Our History
Hi, I’m Maria, and this is how Gleamaria was born 💖
I grew up in a small, charming village in France, surrounded by the simple beauty of nature and the lively energy of festivals. In the summer of 2010, when I was just 14, I set up a little makeup stand at our local festival, not knowing that this small act would change my life forever.
One warm evening, a mother named Lucile sat down at my booth. She looked tired, like life had taken a toll on her, but she was kind and patient as I carefully applied her makeup. When I handed her the mirror, her expression shifted. She smiled—a radiant, glowing smile—and said:
"I haven’t felt this beautiful in years."
In that moment, everything around me faded. Hearing those words, seeing that sparkle in her eyes, it felt like magic ✨. For the first time, I understood that makeup wasn’t just about looks; it was about helping someone feel like the best version of themselves. I didn’t know it yet, but that day, Lucile planted a seed in my heart—a dream that would guide me for the rest of my life.
The Start of a Dream ✨
I didn’t know where to begin, but my mom always believed in me. She encouraged me to pursue my passion, so I enrolled in a professional makeup program. At 19, I landed a job at a small beauty salon. It wasn’t glamorous, but I loved working with women and helping them feel beautiful.
Then, one day, a client asked me if I could do her makeup at home. She loved how I made her feel and didn’t want to lose that experience. That’s when it clicked: I could do so much more than wait for clients to come to me.
On my 20th birthday, I made the scariest decision of my life: I quit my job to start my own business. I invested all my savings in professional tools and began working as a freelance makeup artist. Those were tough years, but they were also the most rewarding. My clients trusted me, and I felt like I was finally making a difference.
A Turning Point 💕
In 2018, I gave birth to my daughter, whom I named Lucile, after the woman who inspired me all those years ago. Becoming a mom changed everything. Suddenly, I couldn’t keep up with all my clients. They began asking me for advice on the products I used, hoping to recreate the looks at home.
That’s when I had an idea: why not share everything I’d learned? In 2019, I started a blog to help women discover amazing beauty products and feel confident in their own skin. My dear friend Angella, who had years of experience in fashion and styling, joined me shortly after. Together, we created a space where women could find tips, advice, and inspiration.
Then 2020 hit, and the world changed. During the pandemic, our blog took off as women everywhere searched for ways to feel good during uncertain times. It was during this period that Angella and I took a leap of faith: we decided to create our very own product.
Our First Launch: A Winter Palette ❄️
I still remember how nervous I was. Angella and I wanted to create something that truly mattered, something that would make women feel confident, no matter their experience with makeup.
We reached out to my first clients—the women who had trusted me when I was just starting out—and worked together to design the perfect product: a Winter Makeup Palette. Every shade was carefully chosen to match seasonal trends, with pre-selected combinations to make things simple. Even if you weren’t a makeup pro, you could create a beautiful, polished look.
On launch day, I could barely breathe. My hands were shaking as I refreshed the page, wondering:
"Will they love it? Did we do enough?"
To my amazement, the 1,000 palettes we’d prepared sold out in just 20 minutes. I cried tears of joy. The emails started pouring in—women thanking us, sharing how the palette made them feel beautiful and confident again. It was overwhelming. For the first time, I realized that my work could reach far beyond my little village.
Why I Do This 💖
Today, Gleamaria is so much more than I ever dreamed it could be. With Angella by my side and a small, dedicated team in Paris, we work every day to create products that help women rediscover their prime—their power, their beauty, their confidence.
Before every product launch, I have a little tradition. I go back to the restaurant in my hometown, where I used to eat as a teenager. It’s the same place where I had my first date with my husband, who I’ve now been married to for almost seven years. I always order the same meal, take a deep breath, and remind myself why I started this journey: to give women the same smile I saw on Lucile’s face that day.
And then there’s the letter. After the success of our first product, I wrote a letter to Lucile. I told her how much she had inspired me, how her words gave me courage when I doubted myself, and how I named my daughter after her. The letter remains sealed, waiting for the day I see her again, perhaps at a festival. When that day comes, I’ll hand her the letter and say:
"Thank you for believing in me, even when I didn’t know how to believe in myself."
Gleamaria: Made for You 🌟
My journey has always been about more than makeup. It’s about connection, confidence, and helping women rediscover their light.
With Gleamaria, I hope to bring that same spark to you. Whether you’re 20, 40, or 60, you deserve to feel strong, beautiful, and radiant.
From my heart to yours,
Maria