**From Cosmetics to Clergy: The Transformative Journey of Scott-Vincent Borba**
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Scott-Vincent Borba is set to make an extraordinary leap from the world of beauty to spirituality, as he prepares to be ordained a Catholic priest on May 23. The co-founder of e.l.f. Cosmetics, a pioneering brand known for its affordable and cruelty-free makeup, has turned his back on a life of luxury and financial success to embrace a path of ministry and charity.
Borba, now 52, founded e.l.f. Cosmetics in partnership with father-son duo Alan and Joseph Shamah in 2004. The brand quickly rose to prominence, achieving over $100 million in sales by 2014, propelled by its commitment to ethical practices and budget-friendly products. However, despite the success and financial security, Borba found himself yearning for more than material wealth.
In a candid revelation during a 2019 interview, Borba expressed feelings of unfulfillment that began to surface in his forties. Reflecting on what he described as a “vapid” existence, he acknowledged the allure of the Hollywood lifestyle, which he felt had consumed him. Telling CBS 47, he remarked, “I was living for myself…I was a poster boy for luxury.” The stark contrast between his former life and his emerging spiritual aspirations is striking.
Borba’s awakening came after experiencing a “sudden loss of joy,” which drove him to reconnect with his faith. “I asked our Lord to help me be the man that he created me to be,” he shared, revealing that this moment of spiritual clarity came with an overwhelming sense of love and mercy. It was this pivotal encounter that led him to donate his wealth to charity and seriously consider a life devoted to the Church.
Now a deacon and seminarian at St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park, Borba has traded his previous lifestyle for one that is markedly modest. He admits to living in a spartan room, devoid of unnecessary luxuries. “I have a few bits of clothes and a few pairs of shoes. And my life has been culled down to the bare minimum,” he explained. This change, he insists, has borne a profound sense of happiness and contentment.
His journey is akin to a modern-day calling—one that he recognised years ago but only fully embraced in recent times. “I always felt connected to religion as a child,” he reflected, admitting that he had suppressed this connection amid his rise in the competitive makeup industry.
Now, as Borba prepares for ordination, he expresses a deep sense of fulfilment in his new role. “I have never been happier in my life,” he stated confidently. His story is a poignant reminder of the transformative power of faith and the profound changes one can undertake, regardless of their past.
Borba’s journey resonates with many who grapple with their own paths in life, offering hope that it is possible to redirect one’s life towards service and spirituality after a fulfilling yet ultimately unfulfilling career. His sentiments encapsulate a broader narrative of seeking authentic joy beyond the material world.
As the date of his ordination approaches, there is an air of anticipation surrounding Borba’s new life. His commitment to helping others through ministry and charity continues to shape his future. Those familiar with his success story in the beauty industry are now witnessing an inspiring shift that transcends the conventional narrative of success.
Borba’s decision to pursue the priesthood after such a successful corporate career underscores a powerful lesson—true contentment often lies not in what one accumulates, but in what one gives back. As he begins this new chapter, many will undoubtedly keep a close watch on the impact he will have in his community and beyond, embracing a life of service and spiritual devotion.