Three best friends turned in $9 million in the past financial year after pooling their savings to start a beauty empire.
Lauren Rugolo, Emma Spiliopoulos, both 28, and Jessica Arthur, 27, of Melbourne, each invested $4,000 to launch Lash Therapy Australia in September 2020, with the “hero” product being a $79.95 eyelash serum.
Since then, they’ve achieved a number of significant milestones – from launching at Costco to acquiring a warehouse and billboard in Times Square.
Before starting the brand from scratch, the women noticed a “gap in the market” at a time when the Covid pandemic swept the country and closed all beauty shops.
At the time, eyelash extensions were becoming impossible to maintain and the ladies wanted something to rejuvenate their brittle, natural lashes.
Emma Spiliopoulos (left), Jessica Arthur (center) and Lauren Rugolo (right) launched Lash Therapy Australia in September 2020 with the “hero” product being a $79.95 eyelash serum to promote growth
Since then they’ve achieved some impressive milestones – from launching at Costco (pictured), purchasing a headquarters warehouse and having a billboard in Times Square
It was the onset of Covid when beauty salons closed and eyelash extensions became impossible to keep up with the ladies wanting something to rejuvenate their brittle natural lashes. In the first year, they turned over $1.5 million dollars
‘We knew we had to act quickly to capitalize on the demand created by lockdown for stronger, longer natural lashes,” Lauren told Daily Mail Australia.
“We all had a passion for creating a life where we worked for ourselves. The idea of starting a business had been discussed between us for years, but we never had the right idea, the time and the drive to jump into it. Covid offered a solution to all these problems.’
With a $12,000 investment in the original prototype, the company prides itself on providing high quality natural beauty products with proven scientific benefits.
Since then, they have not looked back and today the company has expanded its range with a total of eight products.
The eyelash serum is formulated with advanced polypeptides to increase the volume, thickness, length and curl of your eyelashes and one bottle lasts six months.
With a $12,000 investment in the original prototype, the company prides itself on providing high quality natural beauty products with proven scientific benefits
But building a multimillion-dollar company doesn’t happen overnight. The ladies say they thoroughly research and test products themselves before they are released to the market – this process alone can take up to 12 months
But building a multimillion-dollar company doesn’t happen overnight.
The women say they thoroughly research and test products themselves before they are released to the market – this process alone can take up to 12 months.
“We share similar roles and are all pretty hands-on with the company to understand every aspect of it,” Jess told FEMAIL.
Emma added: ‘We communicate everything and I think with three brand owners you can get the job done so much faster. There is less procrastination and we are all so passionate.”
In the picture: before and after using Lash Therapy Australia serum
In the beginning, all three were constantly working to develop the perfect first product, while now they have a better work-life balance.
As for the words of wisdom, they recommend not launching a product in a saturated market, staying persistent with the idea, and relying on others for advice when necessary.
Before she first plunged into business, Lauren worked in commercial real estate, Emma was a fashion influencer with a teacher’s degree, and Jess was a gym manager.
They also have no previous business experience and learn as they go.
Over the past decade, the trio has grown so close – and bear an uncanny resemblance to each other – that they are often mistaken for sisters.
Its success has allowed them to improve their lifestyle.
In June, they all splashed out and bought three matching black Mercedes GLC 300 coupes, which have a starting price of $104,900.
That same month, they also won the Commonwealth Bank Young Hero Award for Best Startup of the Year.
It comes after they took a posh trip to Dubai to conduct market research with the intention of possibly opening stores abroad.
In addition to the eyelash serum, the brand also sells an eyelash growth mascara, eyelash curler, eyebrow growth gel and eyelash brush.
Late last year, they also launched sister brand Hair Therapy Australia that sells hair growth products.
In addition to the eyelash serum, the brand also sells an eyelash growth mascara, eyelash curler, eyebrow growth gel and eyelash brush. Late last year, they also launched sister brand Hair Therapy Australia that sells hair growth products
The $79.95 eyelash serum is formulated with advanced polypeptides to increase the volume, thickness, length and curl of your lashes and one bottle lasts a whopping six months.
“Throughout our lives, we’ve faced the common struggle of ineffective, overpriced, harsh, chemically enhanced beauty products,” Lauren previously said.
“We wanted to create a range of products that we knew would deliver results without any risk of irritation or damage to our health.”
It is recommended to apply the serum every day with results visible within six weeks and best results after 12 weeks.
“Okay, I’m lured by products and seduced by exaggerated advertising. I’m 60+ and seriously tired of seeing 20 year olds banging about the value of certain beauty products. But this eyelash serum really works,” one customer wrote.
“I’m confused about the truth of the matter and how and why it works, but it works and I love it.”
In addition to the eyelash serum, the company also sells a treatment specifically aimed at your eyebrows, mascara, an eyelash curler and eyelash brush – with plans to expand next year
“The eyelash serum from Lash Therapy Australia is fantastic. I have seen results in about two months of using the product! Absolutely recommended,” said another.
A third added: ‘This eyelash serum is very easy to apply, I only saw a difference after using this product at night only for about three weeks. I will definitely buy again when my lashes grow out as I already have long lashes to begin with’.
In addition to the eyelash serum, the company also sells a treatment specifically for your eyebrows, mascara, an eyelash curler and an eyelash brush – with plans to expand next year.