Discover The Origins of Gemma Vendetta

Hello there!

I’m Gemma Vendetta. I’m a sole trader, a Mum to the most dynamic 11yr old (nearly 12) Boy, a qualified Hairdresser, Makeup Artist, and Teacher, and my company is 100% self-funded.

Phew! I am the brains, the brawn, and the madness behind Gemma Vendetta Cosmetics. I also run my styling business and can often be seen around Adelaide doing hair and makeup for special occasions and weddings. I have a thirst for knowledge, and I’m forever learning. My skills and experiences range from an in-depth knowledge and understanding of colour theory and Arts, to broadening my formulation skills by studying Cosmetic Chemistry. Gemma Vendetta Cosmetics officially launched in 2016.

With thanks to InDaily - you can read my whole story, here.

My products are 100% Australian Made and Owned, are Certified Cruelty-Free by Choose Cruelty Free, and also Certified Toxic-Free/Allergy Certified/Made Safe and Certified Vegan by Safe Cosmetics Australia.

My pseudonym - Gemma Vendetta began after a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis in 2007. MS as it's affectionately known is a degenerative autoimmune disease (a genetically pre-disposed auto-immune disease triggered by allergens). I was a vintage style pin-up model and a Qualified Hairdresser and Makeup Artist with an avid love of the 1940s; I wanted to create safe, natural alternatives to the un-safe, immune-distrupting ingredients added to many mainstream cosmetic products since the early 1900s.

My family and career also took a turn following my diagnosis. I gave birth to a son in 2010, had a marriage break-up in 2012 and soon after quit my well-paying, and very safe job to become a full-time stay-at-home mum.

You think by 26 you know what trajectory you’re on, which seems quite innocent and naïve in a way.

I’m 41 now and I think, I really didn’t know who I was or what I wanted necessarily when I was that age. I was just doing what I thought I was supposed to be doing.

There have been lots of really pivotal changes in my adult life that have forced me to reboot.

That reboot was brought on by a passion for vintage hair and make-up styling, which quickly spiralled from a hobby to a profitable skill.

I began to be approached on a regular basis by photographers who were working with models wanting a “pin-up” look in their portfolio. From there started the Gemma Vendetta pseudonym – a name that seems to be somewhat famous within Adelaide’s vintage modelling community.

Whilst working as a Professional Hairdresser and Makeup Artist, I became frustrated by the 'usual' and widely accepted manufacturing ethos of the 'big brands', and wondered:

Why was it the norm to use so many harmful chemicals in our beauty products, at the cost of our health and wellness?

Why did I have to compromise my health and that of my clients with inferior and cheap nasty ingredients?

Why were so many products not only made overseas but companies dominating the Australian market OWNED overseas?

Why are beauty and cosmetics still tested on animals??

So Gemma Vendetta Cosmetics was born. 100% Vegan and Cruelty Free, 100% Australian Made and Owned, with eco-minded packaging, and carefully chosen ingredients with our organic-self in mind. 

Do yourself a favour, and reap the healthy rewards. Be the change. You are invited to purchase today!

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