Gloss Angeles: The Long Storied History of Lashify's Drama

Episode Release Date: March 11, 2025
Hosts: Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan

Introduction

In this episode of Gloss Angeles, co-hosts Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan delve into a multifaceted discussion that begins with somber news in the beauty industry before transitioning into a heated analysis of the ongoing drama surrounding Lashify, a prominent at-home lash extension system. This summary captures the key points, insights, and conclusions drawn by Kirbie and Sara throughout the episode.

In Memoriam: Graham Nation and Jesus Guerrero (00:41 - 07:19)

The episode opens with the hosts expressing their heartfelt condolences over the recent passing of two esteemed hairstylists, Graham Nation and Jesus Guerrero. Both individuals were beloved figures in the beauty community, and their sudden deaths have left a significant impact.

• Kirbie Johnson (00:42): "We felt it was important to discuss this because these are two beloved hairstylists that Sarah and I both have either had personal relationships with or have met in passing."

Graham Nation passed away on February 14th at the age of 39, leaving behind his wife, Tanya Brewer, a celebrity makeup artist, and their six-month-old son. His career was on a notable ascent, highlighted by his work in a Super Bowl commercial alongside Catherine O'Hara and collaborations with high-profile clients like Demi Moore and Emma Chamberlain.

• Sara Tan (03:58): "Jesus was known for doing JLo's hair. And most notably, Kylie... Every single person that has posted about either of them has just said that they were kind and loving."

Jesus Guerrero passed on February 22nd at the age of 34 while in Dubai, under circumstances that remain partially unclear. His close work with celebrities such as Kylie Jenner and his reputation as a bright light in the industry underscore the magnitude of his loss.

The hosts also mention the establishment of GoFundMe pages for both Graham and Jesus, aiming to support their families during this difficult time.

Transition to Lashify Drama (07:19 - 30:24)

Shifting from the somber remembrance, Kirbie and Sara pivot to what they describe as "petty yet juicy Instagram drama" involving Bethenny Frankel and Lashify. This segment examines the contentious interactions between Frankel, a reality TV star and beauty influencer, and Lashify, a company renowned for its patented at-home lash extension system.

Bethenny Frankel vs. Lashify (07:37 - 12:16)

The drama began when Bethenny Frankel publicly criticized Lashify for what she perceived as deceptive practices. Lashify's founder, Sahara Lottie, responded aggressively, asserting legal action against Frankel for promoting counterfeit lashes.

• Kirbie Johnson (07:41): "She did not mince words."
• Sara Tan (08:21): "She's now mostly known for these totally unhinged TikTok beauty reviews."

Kirbie highlights Sahara Lottie's extensive patent portfolio—600 patents related to Lashify's unique underlash system and at-home extensions—and contrasts this with other beauty brands like Charlotte Tilbury and Beautyblender, which do not hold similar patents.

• Kirbie Johnson (12:16): "Sahara Lottie has a PAT, has 600 patents on Lashify itself."

Historical Context of Lashify's Legal Actions (12:16 - 21:59)

The hosts provide a comprehensive overview of Lashify's history of litigating against competitors and consumers alike. Notably, Lashify won a lawsuit against Kingdao Lash Beauty Cosmetic Company, securing $34 million for patent infringements. This case sets a precedent for Lashify's aggressive legal stance to protect its intellectual property.

• Sara Tan (16:57): "This is a pattern, okay? This is a pattern for her. This isn't like a one off, a two off."

Kirbie recounts previous incidents where Lashify's founder targeted beauty influencers who used or reviewed the product, often leading to public disputes. One such case involved Manny Gutierrez (Manny MUA), who faced backlash after expressing dissatisfaction with Lashify's product in 2018.

• Kirbie Johnson (23:27): "So she posted this story, being like, thanks for the entertainment, Manny Mua. How about you actually use the product properly?"

Community and Influencer Reactions (21:59 - 26:00)

The beauty community has been vocal in their criticism of Lashify's approach, particularly regarding privacy concerns and the targeting of consumers who simply wish to use or review the product. Influencers and users alike have expressed frustration over Sahara Lottie's direct messages and legal threats.

• Sara Tan (21:59): "But threatening legal action for even to the consumer. It's so bizarre."

Kirbie emphasizes the impracticality and aggression of Lashify's tactics, questioning how consumers can navigate product usage without falling foul of patent laws—a concern not typically associated with other beauty products.

• Kirbie Johnson (19:00): "Am I expected to know that there is a patent on this water bottle that I'm drinking out of?"

Current Standings and Future Outlook (26:00 - 30:24)

Despite the backlash, Lashify continues to defend its practices, though Kirbie and Sara suggest that the company's approach may be detrimental to its reputation and customer relations. They propose that Sahara Lottie could benefit from focusing on legal battles against larger corporations infringing on her patents rather than targeting individual consumers and influencers.

• Kirbie Johnson (27:03): "I think she should continue on her crusade against these large companies that have purposefully taken her patented IP and are profiting off of it."

The hosts invite patent law experts to provide further insights and extend an open invitation to Sahara Lottie to discuss these issues on their podcast, expressing a desire to understand the founder's motivations and strategies.

• Kirbie Johnson (29:16): "Truly, this is an open invitation. Come on the podcast, let's talk about it."

Hosts’ Perspectives and Concluding Thoughts (30:24 - End)

Kirbie and Sara conclude the episode by reflecting on the complexities of brand management, legal protections, and community engagement within the beauty industry. They acknowledge Sahara Lottie's passion for protecting her brand but critique the methods employed against consumers and smaller influencers.

• Sara Tan (28:34): "Her PR team deserves a Margarita IV after this week because they deserve it."

The hosts reiterate their support for the communities affected by these disputes and emphasize the importance of balancing intellectual property rights with fair and respectful consumer relationships.

Key Takeaways

1. Tragic Losses: The beauty industry mourns the loss of two talented hairstylists, Graham Nation and Jesus Guerrero, whose contributions and relationships left indelible marks.

2. Lashify’s Legal Aggression: Lashify, under founder Sahara Lottie, has aggressively pursued legal action to protect its extensive patent portfolio, leading to conflicts with influencers and consumers.

3. Community Backlash: The beauty community criticizes Lashify's approach as overreaching and damaging to the brand’s reputation, advocating for more balanced strategies.

4. Industry Insights: The episode underscores the challenges brands face in safeguarding intellectual property while maintaining positive consumer relations in a competitive market.

5. Open Dialogue: Kirbie and Sara invite further discussion and expert opinions to explore the broader implications of Lashify's legal strategies within the beauty industry.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Kirbie Johnson (02:00): "He has just the sweetest heart. And he's so gentle."
• Sara Tan (03:58): "Jesus was known for doing JLo's hair. And most notably Kylie..."
• Kirbie Johnson (07:37): "Did you see the video where Bethenny Frankel called out Lashify?"
• Sara Tan (15:43): "I have two comments."
• Kirbie Johnson (19:40): "And Lashify is expensive. Okay. Right now, I think the starter kit is $150."
• Kirbie Johnson (27:13): "Do it. And obviously you're entitled to compensation and whatever the hell else you want."
• Sara Tan (28:34): "Her PR team deserves a Margarita IV after this week because they deserve it."
• Kirbie Johnson (30:01): "We want to hear you talk to Kirby and Sara. I would personally."

Gloss Angeles continues to provide in-depth analysis and candid discussions on the intersection of beauty, culture, and the entertainment industry. This episode offers listeners a comprehensive look into internal conflicts that shape brand reputations and community trust.