A LEGACY IN COLOR WITH JACKIE MGIDO

More Than Makeup: Journey of Bold Dreams and Fierce Identity

In a world where the beauty industry often feels out of touch with diverse voices, one Zimbabwean-born entrepreneur is changing the narrative not from the sidelines, but right at the center of the global stage.

Jacqueline Mgido, better known as Jackie Mgido, is not just a celebrated Hollywood makeup artist with a star-studded client list.

She is also a powerhouse entrepreneur, a teacher, and a champion for women across Africa.

As the founder of Jacque Mgido Cosmetics, formerly Vault Cosmetics.

Jackie has built the first African-owned makeup brand tailored specifically for women of color.

But beyond product lines and red carpet glam, her mission cuts deeper.

Through her Vault Academy in Zimbabwe, she’s equipping underprivileged women with practical makeup skills, business training, and the self-confidence to step into the world as professionals.

In this exclusive business interview, Jackie opens up about navigating the tough terrain of entrepreneurship in Zimbabwe, bridging the gap between creative passion and sustainable business, and building a brand that is as authentic as it is influential.

From her journey through the demanding world of special effects in Los Angeles to shaping the next generation of makeup artists in Harare.

Jackie’s story is one of purpose, power, and possibility.

"People don’t invest in brands, they invest in the message," she tells us.

And for Jackie, that message is one of courage, creativity, and community.

Read on as she shares the lessons behind her global impact, her views on the evolution of African beauty, and why integrity is still her favorite shade

Who Is Jacqueline Mgido?

JM: She is a mother, wife, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and a celebrated Hollywood makeup artist.

As the founder of Jacque Mgido Cosmetics (formerly Vault Cosmetics), she introduced the first Zimbabwean makeup line specifically designed for women of color.

Her cosmetics line is more than just a brand; it’s a place where women can come and train for free before going out to do makeup professionally.

Jackie Mgido, the Founder of Jacque Mgido Cosmetics

Jacqueline encourages women to immerse themselves in the empowering energy of the space. We take a lot of underprivileged women and groom them to a point where they can represent themselves out there,” she explains.

“I always promised myself that my greatest fulfillment would come from being acknowledged by my own culture and people,” Jacqueline shares. “

I realized early on that I didn’t need to be a millionaire to be a philanthropist.

Giving every woman the chance to sit at the table or create her table starts with making her feel seen, without judgment.”

You speak passionately about the Vault Academy. What inspired you to launch this academy?

JM: Jacqueline noticed a gap during many women's empowerment events.

When women attend these events, their main aim is not just to meet powerful people but to gather information on how they can reach that level themselves.

That inspires me with the knowledge that my story resonates with other women, motivates me to help.”

Her response was to create training programs at her shop for women who want to learn a skill.

“People want to be their bosses but often overlook the importance of the learning process.

The makeup industry might seem glamorous, but building a sustainable business requires patience and sacrifice.

That’s why we offer free training to give women the tools to grow not only as artists but as businesswomen

What is your go-to product or tool for achieving a specific look?

JM: The biggest trend now is becoming a chameleon, using makeup to shift your look to suit different moments and moods

Her personal favorites from Jacque Mgido Cosmetics include:

• 24-Hour Brow Pencil For hairlike strokes that mimic microblading but wash off at day’s end.

• Orange Blush Corrector Essential for African skin tones to neutralize dullness and add vibrancy.

No-Shine Powder

A translucent powder that sets foundation and controls oil for a matte finish.to consolidate the gains achieved thus far.

What upcoming projects or collaborations are you excited about?

Jacqueline is thrilled about the relaunch of her revamped foundation and the return of her highly pigmented lip stains, made transparently in their factory.

“You won’t have to ask who’s making them you can see it for yourself.”.

How do you choose which products or brands to partner with locally, regionally, and internationally?

How do you choose which products or brands to partner with locally, regionally, and internationally?

Hollywood feels like a second home, and I’m proud to be the only Zimbabwean working on some of the biggest shows, like those on Food Network.”

Jacqueline partners only with companies that align with her core values of kindness and integrity, and that give back to Zimbabwe.

What is your approach to creating sponsored content and collaborating with brands?

JM: People don’t invest in brands; they invest in the message.

They want to know what this brand can do for me? That’s the ‘why’ every company needs to define.”

Jacqueline also involves women who sell at local markets, recognizing their gift for brand growth and tenacity

“It’s often not about the money but about exchanging ideas with like-minded people who share a common goal.”

Her marketing philosophy centers on purpose and message.

What has been the most significant challenge you have faced in your career, and how did you overcome it??

JM: People are often more focused on becoming their bosses than investing time in the learning process.

The makeup industry looks glamorous, but building something sustainable takes patience and sacrifice.

‘’Convincing others that time invested yields lasting reward that’s been my toughest lesson and mission.”

How do you balance your creative work with the business side of things?

JM: For Jacqueline, makeup is not just a job

It’s an identity. “It’s who I am. I don’t see a line between work and life; it’s all one flow.”

She sees great potential in Zimbabwe’s rising film and entertainment industry, especially with advancements in Special Effects makeup.

“Quality is key,” she emphasizes. My goal is to bring Hollywood to Zimbabwe.

‘’The music industry has embraced special effects, and makeup has become central in that space as well.”

Her Zimbabwe store is designed to inspire women to start somewhere and make a global impact.

Jacqueline trains them to be businesswomen because Makeup is a lucrative business in Hollywood, and it can be a business in our country

Training lasts about eight months, with new intern rounds regularly advertised.

This time, Jacqueline is inviting older women to participate, expanding opportunities for all who want to learn.

Philosophy On Brand Collaboration

"People don’t invest in brands, they invest in the message," Jacqueline explains.

Her marketing approach centers on impact and purpose.

She often engages women from local markets in her brand-building efforts, recognizing their innate entrepreneurial talents and tenacity

For her, collaboration is often less about money and more about a shared vision and exchange of ideas.

Industry Evolution & Beauty Trends

When Jacqueline launched her brand 15 years ago, makeup was considered a luxury in Africa

Today, it is increasingly seen as a tool for personal branding and self-expression

She has witnessed countless women change their perceptions about makeup after a single transformative experience.

She also emphasizes the importance of catering to different skin tones, types, and textures.

Her approach is inclusive and experimental, designed to resonate with a wide demographic.

"We’re not there yet, but we’re nearly there."

She says with optimism, pointing to Zimbabwe’s growing presence on global beauty stages.

Legacy in Progress

From the glitter of Hollywood to the streets of Harare, Jacqueline Mgido is redefining what beauty means.

Through every product, training session, and mentorship opportunity, she paints a future where every woman has the power to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

The Vault Academy: Empowering Through Education

Vault Academy was born from Jacqueline’s desire to provide real opportunities for women, particularly those from marginalized communities.

Currently, Jacqueline is extending the program to include older women, reinforcing her mission of inclusivity and skill access for all.

Creativity Meets Business

To Jacqueline, makeup is more than a profession; it's part of her identity. "I don’t feel the line between work and life, it’s all one flow," she says.

Beyond makeup artistry, she trains women to be business owners.

Her mission is to prove that the makeup industry can thrive as a serious enterprise in Zimbabwe, just as it does across the world

Interview by Universe Hangombe