Gamuchirai Manyika transformed Zimbabwe's makeup industry during economic crisis. Discover Makeup by Gamu's inspiring journey of resilience, innovation, and breaking new ground in a once-overlooked profession
When women think of makeup and beauty in Zimbabwe, Makeup by Gamu stands among the leading brands that captivate their imagination. Founded by 32-year-old Gamuchirai Manyika—affectionately known as Gamu—in 2008, the brand has established itself as a pioneer in Zimbabwe's beauty industry. Gamu's journey to success has been paved with countless tests and trials, forging her resilience along the way.
Makeup by Gamu emerged during Zimbabwe's tumultuous hyperinflationary period. Before launching her company, Gamu worked as an administrator at a Harare advertising agency. Fate intervened when the agency's makeup artist failed to appear for an important job, creating an urgent vacancy that needed filling. When her superiors requested she do makeup on a model with just 30 minutes' notice, Gamu—a woman who thrives on challenges—agreed to attempt it using the few personal cosmetics she had brought to work. The stunning results revealed a hidden talent that would change her life forever.
As Zimbabwe's economy deteriorated, Gamu's salary had eroded to unsustainable levels. "I would queue at banks to collect trillions of Zimbabwean dollars that couldn't even cover my bus fare to work," she recalls. "A single makeup job paid five times more than my salary. It simply made sense to quit and focus on makeup."
Gamu's transition to entrepreneurship was cushioned by the networks she had cultivated at the advertising agency. Initially, her business thrived servicing corporate clients during a time when hyperinflation allowed companies generous marketing budgets. This prosperity proved short-lived, however, when Zimbabwe adopted the United States dollar in 2009, forcing businesses to slash expenditures. "My business went from being super busy to securing just three jobs in a year, particularly around 2010 to 2011," she reveals.
"During that dry season, I wasn't coping at all. Depression set in, and I even sold my car to cover my basic needs," she discloses. Having assumed the role of breadwinner at just 18 after losing her father, Gamu's responsibilities weighed heavily. What sustained her was an indomitable spirit that refused to surrender. Though thoughts of seeking formal employment occasionally tempted her, pride prevented her from what she perceived would be an admission of defeat. Looking back, she's grateful for her persistence through those trying times, continuing to build her reputation through meaningful relationships.
In 2013, as social media gained traction in Zimbabwe, a friend suggested Gamu create a Facebook page to advertise her services. Within the first month online, she secured her first wedding makeup job. Her popularity blossomed through referrals and word of mouth. Today, Makeup by Gamu is a household name associated with local celebrities like Misred, Ruvheneko, and KVG. What distinguishes her artistry is her commitment to treating each client as an individual, creating looks that resonate with their inner essence rather than blindly following market trends. Gamu draws inspiration from how her work transforms people's self-perception, receiving abundant feedback from clients acknowledging newfound confidence and reawakened pride.
Gamu's greatest satisfaction comes from recognizing her contribution to establishing an industry once dismissed and misunderstood. "We broke new ground," she reflects. "It wasn't easy to put this service on the map, define it, and have it taken seriously." In 2008, few young Zimbabweans aspired to become makeup artists; today, it's a trending career path.
To young people pursuing their dreams, Gamu offers wisdom born of experience: follow your passion with the understanding that overnight success is a myth. She emphasizes that financial motivation alone is insufficient, as the first few years of business might yield little profit. "If money is your primary driver, you'll become disheartened," she cautions. "You need to wake up committed to your craft regardless of payment." An avid reader herself, Gamu recommends "Who Moved My Cheese?" by Spencer Johnson and "Rich Dad Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki as essential reading for aspiring entrepreneurs.
