Sahara Lotti
Sahara Lotti | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 3, 1977 Atherton, California, United States |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, CEO, screenwriter |
| Known for | Founder and CEO of Lashify |
Sahara Lotti (born June 3, 1977) is an Iranian-American entrepreneur and CEO who founded Lashify, a high-end beauty brand recognized for pioneering and securing patents on innovative cosmetic technologies, particularly in the realm of DIY eyelash extensions.
Early life and education
Growing up in Atherton, California, Lotti completed her secondary education at Menlo-Atherton High School before relocating to Los Angeles to attend the University of Southern California (USC). Alongside her academic pursuits, she studied under renowned Hollywood acting coach Ivana Chubbuck and explored music informally, with a focus on blues and jazz genres.
Lotti’s early professional endeavors included acting in independent films and scriptwriting. Her credits include comedies such as A Family Affair, WishBoned, and Back Magick. In 2010, she adapted the British novel The Ex Files into a screenplay for CBS Films.
Lashify
Throughout the 2010s, Lotti created a patented system for DIY eyelash extensions featuring a unique "wand" applicator designed to attach lash extensions beneath the natural lash line to achieve a subtle appearance. In 2016, she launched Lashify using her personal funds. The company is renowned for its Gossamer lash product and Fuse Control Wand, which applies vegan silk lashes. Additionally, Lashify provides cruelty-free color cosmetics alongside other beauty offerings.
Lotti initially leveraged social media platforms to demonstrate Lashify’s products and generate consumer interest. By 2023, the company reported annual revenues of $80 million and opened its inaugural brick-and-mortar location on Melrose Place in Los Angeles in 2024.
The brand has gained popularity among professionals in makeup artistry across film, television, modeling, and influencer communities. Notably, Lashify products were utilized by makeup artist Vivian Baker for Charlize Theron’s look in the Academy Award-winning movie Bombshell (2019) and appeared in Charli XCX’s "360" music video from her album Brat.
Intellectual property lawsuits and patents
Lashify possesses an extensive portfolio exceeding 750 patents and 1,000 trademarks worldwide. The company has actively enforced its intellectual property rights through litigation efforts, with founder Melissa Lotti highlighting the significant expenses involved in safeguarding IP within the beauty sector.
In August 2020, Lashify requested that the International Trade Commission (ITC) investigate the illegal importation of false eyelash systems purportedly infringing on its patented innovations. The ITC commenced an inquiry in October 2020. Following an initial decision unfavorable to Lashify, the company prevailed on appeal at the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, which set a precedent expanding access to ITC patent protections.
In May 2020, Lashify initiated legal action against Qingdao Hollyren Cosmetics Company for patent infringement—the first instance of a female-led beauty firm pursuing such a case in China. In August 2024, the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas awarded Lashify $30.5 million in damages along with 30% royalties from Qingdao Lashbeauty Cosmetic Co., reinforcing Lashify’s dominant position in defending its patented false eyelash technology.
Other work
In 2020, Lotti established a startup incubator dedicated to investing in Black-owned beauty enterprises.
Animal wellness
In 2010, Lotti established Bobzilla, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing research in animal health, emphasizing natural remedies and improved breeding methods for breeds such as English bulldogs. She has indicated that the creation of Lashify was intended to generate profits that support these animal wellness projects.
Personal life
Lotti is the owner of three dogs named Roberto, Bob, and Mack.