In an industry often dominated by trends and aesthetics, Gorge Makeup ZA stands out as a brand rooted in authenticity, artistry, and heart. At the centre of it all is the founder, an inspiring Black woman whose journey from property to powder brushes is nothing short of remarkable.

Nono Linchwe’s love for makeup started in an unexpected place, in the world of real estate. “In real estate, presentation is everything” she explains. “I became really interested in makeup as a way to enhance my professional image.” It didn’t take long for others to notice. Compliments turned into requests, and what started as personal grooming evolved into a calling. “Clients would ask if I could do their makeup, and that gave me the confidence to explore it seriously.”

Before she knew it, she was practicing on others, building a skillset, and falling in love with the craft. What began as a personal interest quickly turned into a passion and, eventually, a fulfilling career.

That’s when everything changed. At the time, she was already feeling the need to try something new. That “something” became Gorge Makeup ZA, a brand that celebrates authenticity, elegance, and self-expression. The name Gorge is special to Nono, as it stems from her Setswana name Gorata, which means “to love.” She mixed “GOR” with “GE” from “gorgeous” to create a name that feels personal, powerful, and true to who she is.

“To me, Gorge represents self-love, confidence, and the power of enhancing natural beauty in a way that feels true to you.” Gorge Makeup ZA is more than a beauty brand. It’s a celebration of authenticity, elegance, and self-expression. At its core, the brand is about helping people feel confidently beautiful in their own skin. Inspired by the modern African woman who is bold, stylish, and unapologetically herself, Nono blends technical skill with creative artistry to deliver looks that are both timeless and trend-forward.

From bridal glam to red carpet events and TV productions, every face is treated with care, intention, and individuality. The brand’s versatility shines through its wide range of services, including beauty makeup, special effects, airbrush techniques, TV makeup, and permanent brows, offering clients a full beauty experience. At the heart of it all is a signature style: clean, radiant, and refined. Whether it’s soft glam or bold editorial, the focus is always on enhancing natural beauty without overdoing it.

Each look is designed to elevate and empower, leaving clients feeling like the best version of themselves. Yet behind the flawless finishes and glowing reviews lies a journey shaped by resilience and hard work. Balancing the creative side of makeup with the demands of running a business was no easy task. Nono had to teach herself how to handle bookings, manage finances, market her services, and build a brand, all while still working in real estate.

With no mentors or industry role models to guide her, she leaned on self-discipline and determination. She spent countless hours online, studying and recreating looks that inspired her. Her success is the result of trusting her instincts, learning through hands-on experience, and showing up consistently, even when things felt uncertain. And her efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. She was recently nominated for a prestigious beauty award, a moment she describes as overwhelming and affirming. “As entrepreneurs, we often forget to celebrate ourselves. This nomination reminded me that hard work, even when done quietly, doesn’t go unseen.”

This year marked a major milestone: her first major international gig at AfroNation 2025 in Portugal, where she worked with headline acts, top DJs, and performers. “It was surreal. Although I’ve previously worked internationally, including a bride in Mozambique, this was by far the most significant milestone in my career so far.”

Now, Nono is focusing on giving back through education. She’s in the process of launching masterclasses and workshops designed to empower aspiring makeup artists and share the knowledge she’s gained throughout her journey. For her, it’s about more than beauty, it’s about building a supportive community rooted in confidence, creativity, and purpose. Her dream is to grow Gorge Makeup ZA into a platform that not only transforms faces but also inspires and uplifts others. With exciting collaborations and new projects on the horizon, she’s looking forward to expanding the brand’s reach and impact in meaningful ways.

Still, navigating the beauty industry as a young Black woman comes with its own set of challenges. There’s often pressure to work twice as hard, be twice as prepared, and constantly prove your worth in spaces where representation is limited. But Nono believes that Black women bring something incredibly powerful to the table – culture, creativity, and a unique perspective that can’t be replicated.

When asked what advice she has for aspiring artists, her answer is simple but profound: “Stay authentic. Don’t rush your journey. Keep learning, keep experimenting, and surround yourself with people who uplift you. Most importantly, believe in yourself, especially when it feels hard.” As Gorge Makeup ZA continues to grow, one thing is clear: it’s more than just a beauty brand. It’s a movement celebrates confidence, self-expression, and the kind of beauty that radiates from within.

Nounouche Contributor: Sisipho Mlotywa