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Sahara Lotti

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Sahara Lotti
Born (1977-06-03) June 3, 1977 (age 48)
OccupationEntrepreneur
Known forPatenting cosmetic technology
TitleCEO of Lashify
Websitelashify.com

Sahara Lotti (born June 3, 1977) is an Iranian-American CEO and founder of Lashify, a luxury beauty company. She is known for inventing and patenting cosmetic technologies, most notably DIY eyelash extensions.

Early life and education

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Raised in the San Francisco Bay Area in the town of Atherton, California. She attended Menlo-Atherton High School. After graduation, Lotti moved to Los Angeles and attended the University of Southern California (USC). In addition to her regular classes, Lotti studied with Hollywood acting coach, Ivana Chubbuck. Lotti also informally studied music and singing for numerous years, showing passion and talent for blues and jazz music.

In her early career, Lotti acted in a series of independent films and wrote several scripts, including the comedies A Family Affair, WishBoned, and Back Magick.[1] In 2010, Lotti adapted the British novel The Ex Files for CBS Films.[2]

Lashify

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In the 2000s, Lotti began developing patented DIY eyelash extensions that were easier to apply and looked more natural. This led to her invention of a "wand" applicator that would allow lash extensions to be placed on the underside of the lashline in a more natural pattern.[3][4] In 2016, Lotti founded the luxury beauty brand, Lashify, with her own money. The company is most well-known for developing the Gossamer lash and Fuse Control Wand,[5][6] used to apply vegan silk eyelashes.[7] It also develops color cosmetics and other beauty products.[8] The company's products are cruelty-free.[9]

When the company was first founded, Lotti demonstrated the products on social media as a way to build interest and attract customers.[10] As of 2023, the company had reached $80 million in annual sales. It opened its first physical location at Melrose Place, Los Angeles in 2024.[8]  

The brand is widely used by makeup artists in the film, television, modelling, and influencer industries.[11] Vivian Baker used Lashify while styling Charlize Theron, who portrayed Megyn Kelly in the film, Bombshell (2019), winning the 92nd Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. The brand was also used for Charli XCX's makeup in the "360" music video for the album Brat.[12]

Intellectual property lawsuits and patents

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Lashify holds over 750 patents and 1,000 trademarks worldwide.[13] The company has filed numerous lawsuits alleging infringement on the company'sintellectual property.[14] Regarding the litigation, Lotti has stated "What is really the point of any of the IP stuff in beauty if it’s simply that easy to copy and no one respects it? You have to be a millionaire to even have a chance."[15]

In August 2020, Lotti asked the International Trade Commission (ITC) to investigate the unlawful importation of false lash systems.[7] Her complaint alleged these systems infringe on their patents by copying its technology without license. In October 2020, the International Trade Commission (ITC) launched the investigation into Lashify's patent-infringement complaint.[16] After the ITC initially ruled against Lashify,[15] Lotti filed an appeal with the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. The circuit court ruled that Lashify should have qualified for patent protection. This ruling created a legal precedent that would broaden the types of complainants who are eligible to seek relief from the ITC when their patents are infringed.[17][18]

In May 2020, Lotti filed a lawsuit against Qingdao Hollyren Cosmetics Company alleging misuse of her patented technology. This suit was the first time that a female-owned beauty company took legal action in China against competing manufacturers.[19] In August 2024, the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas awarded Lashify $30.5 million in damages from Qingdao Lashbeauty Cosmetic Co, along with 30% royalties from Qingdao.[20][21]

Other work

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In 2020, Lotti founded a startup incubator to invest in Black-owned beauty businesses.[22]

Animal wellness

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In 2010, Lotti founded Bobzilla, a non-profit organization that researches and supports animal wellness, including natural medicine and healthier breeding practices for breeds like English bulldogs.[23] Lotti has stated that she founded the Lashify company to earn money that could be invested into animal wellness research.[24]

Personal life

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Lotti has three dogs, Roberto, Bob and Mack.[10]

