Victoria Jackson's journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a cosmetics mogul and philanthropist is nothing short of extraordinary. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including sexual assault and an early life in survival mode, she transformed her passion for beauty into a groundbreaking cosmetics brand. Her innovative approach to marketing makeup through infomercials revolutionized the industry, generating over a billion dollars in sales. Later, when her daughter was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease, Jackson shifted her focus to medical research, founding a charitable foundation that has made significant strides in treating the condition. Today, she continues to inspire women through her "no makeup makeup" philosophy and her latest ventures in publishing and community building.
Jackson's influence extends beyond the beauty industry. Her personal struggles and triumphs have shaped her into a resilient leader who empowers others. After launching her cosmetics line, she dedicated decades to educating women about beauty and self-confidence. When her daughter's health crisis struck, Jackson channeled her entrepreneurial spirit into medical research, raising millions for neuromyelitis optica (NMO) studies. Now, she shares her wisdom on overcoming fear through her new book and fosters community through her bookstore. This multifaceted legacy showcases her unwavering commitment to making a difference in people's lives.
The Rise of a Beauty Pioneer
In the mid-1980s, Victoria Jackson faced skepticism from male executives when she proposed selling makeup through television infomercials. Undeterred by their doubts, she confidently predicted that her idea would yield substantial profits. Within the first week of airing her infomercial, Jackson achieved an unprecedented milestone by generating $1 million in sales. Over the next decade, her brand thrived on QVC, where she launched over 600 products and amassed a billion-dollar empire. Her success was rooted in a unique "no makeup makeup" philosophy that emphasized natural beauty, which resonated deeply with women seeking a fresh approach to cosmetics.
Jackson's path to becoming a cosmetics mogul was anything but conventional. Born in New York in 1955, she endured a tumultuous upbringing marked by an alcoholic stepfather and a traumatic assault at age 17. Despite these challenges, she found solace in creativity, eventually securing a scholarship to beauty school. Her career as a makeup artist flourished, leading to high-profile magazine shoots and collaborations with celebrities. Jackson's entrepreneurial instincts led her to create her own foundation, which laid the foundation for Victoria Jackson Cosmetics. By embracing a minimalist approach to makeup, she not only revolutionized the industry but also empowered women to embrace their natural beauty. Her educational efforts extended to UCLA extension classes and prison outreach programs, where she shared her expertise and business acumen.
A Legacy of Compassion and Innovation
In 2008, Victoria Jackson's world changed dramatically when her daughter Ali was diagnosed with NMO, a rare autoimmune disease. Faced with a grim prognosis, Jackson embarked on an intensive self-study of molecular immunology, determined to find treatments for this devastating condition. She founded the Guthy-Jackson Charitable Foundation, dedicating $80 million of her own funds to fund groundbreaking research. Her relentless efforts culminated in three FDA-approved treatments by 2020, offering hope to thousands of patients. Through her work, Jackson created a patient registry and an app to keep patients informed, transforming the landscape of NMO treatment and support.
Beyond her medical advocacy, Jackson continues to inspire women through her writing and community initiatives. Her fifth book, "We All Worry, Now What?", offers a five-step approach to managing fear, drawing on her experiences as a "black belt worrier." The book features essays from notable figures like Gloria Steinem and Jane Fonda, highlighting their strategies for navigating anxiety. In addition to her literary pursuits, Jackson opened Godmothers, a bookstore in Summerland, California, designed as a gathering place for storytelling and community building. The store's interior reflects her passion for design, featuring a hall dedicated to influential women throughout history. As she approaches her 70th birthday, Jackson remains committed to manifesting her visions and empowering others to achieve their goals.