Meet Shei Rakotovao | Lash Artist & Business Owner | Creative | Content Creator
We had the good fortune of connecting with Shei Rakotovao and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Shei, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
Success to me is rooted in service. It means knowing that the work I do has a positive impact on others — that I am helping, uplifting, and contributing to something greater than myself. I find fulfillment in being able to serve with intention, care, and love. Whether it’s through a kind word, a thoughtful gesture, or simply doing my job with integrity, success is about showing up for others in meaningful ways.
Gratitude is also a huge part of what success looks like for me. Being able to genuinely express appreciation, recognize the efforts of others, and make people feel seen and valued — that, to me, is more powerful than any title or paycheck. I’m not driven by material things; I’m driven by purpose, peace of mind, and the ability to build a life that feels secure, authentic, and aligned with my values.
At the end of the day, if I can look back and say I gave my best, stayed true to who I am, and made a difference in someone’s life — even in small ways — then I know I’ve succeeded.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is rooted in authenticity, storytelling, and faith. I express myself through beauty, fashion, and content creation — all deeply personal to me. Whether I’m designing a lash set or sharing content about my journey, I create with intention. What sets me apart is that I lead with love and purpose. I see art as a form of ministry — it’s not just what I do, but how I make people feel. I want every woman who interacts with my brand to feel seen and valued. My business is grounded in 1 Corinthians 16:14: “Do everything in love.” That scripture guides everything I do.
I’m proud of how far I’ve come and how I’ve stayed grounded in my purpose. I’m excited to grow a brand that not only enhances beauty but uplifts women emotionally and spiritually. As I lean more into content creation, I’m looking forward to sharing more of my story and encouraging others through it.
As we all know, life be life-ing and my journey has been full of challenges. During college, I dealt with serious family issues, depression, and anxiety. There were moments I wanted to give up and just be done with it. Let’s be real, sometimes you don’t want to go through the tough stuff, you just want to sleep it through. I laugh about this now, but I can confidently say I handle adversity way better than I did before because in the end, through faith, prayer, and the support of an amazing support system, I stayed the course. I graduated with a fashion degree from CSU 23′, (first gen college grad) earned my beauty license in March 24′, and held onto the belief that my purpose was bigger than my pain. I made it out and still have more work to do!
I’ve learned that success comes from alignment, not appearances. Adversity is meant to grow you, not stop you. And when God is at the center, He’ll sustain you even through the hardest seasons. Of course throughout life, you’re gonna get mad, sad, and feel things, and that’s okay but just know that as long as you are doing the work, it’s paying off. My father’s story consistently inspires me to stay the course and have faith in whatever it is that is calling you. My father came from Madagascar speaking no english, no prior education, nothing. You’re telling me that this man learned how to speak english, hustle and start his own business from scratch?! Nothing but faith and knowing his calling? Now, if that doesn’t encourage you than I don’t know. If he was able to do it through the ups and downs, I literally don’t have an excuse. All things are possible!
What I want people to know about my business, Shei Lashes Co. is that it’s more than beauty — it’s transformation through love, faith, and creativity. Everything I do is for God’s glory. I want women to know they are beautifully and wonderfully made, and that no matter their background, their story is worth telling. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that when you walk in faith and lead with love, what’s meant for you will find you.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting the area she already knows I’m a boujee country girl! First and foremost people need to know that Colorado is a beautiful state full of outdoor activities and we’re on the come up for food. Let me run down how I would plan our week. Day one, we would take it easy maybe get some brunch at Snooze and then take a walk around Denver City Park. It has little small things to do there too with the little lake with the swans, The Denver Nature and Science Museum, and the Denver Zoo. Day two, probably have her get ready to go fishing and take her to some spots and maybe some mini hiking trails in between. Day three, I recently just went on the Manitou Incline, so I would encourage her to do it. It’s definitely tough, mentally and physically, but so worth it for the view and that sense of accomplishment at the top. Afterward, we’d go for smoothies or a light lunch — probably hit Vital Root. The rest of the days probably just take it easy and go into Denver to see what’s popping. I know there are a lot of farmer’s markets, games, and fun activities (ie: escape rooms, beat the bomb, mini golf etc.) that we could explore her time out here.
From my point of view the most fun thing to check out is the food. Denver is on the come up for really good food restaurants. I personally love Mexican food. I would take them to my most favorite Mexican spots: Venalonzos, El Metate, Las Tortas, Tacos y Machete. I also love me some asian food: Star Kitchen (great dimsum), Empress Seafood (dimsum), Pho 99, Saigon Grill Fort Collins (BOMB banh ni), Golden Banh Mi. Saucy Southern is a good spot for bbq and Juicy Seafood, have the best seafood boils. There are some other good spots that are lowkey you would just have to explore and see. That’s probably the most fun thing I do on Sundays with my boyfriend. We try out new food spots all the time.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, all glory and thanks go to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Without His grace, guidance, and favor, I wouldn’t be where I am today. He has not only provided me with the strength to keep going, but also opened doors for me to connect with incredible people who have impacted my life and journey in ways I’ll never forget.
When it comes to my beauty journey specifically, I’ve been truly blessed to be surrounded by strong, supportive women who have poured into me with encouragement, love, and wisdom. These women have believed in me during times I doubted myself and reminded me of my purpose when I needed it most. Their presence in my life has been nothing short of divine.
A special shoutout goes to Jayda Martin of The Lash Insider, whose guidance and mentorship in the lash industry has helped me grow not only as a professional, but also as a confident businesswoman. Her transparency, education, and passion have been a major source of inspiration for me. It was her that really put me on to this journey, and her mother Ms. Cynthia pushing me to pursue beauty, while I was finishing my degree at CSU for Apparel and Merchandising. I was able to graduate with my degree and get my esthetician license enjoying what I do.
Another shoutout goes to Taylor Lewis of RolyatMadeCurls, she has been doing my hair for awhile now and I appreciate sharing my dreams and aspirations with her and being by my side, supporting me through it. She watched me flourish and continues to motivate me to keep on pushing and showing up authentically me.
I am deeply grateful for all the boss women, my lovely clients, and friends who have stood by me, spoken life into my vision, and reminded me that it is possible. Their support has been a light on this journey, and I honor them in every step I take forward.
Website: https://sheilashesco.glossgenius.com/about
Instagram: @sheilashesco
Facebook: Shei Lashes Co
Image Credits
Shei Rakotovao
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