Alan Shamah was born in Brooklyn in the Syrian community. He joined and managed a family apparel business for over 30 years. In 2004 he co-founded elf cosmetics, a global leader in value cosmetics which is now traded on the NYSE under ticker symbol ELF. He is an operating partner in various businesses across a few verticals.

He is a founder and served as the president of his synagogue in Brooklyn New York, Ohel David & Shlomo. Additionally, he is currently sitting on various non profit boards, including Yeshivah of Flatbush, Orthodox Union, Teach NYS and Chai Lifeline. In 2018 he joined the board of trustees of the Sephardic Community Alliance (SCA), a position he still holds.

He currently resides in Brooklyn NY with his wife Helene. He has three children Joey, Steven, and Estee and many beautiful grandchildren.