From Makeup Millionaire to Priest: A Businessman's Big Career Change

Scott-Vincent Borba is trading in his glamorous past for a much quieter life. Once a big name in the cosmetics world as the co-founder of e. l. f. Cosmetics, he now stands on the verge of becoming a Catholic priest. His journey from a luxury-filled life to this new path shows how life plans can shift dramatically when someone listens to their beliefs. Borba’s early years were far from spiritual. Growing up, he felt no strong pull toward religion. The idea of becoming a priest stayed in the back of his mind, but he ignored it for years. Instead, he chased success in business, helping build a makeup empire worth over $1 billion. Fame and wealth followed, with Hollywood stars using his products. Yet, despite the glittering lifestyle, something never felt right. In the mid-2010s, he decided to leave it all behind. Borba walked away from his company, sold his possessions, and started fresh. He gave away his money to focus on his faith. Why? He later said his earlier life had become empty, even "vapid. " He admitted he had put himself and luxury before his spiritual beliefs. His words show how chasing wealth can leave people feeling unfulfilled despite outward success.His call to priesthood didn’t come suddenly in his 40s. It started much earlier when he was a child. His mother once pointed at a priest during Mass and asked if he wanted to wear those robes one day. Borba remembered the moment clearly, saying the priest’s glittering vestments stood out to him. That childhood moment stayed with him, even as he ignored it for years. Now, Borba is just weeks away from being ordained. His story raises interesting questions. How many people follow their early dreams quietly while getting distracted by money and fame? His shift also highlights a growing trend—some young adults today are turning to faith after feeling let down by modern life. Is it just Borba’s personal journey, or part of a larger shift? His decision to give up wealth for something he believes in certainly makes people rethink their own ideas about success.