References

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  1. ^ "Writer Sahara Lotti hooking up with 'Exes' for CBS Films". riskybusiness.hollywoodreporter.com. Archived from the original on 2010-06-09. Retrieved 2025-06-10.
  2. ^ London, Tim Adler in (2010-07-27). "CBS Films Thinks Brit Novel Has Ex Factor". Deadline. Retrieved 2025-06-10.
  3. ^ Petrarca, Marisa (2021-12-08). "The 'And Just Like That' Cast Is Obsessed With Lashify: Details". Us Weekly. Retrieved 2025-06-10.
  4. ^ Freund, Tatjana (2021-04-14). "These DIY Lash Extensions Last a Whole Week, and Yes, They Are Worth It". Marie Claire. Retrieved 2025-06-10.
  5. ^ "I Tested Those Viral Lashify Eyelashes…and I Have *Thoughts*". Cosmopolitan. 2021-12-02. Retrieved 2025-06-10.
  6. ^ "Why this DIY lash extension kit has a cult following". www.stylist.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-06-10.
  7. ^ a b Collins, Allison (2020-09-10). "Lashify Asks International Trade Commission to Look Into 'Unlawful Importation'". WWD. Retrieved 2025-06-10.
  8. ^ a b "EXCLUSIVE: Lashify Opens First Store, Expands Into Makeup With pH Blush". Yahoo Life. 2024-02-21. Retrieved 2025-06-16.
  9. ^ "I'm Never Getting Lash Extensions Again Thanks to This Genius At-Home Product". Byrdie. Retrieved 2025-06-16.
  10. ^ a b "Working from Home with Lashify Founder Sahara Lotti - Coveteur: Inside Closets, Fashion, Beauty, Health, and Travel". coveteur.com. Retrieved 2025-06-16.
  11. ^ Powney, Cassie. "I Tried The New 'Lash Flip' Trend & I've Ditched Mascara". www.refinery29.com. Retrieved 2025-06-16.
  12. ^ Lebsack, Lexy (2024-09-04). "Exclusive: Isamaya Ffrench and Lashify team up for a limited-edition collaboration". Glossy. Retrieved 2025-06-10.
  13. ^ "Lashify's $33.6 million verdict could lead to more 'dupes' litigation in beauty industry". www.worldtrademarkreview.com. Retrieved 2025-06-10.
  14. ^ "How Lashify Fought Counterfeits and Won Big". beautymatter.com. Retrieved 2025-06-10.
  15. ^ a b Grigoriadis, Vanessa (2023-03-29). "Blood, Sweat, and Lashes: Inside the Competitive and Cutthroat False-Eyelash Market". Vanity Fair. Retrieved 2025-06-10.
  16. ^ "Walmart, CVS Patent Claim by Lashify to Be Probed by ITC". Archived from the original on 2024-12-01. Retrieved 2025-06-10.
  17. ^ "Lashify Win Gives ITC Discretion on How Wide to Open Court Doors". Bloomberg. Retrieved 2025-06-10.
  18. ^ "Lashify Gives International Trade Law a Much-Needed Makeover". beautymatter.com. Retrieved 2025-06-10.
  19. ^ Zhang, Tianwei (2020-05-27). "Lashify Brings Alleged Knockoff Manufacturer to Court in China". WWD. Retrieved 2025-06-16.
  20. ^ "Beauty Brands Draw the Line Between Dupes and Fakes on Amazon". The Business of Fashion. 2024-10-03. Retrieved 2025-06-16.
  21. ^ "Lashify Wins $30 Million in Artificial-Eyelashes Patent Suit (1)". Archived from the original on 2024-12-01. Retrieved 2025-06-16.
  22. ^ "Lashify CEO Sahara Lotti on Navigating the New Normal". Cosmetic Executive Women. Retrieved 2025-06-16.
  23. ^ "bobzillaNP". bobzillaNP. Retrieved 2025-06-16.
  24. ^ "How Sahara Lotti of LASHIFY Built Her Empire". Female Startup Club. Retrieved 2025-06-16.
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