Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
HOLLYWOOD make-up artist Jacqueline Mgido will never forget her roots, despite the fame she has garnered both locally and internationally.
As the creator of Vault Cosmetics and Vault Academy Make-up School, she proudly joins Zimbabweans in celebrating their 45th Independence Day today.
In her reflections, Jacque shares her insights on the significance of independence and its impact on women in the beauty industry.
“Independence doesn’t always come with a grand announcement. For many women, it begins quietly – with a decision to do something for themselves.
“It’s not just about financial freedom, it’s also about trusting yourself and believing your choices are valid. From learning a new skill to starting over, independence belongs to every woman, no matter where she begins,” she emphasised.
Reflecting on her calling to empower women in the beauty industry, Jacque said: “At the heart of our brand is a simple belief: when a woman learns a skill, she unlocks something far greater than just knowledge – she unlocks herself. Education isn’t just about classrooms or textbooks.”
“For us, it’s about real-life, hands-on learning that leads to tangible change. Whether it’s mastering the art of a flawless foundation or learning how to price a service, the women we teach walk away with more than just technique – they leave with confidence, vision, and a path forward.”
She shared some of the challenges they face in convincing women to take beauty seriously.
“Many of the women who join our programmes come in quietly. Some are shy. Some are unsure if they even belong there. But by the end of the workshop, something shifts. You see it in their posture. You hear it in their voice. You witness it when they take out their phone to start building their first portfolio or DM their first client,” she stressed.
“Our goal isn’t just to teach makeup. It’s to spark independence. We equip women with the tools, language, and mindset to step into new roles – as artists, business owners, and leaders in their own lives. And we don’t just drop knowledge and disappear. We stay connected. We mentor.
“We celebrate their wins. We answer the tough questions. We believe community is part of the education process – because learning alone is hard, but learning together? That’s where magic happens. When a woman has skill, support, and self-belief, she becomes unstoppable. That’s what we’re here to build.”
Jacque, who has been in this business for years, believes there is more to beauty since it helps in self-expression.
“Makeup, when used intentionally, becomes a language. It tells the world how you want to show up – and more importantly, how you see yourself. Some days that means a dramatic wing and a red lip. Other days it’s just enough to glow and go.
“The point is: you get to decide. That’s what we love most about beauty, it gives women permission to take up space. To experiment, celebrate their features, roots, moods, and milestones. It’s not about hiding flaws, it’s about honouring your face, your story, your journey,” she said.
She highlighted the power of beauty in celebrating cultural identity. “There’s something powerful about looking in the mirror and seeing not just your reflection, but your culture, your story, and your lineage reflected back at you.”
She shared her wish of building legacies as we celebrate independence today.
“As we celebrate independence, we’re not just looking back, we’re looking forward. At Jacque Mgido Cosmetics, everything we do is about legacy. Not the kind carved in stone, but the kind written in the lives of everyday women – who dared to believe in something more.
“We’re growing, not just as a beauty brand, but as a movement for skill, self-worth, and sisterhood. Our dream is to expand access to education across more cities in Zimbabwe and beyond.”
She emphasised that they will create more programmes that not only teach makeup artistry, but also equip women to run their own businesses brimming with confidence.
“We envision a world where more women earn on their own terms. Where a brush becomes a tool for independence. Where mentorship replaces competition. And where beauty becomes a shared experience of empowerment, not comparison. We’ll continue to show up – on the ground and online – with training, products, and stories that reflect the boldness and brilliance of our people.
“Whether you’re just starting your journey or already walking in your power, there’s room for you here. Because independence isn’t a day on the calendar. It’s a decision we make – again and again – to build something better, together.”
However, Jacque left Zimbabwe for the United States at a young age and made an impact overseas in the beauty world. She left home after high school and stayed with her sister in St. Louis, MO. From there, she went on to study cosmetology in Philadelphia and film and makeup artistry in Los Angeles, eventually building a name for herself in Hollywood.
Her work took her to red carpets, global TV sets, and major production studios – yet, no matter how far she went, home was never far from her heart. Because for Jacque, success was never just about glamour. It was about impact.
After years of mastering her craft abroad, she came back – not just to visit, but to build and launch Jacque Mgido Cosmetics. As we celebrate our independence, Jacque deserves her flowers while she is still alive.
