Scott-Vincent Borba, co-founder of the popular e.l.f. Cosmetics brand, has provided insights into his transformative spiritual journey following his recent ordination as a Catholic priest. This marks his first interview since the significant life change, where he candidly discussed his past and the motivations behind his dramatic career shift.
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The ceremony took place on May 23 in Borba’s hometown of Visalia, California. After stepping back from the beauty industry in 2019, Borba has embraced a new path dedicated to the service of God. Appearing on the NBC programme ‘Today’, he expressed his heartfelt reflections on the series of events that culminated in his decision to join the clergy.
In the interview, Borba explained that his previous life in the beauty sector was one filled with success yet devoid of genuine fulfilment. During a lavish party at his Hollywood Hills residence, he experienced a moment of profound introspection. Despite being surrounded by luxury, he realised he was “void of love and happiness.” This led him to question the purpose of his life and the true meaning behind his existence.
Describing his spiritual awakening, Borba recalled this pivotal incident as his “conversion.” He recounted calling out to God, asking for guidance to become the person he was meant to be. The self-reflection that followed resulted in what he termed an “enlightenment of soul,” which revealed a harsh truth: he felt his “soul was in hell” and recognised his life choices had led him to a state of spiritual turmoil.
Borba’s journey was not only personal but also expansive, as he conveyed a message of hope for others struggling in their own spiritual journeys. In his heartfelt conversation with co-anchor Craig Melvin, he encouraged those grappling with their faith to believe in the reality of God’s mercy. “He wants us to know He is real, He is alive, and is intimately active in this world,” Borba asserted, emphasising that there is no sin beyond God’s forgiveness.
Having initiated e.l.f. Cosmetics in 2004 alongside Alan and Joseph Shamah, Borba set the stage for an era of accessible and cruelty-free beauty products, achieving remarkable success within just a decade. By 2014, the brand had garnered over $100 million in sales, riding the wave of a growing consumer demand for ethical and affordable cosmetics.
However, upon reflecting on his time in the beauty business, Borba described his past as “vapid” and “perverse.” He noted that the allure of the Hollywood lifestyle had almost seduced him into a moral compromise in pursuit of wealth and fame. “I was living for myself… I was a poster boy for luxury,” he admitted, revealing a consistent feeling of disillusionment in that world.
Borba’s dedication to his newfound vocation solidified approximately three years before his ordination. He stated that he had long felt a calling to the priesthood, which he eventually accepted with clarity and purpose. This conviction was reinforced by the profound sense of love and mercy he experienced when he reached out to God.
Through his transition from a life of commercial success to one of spiritual service, Scott-Vincent Borba embodies a narrative of redemption and hope. His story serves as an invitation to others who’ve perhaps lost their way to consider the possibility of a different path—one that leads not only to personal fulfilment but also to a deeper connection with their faith.
As he embarks on this new chapter as a priest, Borba’s journey will undoubtedly resonate with many, sparking conversations about the intersections of faith, identity, and purpose in modern life.