Best friends become millionaire beauty moguls in less than three years after pooling their savings to launch an eyelash empire – and it’s all thanks to a $79 ‘miracle serum’

Three best friends have brought in $9 million in the last financial year after pooling their savings to start a beauty empire.

Lauren Rugolo, Emma Spiliopoulos, both 28, and Jessica Arthur, 27, from Melbourne, invested $4,000 each to launch Lash Therapy Australia in September 2020, with the ‘hero’ product being a $79.95 eyelash serum.

Since then, they’ve had a number of major milestones, from launching Costco to buying a warehouse to having a 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 salons.

At that time, eyelash extensions became impossible to maintain and women wanted something to rejuvenate their brittle, natural lashes.

Since then, they’ve had a series of impressive milestones, from the launch of Costco (pictured), the purchase of a warehouse at headquarters, and the placement of a billboard in Times Square.

It was the onset of Covid when beauty salons closed and eyelash extensions became impossible to maintain, that ladies wanted something to rejuvenate their brittle, natural lashes. In the first year they billed $1.5 million dollars

‘We knew we had to move quickly to take advantage of the demand block it had created for stronger, longer natural lashes,” Lauren told Daily Mail Australia.

‘We all had a passion to create a life where we worked for ourselves. The idea of ​​starting a business had been discussed amongst us for years, however we never had the right idea, time and momentum to launch. Covid provided a solution to all these problems.

With a $12,000 investment in the original prototype, the company prides itself on offering premium natural beauty products with proven scientific benefits.

Since then they have not looked back and today the company has expanded its range, offering a total of eight products.

The eyelash serum is formulated with advanced polypeptides to increase the volume, thickness, length and curl of the eyelashes and one bottle lasts six months.

With a $12,000 investment in the original prototype, the company prides itself on offering premium natural beauty products with proven scientific benefits.

But building a multi-million dollar business doesn’t happen overnight. The ladies say that they do extensive research and test products before launching; this process alone can take up to 12 months.

But building a multi-million dollar business doesn’t happen overnight.

Women say they do extensive research and test products before launching; this process alone can take up to 12 months.

“We share similar roles and we are all pretty hands-on with the business to understand every different aspect of it,” Jess told FEMAIL.

Emma added: ‘We communicate everything and I think with three brand owners you can get the job done much faster. There’s less procrastination, and we’re all so passionate.’

Pictured: Before and after using Lash Therapy Australia serum

In the beginning, the three of them were constantly working to develop the perfect first product, while now they can have a better work-life balance.

As for words of wisdom, they recommend avoiding launching a product in a crowded market, being persistent with the idea, and leaning on the advice of others if necessary.

Before jumping headlong into business, Lauren worked in commercial real estate, Emma was a fashion influencer with a teaching degree, and Jess was a gym manager.

They also have no prior trading experience and are learning as they go.

Over the past decade, the trio have grown closer, displaying an uncanny resemblance to each other, often mistaken for sisters.

Success has meant that they have been able to improve their lifestyle.

In June, everyone splurged and bought three matching black Mercedes GLC 300 coupes, which start at $104,900.

That same month they also won the Commonwealth Bank Young Hero Award for Startup of the Year.

It comes after they took a fancy trip to Dubai for market research with the intention of opening stores abroad.

In addition to the eyelash serum, the brand also sells an eyelash growth mascara, an eyelash curler, a brow growth gel, and an eyelash applicator.

Late last year they also launched sister brand Hair Therapy Australia which sells hair growth products.

In addition to the eyelash serum, the brand also sells an eyelash growth mascara, an eyelash curler, a brow growth gel, and an eyelash applicator. Late last year they also launched sister brand Hair Therapy Australia which sells hair growth products.

He $79.95 eyelash serum It’s formulated with advanced polypeptides to boost lash volume, thickness, length and curl and one bottle lasts an astonishing six months.

“Throughout our lives we have faced the common struggle of harsh, expensive, and ineffective chemically enhanced beauty products,” Lauren previously said.

“We set out to create a range of products that would ensure that they would deliver results without any risk of irritation or harm to our health.”

It is recommended that the serum be applied every day with visible results within six weeks and best results at 12 weeks.

‘Okay, I’m drawn to the products and seduced by the hype. I’m over 60 and seriously tired of seeing 20 year olds talking about the value of certain beauty products. But this eyelash serum really works,” wrote one customer.

“I’m confused by 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 specifically designed brow treatment, mascara, an eyelash curler and an eyelash wand, with plans to expand next year.

‘The Lash Therapy Australia eyelash serum is amazing. I have seen results in about two months of using the product! Definitely recommend it,’ said another.

A third added: ‘This eyelash serum is very easy to apply, I didn’t notice a difference until after about three weeks of using this product at night only. I will definitely buy again as my lashes grow since I already have long lashes to begin with.’

In addition to the eyelash serum, the company also sells a specifically designed brow treatment, mascara, an eyelash curler and an eyelash applicator, with plans to expand next year.