The community of Lafayette, Louisiana, along with friends and loved ones across the beauty industry, are heartbroken following the tragic passing of Raquel Harris, a talented lash and brow specialist and beloved educator, and her 9-year-old daughter, Skylar Tapp.

Both lost their lives in the devastating fire that occurred Saturday morning at Fat Belly’s Diner in Opelousas. According to the Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal (LAOSFM), the blaze claimed the lives of three individuals who were living in the residential area connected to the diner.

The victims were identified as 48-year-old restaurant owner Jermain Doucet, his 33-year-old girlfriend Raquel Harris, and her daughter Skylar. Investigators revealed that the building did not have working smoke alarms at the time of the fire, an absence that may have worsened the tragedy.

Officials are still working diligently to determine the exact origin and cause of the fire. Raquel Harris was known throughout Lafayette and beyond as a skilled esthetician and entrepreneur. She was the proud owner of Esthetiquebyfaith, where she offered specialized lash, brow, and skin services.

Her dedication to her craft and her clients set her apart, but it was her warmth, compassion, and faith that left the most lasting impression. Clients and colleagues describe her as someone who poured her heart into every appointment, always striving to uplift and encourage others.

One friend shared a touching story about how Raquel once walked into a salon after being misled by a social media scammer. What started as a chance encounter turned into a meaningful connection, as Raquel opened up about her journey and shared her dream of building her own business.

“She was in tears and wanted a hug because she said she felt like God brought her into the salon for a reason,” the friend recalled. Her openness, humility, and courage inspired those around her, and her recent achievements in opening her own business were a source of pride and joy.

Her daughter, Skylar Tapp, was described as bright, sweet, and full of potential. The bond between mother and daughter was evident to all who knew them. Skylar’s life, though heartbreakingly short, was filled with love, laughter, and the nurturing care of her mother.

The news of their passing has prompted an outpouring of grief and remembrance from the community. One client wrote, “Rih to the both of them and her baby girl Skylar… I literally just shouted Raquel Harris out last night because she did an amazing job on my eyebrows last year. This is just crazy.” Another noted, “My heart is so heavy… I’d been on her page looking at all of her progress and seeing she’d opened up her own place. There’s no doubt in my mind she and her daughter are in Heaven right now.”

Raquel and Skylar’s tragic deaths serve as a painful reminder of how fleeting life can be. For her family, friends, and clients, the loss is immeasurable. As the investigation continues, the community is left to grieve the absence of a dedicated mother, a loving daughter, a loyal friend, and a promising young girl whose lives ended far too soon.

May Raquel Harris and her daughter Skylar rest in eternal peace, and may their memories remain a blessing to all who knew and loved them.