About the Collection:
We're teaming up with independent artists in the lash community to collaborate on personalized, limited edition color collections. The colors and design of these collections tell the story of the creator; their personality, and the unique take that they have on the lash industry. Ego Trip by Denys Rodriguez @denydiva is the 2nd collection in our Creator Series.
When we set out to find our next artist for our Creator Series, we wanted to find someone who had such a personality that we could personify them into actual colors. Someone with a personal brand so strong that when you thought of them, you could immediately name colors that represent them. I was listening to a lash podcast when the podcaster mentioned how funny Denys Rodriguez (@denydiva) IG account was, and how he was becoming the lash industry's comedian. As a personal follower and fan of Denys myself (we love a fellow lash artist repping the East Coast) I immediately thought of his iconic character Tati, with her gold hoops and iconic frosty eyeshadow. With so much excitement, I reached out to Deny and asked him what he thought about literally turning Tati into eyelash colors, as our next Creator Series Collection. Imagine: Tati's eyeshadow in real life as a vivid ombre set. Turns out, it was perfect timing, as Instagram just recently sent her filter to the graveyard. 
Below is a chat with Deny about his journey with Tati.
TLR: When did you start posting as Tati, and why was it such a hit?
Denys: "I started posting with the filter 4 years ago in 2022 and the content performed really well. I think it resonated with everyone because she represented everything we aren't supposed to do, say, or be as lash artists but wish we could. She made everyone feel validated in their intrusive thoughts. One day I half jokingly made a post asking people to give this character a name and it took off from there"
TLR: How did you come up with the names for this collection, "Alter Ego" and "Love Letter"?
Denys: When we decided to make a collection centered around Tati, I wanted it to be a love letter to the character since I owe a lot of my growth on social media to her, so that's how I came up with "Love Letter". Since the collection is based on the character's eyeshadow colors and the purple color is the more prominent one, I wanted that one to be almost like the main character in the collection. I've always said that Tati is like my alter ego, and as I was thinking of names that just kept popping in my head so I went with it. 
TLR: How did you feel when IG removed the filter?
Denys: Honestly, I was bummed but also a little relieved. I owe a lot of how much I've grown on social media to how much everyone enjoyed this character which I really appreciated, but I started feeling like I was viewed more as a character than a lash artist. I started to lack inspiration on videos that included her, and started posting her less. I tried to bring her back because I saw how much people enjoyed her content, but then I saw she was gone and it was sad.
TLR: What is your experience with color lashes, and what impact do you hope our Creator Series collaboration will have on you as an artist?
Denys: To be honest, color theory has never been my strong suit but even though I struggle with putting colors together, I've always loved it. When I was doing hair I had aspirations of being a colorist and was always so infatuated with the fantasy hair color artists and I wanted to do that so badly. I've done pops of color here and there on some clients but I've never gotten a real chance to do any of the cool colorful sets so hopefully this collection inspires people to come to me for those!
TLR: How do you think your audience will react to this collab?
Denys: I think it will be unexpected because I am not really known for colorful lash sets, but I think that's why it will be exciting. I hope it helps more artists feel comfortable playing with color, especially with more traditional clients. I know these aren't the most subtle colors but in general you don't have to only use color in bold ways. You can also use them to create subtle looks.
TLR: I know that you said you struggle with color theory and putting together colors, but I've seen some color lash sets on your page. So, what do you use as inspiration to guide you?
Denys: Honestly, every day things. I'll look at something like the colors in a flower for example and think, hmm that would look so cool as lashes.
