AM Cosmetics origin story- the ‘why’ behind the brand.

I started in 2006 in Johannesburg at Camelot International Beauty Academy, doing a 3-year diploma. This included doing your first year of nursing and all of the spa therapies. I qualified in 2008 with the Comité International d’Esthétique et de Cosmétologie (CIDESCO) qualification, which is the most prestigious and received honours from the Confederation of International Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology, which is a British Certification.

Once qualified, I joined the cruise ships as a facialist on the Seabourne Quest. The Quest is part of the Yachts of Seabourn, a 6-star cruise line. Following this I went to Australia, where I worked at a few places before opening my own salon. I specialised in cosmetic tattooing focusing on eyebrows and areola for cancer survivors. I did more education, concentrating on ingredients and understanding how products work.

When my husband and I decided to leave Australia at the beginning of COVID,  I realised I could make my dream come true of having a product line. I’ve always loved learning about all the different ranges, from Elemis to Clarins, to SkinCeuticals. I did a lot of training with all the different products to help me understand what I wanted to do.

A chemist in South Africa helped me to understand that I could do this and realise my dream of making skin care products for African skin and bringing them to Zimbabwe. We are such a special country, but we need more of our own things. During lockdown, I realized we really need to be able to be self-sufficient and sustainable.

I partnered with my mother to make it happen. My mom is the business side of the brand, while I am the dreamer and developer. I am hoping to grow the brand from here. During COVID, I saw how much everybody’s confidence took a big dive.

This is where the ‘AM’ comes from. I wanted to remind everybody that you are beautiful, you are radiant, you are glowing, even if you don’t feel it when you wake up. You’ve got our product lined up in front of you and it says to you… and you should say it to yourself in the mirror, “I am beautiful.”

I chose a selection of active natural ingredients that make a difference. I didn’t want a product that was ‘just natural’ that made no difference to the skin, and I wanted to work in synergy with how the facial muscles and skin work. I have a passion for skin care, and I wanted to create my own brand to make a change in a small way.

Today, AM Cosmetics is an entire skin care line filled with vitamins, antioxidants, peptides, and botanical extracts to care for and rejuvenate your skin. We are Zimbabwean-owned, cruelty-free, and vegan-friendly.