Raylene Cravens Named 2019 NovaLash Lash Off WinnerFebruary 8, 2019
Oklahoma native Raylene Cravens was named 2019 Lash Artist of the Year at NovaLash’s 8th Annual LASHoff Gala. Hosted at the Bell Tower in Houston, Texas, the award ceremony marked the brand’s 15th anniversary. Complete with a Quinceañera theme, the event hosted the top four competition finalists in addition to NovaLash Brand Ambassadors and professionals from across the globe, who served the company for over a decade.
NovaLash Founder and CEO Sophy Merszei said, “As always, selecting a winner from among so many dazzling submissions by leading global lash stylists was extremely difficult for our judging panel. In the end, Raylene Cravens stood out, not only as a brilliant lash artist with impeccable skills and technique, but as someone who goes above and beyond to help other lash artists. She’s proven herself as a true NovaLash supporter and we are delighted to have her representing our company this year.”
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As Lash Artist of the Year, Cravens received over $25,000 in cash and prizes, along with travel and business-building opportunities. She will be featured in a magazine spread photo shoot. Like all of the LASHoff finalists and category winners, she is named NovaLash’s 2019 Brand Ambassador, and will make appearances on behalf of NovaLash throughout the year in locations like London and New York.
“This is amazing and beyond describable,” said Cravens, owner of Lash by Lash in Nichols Hills, Oklahoma. “The past eight years with NovaLash have changed my life. I started working in a small salon to owning my own luxury lash studio, and now am the Lash Artist of the Year and a Brand Ambassador. I know this is my calling—inspiring others as others have inspired me. It’s really a dream come true.”
The four finalists were selected from among many applicants after submitting a collection of videos and photographs showcasing their NovaLash technique, artistic skill and fashion talent. Submissions were reviewed by a panel of judges, including Sophy Merszei, NovaLash VP of Global Education Sophia Navarro, the 2018 Brand Ambassador team, and members of the beauty press, including Eye-lash Magazine editor in chief Stephanie Lavery.
In addition to the top honor taken home by Cravens, the other three finalists—all named 2019 “Lash Squad” NovaLash Brand Ambassadors—received much-deserved recognition. Congratulations to Jessica Gadzalinski, Green Bay, WI, who was named Fans’ Choice of the Year; Classic Winner Nikki Melillo, West Palm Beach, FL; and Volume Winner Marte Fjeldberg, Trondheim, Norway.
