In this exclusive interview, we had the pleasure of speaking with Nicole Concilia Matambudza, a dynamic young entrepreneur and model from Zimbabwe. Nicole, a model signed under Top Model Zimbabwe, recently launched her own cosmetics brand called Concilia Cosmetics. She shared her journey, motivations, and future plans for her brand, as well as her commitment to giving back to the community.
From Model to Entrepreneur:
Nicole, born on January 14, 2004, is an ambitious young woman with a passion for beauty and business. She did her 1.1 last semester at Catholic University but now transferring to Arrupe University to finish her degree in Bachelor’s Degree Hons in Accounting, she is also an affiliate of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), where during her semester breaks she is writing exams so she can be a certified charted accountant. However, Nicole’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to venture into the world of cosmetics.
Concilia Cosmetics: A Labor of Love:
Nicole’s cosmetics brand, Concilia Cosmetics, was launched on October 13, 2023. The brand’s first product, the Sinikiwe Brow Kit Collection, was inspired by Nicole’s personal struggle with mastering her brows. The kit includes a brow pomade with a dual-ended brush, a brow pencil with a spoolie, and a brow glue with a dual-ended brush. It Is designed to provide makeup enthusiasts with everything they need to achieve perfect eyebrows effortlessly.
Honoring Family Support:
The Sinikiwe Brow Kit Collection holds a special place in Nicole’s heart as she named it after her mother. Nicole’s mother has been her unwavering support system, always encouraging her to pursue her dreams. Her mother’s belief in her talents and aspirations motivated Nicole to bring her cosmetics line to life. Nicole’s big brother also played a significant role by providing additional financial support, enabling her to invest in advertising, product photoshoots, and other essential aspects of her brand’s launch.
Staying Motivated by Estee Lauder:
Nicole found inspiration and motivation in the memoir of Estee Lauder, the founder of the renowned cosmetics company that bears her name. Lauder’s memoir shared her challenges as a woman in a male-dominated industry and the strategies she used to build her brand. This book served as a guiding light for Nicole during the challenging phases of establishing Concilia Cosmetics, reminding her of the importance of determination, hard work, and a strong vision.
Sustainable and Compassionate Values:
Concilia Cosmetics aims to be a brand that is vegan and cruelty-free, aligning with Nicole’s commitment to ethical practices. She wants her brand to stand for more than just beauty by making a positive impact on society. Nicole volunteers at the Mobi Soup kitchen, a non-profit organization that feeds underprivileged children in Hatcliffe, Epworth, and Mt. Hampden. In the future, she envisions expanding her philanthropic efforts and supporting organizations that help children, such as orphanages and soup kitchens.
Future Plans and Expansion:
Nicole has ambitious plans for the growth of Concilia Cosmetics. She envisions expanding the brand to other parts of Zimbabwe and aims to have a strong presence worldwide within the next ten years. Alongside this expansion, she plans to introduce complexion products, such as foundations and concealers, that cater to a wide range of skin tones. Nicole’s goal is to ensure inclusivity and accessibility within her product offerings.
Connect with Nicole Concilia and Concilia Cosmetics:
To stay updated on Nicole’s journey as a model and entrepreneur, you can follow her on Instagram at @nicole_concilia. For more information about Concilia Cosmetics and their products, follow @conciliacosmetics on Instagram.