TAKUDZWA HILLARY CHIWANZA
Finally, a platform to honour the beauty sector maestros has arrived. The inaugural Zimbabwe Beauty Industry Awards (ZBIA) are here and the launch of this much-needed platform celebrating the excellence in the country’s fast-growing beauty and wellness scene is cause for celebration. This pioneering initiative, a first of its kind in Zimbabwe, will mark a historic milestone for an industry that has long operated without formal recognition of the talent it holds. Forget it being all about the glitz and glamour; of course that’s part of the proceedings, but the crux of the matter here is that at last, a stage to celebrate the industry’s service providers has now come to life.
The event, to be held on 1 November, 2025, at Cresta Lodge in Harare, comes at a critical juncture - the beauty and wellness industry in Zimbabwe is on a steady surge, yet there has never been any formal celebration of the people behind it. The everyday people who move the industry forward, providing quality services to a wide array of clients. From natural hair stylists, wig installation stylists, and makeup artists, to skin treatment specialists, nail techs, and barbers, thousands of professionals are contributing to a thriving ecosystem that is often overlooked. This is the narrative that ZBIA is out to change, for the better. It is all about celebrating the impeccable innovation and dedication exhibited by these professionals on a daily basis.
ZBIA is the brainchild of Natasha Mutsinzira, a certified event planner and owner of Tashathefloristandstylist Events & Chiso Beauty Studio. A trailblazer in her line of work -- with numerous qualifications in event planning, floral management, nail artistry, permanent makeup, and business administration -- Mutsinzira firmly believes the time to honour the service providers in the beauty industry is now. In conceiving ZBIA, she was spurred by the innate desire to celebrate those who “play a huge role in beautifying people for different activities and events”.
“The Zimbabwe Beauty Industry Awards celebrates and honours the exceptional talent, dedication, and passion of beauty professionals who go above and beyond to deliver outstanding service. From skilled therapists, beauticians and stylists to innovative entrepreneurs, we're recognizing the individuals and businesses that are redefining the beauty landscape in Zimbabwe,” Mutsinzira told this publication.
The inaugural awards ceremony will celebrate the very best in the following 11 categories: Beauty Game Changers, Natural Hair Maintenance and Styling, Hair and Wig Installation, Makeup, Braiding, Skin Treatment, Massaging, Brow Specialists, Nails, Lashes, and Barbers. Mutsinzira revealed that there is an adjudication team that checks on the quality of work of various service providers in the beauty and wellness industry; focusing on criteria such as work ethic, customer service, referrals, as well as random visits to their workplaces (usually after having checked them out on social media first). They also allowed nominations from clients.
On what to expect on the night of the ceremony, Mutsinzira had this to say: “Chief Koti will host and MC the awards ceremony alongside his co-host Tinashe Simudzirayi. We'll have entertainment from the Saxmania Denilson and a surprise guest performance. Exceptional talent will be rightly honoured that night and there will be red carpet glitz and glam interviews hosted by the influencer Natalie Nachipo and Boom Baby DJ from StarFM.”
She added that winners will receive personalized trophies, certificates, and mentorship opportunities, making ZBIA a platform that truly uplifts the best talent in the industry. “We’re trying to motivate others to thrive and be on that stage of excellence too,” she remarked. Mutsinzira also highlighted that ZBIA has managed to secure sponsors for the inaugural edition, and these are Rockers Island, Keithreel Artistry, Digsol Media, Kenchris Wedding Stationery, Laureate le Beauty Training. More sponsors are still being sought, she said.
The Zimbabwe Beauty Industry Awards are here to validate the artistry, discipline, commitment, and business acumen within the beauty sector. And such arrival is refreshing. For Mutsinzira, this is just the beginning. The plan is to scale this platform, making it bigger and bigger with each and every year. And that is a bold statement of intent. Beyond the accolades, the awards constitute the perfect conduit to professionalize the sector, inspire collaboration, and amplify Zimbabwe’s creative talent on a continental stage.
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