent); however, I have added more baseball hats and oversized sunglasses to my day-to-day wardrobe!

Besides all your different areas of work, you are also a former Miss Jamaica. What do you still carry from your experience with beauty contests?

I owe a lot of who I am today to beauty pageants. It helped with my confidence, public speaking, self-discipline and taught me the importance of giving back. One of my favorite things that I still carry though, is my ability to do my own hair and makeup – saves me so much money on “glam”.

What are your biggest style references at the moment?

As a fashion designer, I’m always on the lookout for new trends and creating my own. For references I use the bigger fashion houses and the places I travel to for inspiration.

What are your next goals both in personal and professional spheres?

My biggest personal goal at the moment is to tap into more of a “momager” role for my sons’ soccer careers, and professionally I want to continue to grow Mina Roe.