E.L.F. Beauty co-founder Scott Vincent Borba’s decision to abandon his $3 billion empire for the priesthood marks an unprecedented career pivot. The 52-year-old entrepreneur, who built global retail partnerships with Target and Walmart, left his companies and luxury assets to pursue religious service. His journey began with a 12-year spiritual crisis after a party where he claimed to experience divine intervention. Borba’s choice contrasts sharply with his earlier focus on creating ‘mini-Kardashians’ through affordable beauty products, highlighting a profound shift in priorities. He now serves in the Diocese of Fresno, having sold his mansion, luxury cars, and investments.

Borba’s transformation wasn’t sudden. Growing up in California’s Central Valley, he developed an entrepreneurial spirit by selling candy as a child. His career at e.l.f. cosmetics—now a billion-dollar brand—was marked by aggressive marketing, including a $7,000 golden glow facial for Mila Kunis. Yet, his 2014 mystical encounter left him unsettled. ‘I should have been dead from the horror of what I saw,’ he recalled, abandoning his Hollywood Hills home. His seminary years faced skepticism due to his business background, but his maturity and success impressed clergy. Borba’s story raises questions about purpose in professional success, particularly in industries driven by consumerism.

As a priest, Borba plans to counsel parishioners and emphasize spiritual over material beauty. His renunciation of wealth—including a Hugio Boss suit and Aston Martin convertible—underscores his commitment. While no financial details of his divestment are public, his move signals a rare case of a high-earning business leader choosing spiritual over monetary fulfillment. The Diocese of Fresno has not disclosed his specific parish assignment. Borba’s experience challenges stereotypes about clergy, suggesting that unconventional paths to faith are possible. His journey also reflects broader cultural shifts, where success-driven individuals increasingly seek meaning beyond traditional metrics.