The Sunday Mail
Kimberly Mhembere
THE name Jackie Mgido is synonymous with cosmetology.
The Hollywood-based Zimbabwean makeup artist, who works with well-known American stars, was recently in the country, where she touched and changed the lives of many Zimbabwean women.
Helping women from all walks of life, the Harare-born celebrity makeup artist held free makeover classes for 200 women in the capital.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail Society, Mgido spoke about how she intends to develop the local cosmetology sector.
She said her main target group are women who cannot afford to pay for makeover classes but are eager to start their own businesses.
The free training, according to Mgido, will go a long way in developing the local cosmetology industry.
“After training them, the women will go out there and not only start their own studios but will also, in turn, train other aspiring makeup artists. This is one of the reasons Zimbabwe is now a makeup artist hub,” said the 49-year-old.
Asked why she trains local women for free, when she can make a killing out of the sessions, Mgido said her aim is to train as many women as possible.
“It is true that I can make money out of such trainings. I, however, have a gift I wish to share with women from all walks of life. Conducting the lessons for free will result in the training of as many women as possible,” Mgido said.
Locally, Mgido owns Vault Cosmetics. In the United States, she has done work for Sylvester Stallone, Snoop Dogg, Denzel Washington and many other Hollywood stars.
Mgido, who was born and raised in the high-density suburb of Tynwald, began her journey some 20 years ago, when she left Zimbabwe to pursue veterinary science studies in the United States.
Along the way, she decided to pursue a career in cosmetology.
Watching an Oprah Winfrey show changed Mgido’s life forever.
“I was watching an Oprah Winfrey show and was blown away by the makeovers they did in this particular episode. I then decided to join a departmental store as a makeup artist for me to gain exposure,” said Mgido.
She then enrolled in Make-Up Designory, popularly known as MUD, in California, where she studied the art of special effects and makeup for movies and commercials.
A breakthrough was soon to follow, as she began interning as a makeup artist, free of charge, in Hollywood.
The rest, as they say, is history.
She then tried to make a foray into the Zimbabwean market. This, however, proved to be a tall order.
“I launched Vault in Zimbabwe in 2012, and for six months, I was operating at a loss. In the first six months, I lost more than US$70 000,” Mgido said.
Undeterred, she ventured into the production of cosmetics that suit the locals.
The venture proved a resounding success.
“After four failed attempts with manufacturers, I finally found a chemist I could work with to make lipstick foundations that are best suited for the black skin.
“I started selling products that are affordable and my business flourished,” added the famous makeup artist.
Mgido was recently contracted by Food Network to do on-set makeup for celebrity chefs, including Alex Guarnaschelli, Tyler Florence and Cat Cora.
Vault Cosmetics has branches in the US, the United Kingdom and South Africa.
Twitter: @kimberlymhembe1
