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Impact

Victoria Jackson Turned Beauty Into a Mission

Image courtesy of Victoria Jackson

25 Jul '25
By The Shift
25 Jul '25
By The Shift

The Shift highlights women’s stories through the lens of impact. It hopes to contextualize history and inspire action.

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Victoria Jackson is a beauty pioneer, medical research advocate, and Women’s Hall of Fame inductee. She built a billion-dollar cosmetics brand and later founded a groundbreaking foundation for NMO research after her daughter’s diagnosis—leading to the first FDA-approved treatments and earning global recognition for her visionary, life-saving work.

The Shift:

Who are three women who inspire you?

Victoria:

Gloria Steinem: Gloria has always inspired me with her unwavering commitment to women’s rights and her fearless voice for equality. Her lifelong dedication to service and advocacy has paved the way for so many women, and her wisdom and compassion hold a special place in my heart. I am so lucky to call her a dear friend.

My daughter, Ali: For all that she’s accomplished, Ali is truly my hero—so full of sunshine and light. Her courage, resilience, positivity and love inspire me every day. 

Sherry Lansing: Not only is Sherry the godmother to Ali, but she is also a godmother to so many, offering wisdom and support with a generous heart. As the first female CEO of Paramount Pictures, she shattered glass ceilings and redefined leadership in Hollywood. I’m grateful for her friendship.

The Shift:

What is the legacy you hope to leave behind as a changemaker and leader in your industry?

Victoria:

The legacy I hope to leave behind is one of purpose-driven impact—where beauty, compassion, and resilience intersect to create lasting change. In the beauty industry, my goal was never just about makeup; it was about empowering women to feel confident in their own skin. The “No Makeup” makeup look wasn’t merely a trend; it was a movement to redefine beauty standards and celebrate authenticity. I wanted every woman to see herself not as a collection of flaws to conceal but as someone inherently beautiful and powerful.

However, my true legacy, I believe, extends far beyond the world of cosmetics. When my daughter was diagnosed with NMO, my focus shifted from enhancing outward beauty to fighting for life itself. Establishing The Guthy-Jackson Charitable Foundation was a testament to the power of love, hope, and an unwavering belief in the impossible. In less than a decade, we went from zero treatments to FDA-approved therapies for NMO—an achievement that was deemed improbable, if not impossible. The impact we’ve made in the world of medical research is something I hope will inspire others to believe that with enough determination, resources, and a personal mission, real change is possible—even against all odds.

Ultimately, I want my legacy to be defined by the lives touched and transformed—whether by giving women the confidence to embrace their natural beauty or by giving patients and families battling NMO a reason to hope. My journey has always been about turning challenges into catalysts for change, and I hope to inspire future leaders to do the same with courage, compassion, and an unshakeable sense of purpose.

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Victoria Jackson is honored as part of The Shift’s “90 Plus One” list, which recognizes influential women shaping contemporary culture. With Gloria Steinem featured on the inaugural print cover, the list pays homage to her 91 years of activism by highlighting a powerhouse community of women shifting culture.