02.20.24
Maesa is waving the wand on its first incubator cohort, Maesa Magic.
Launched in July 2023, the Maesa Magic Incubator was designed to bridge the entrepreneurial access gap, empowering early-stage beauty and wellness entrepreneurs from under-served communities.
Over the course of the inaugural program, three entrepreneurs behind the brands were provided with the opportunity to learn from top industry experts and apply the knowledge to grow their companies. This included a 12-week intensive curriculum, specifically tailored to bring their respective brand visions to life; admission to the leadership development program, the “Future of Commerce and Work,” hosted by Emerson Group onsite at the Harvard Faculty Club; a $35,000 grant; and feedback and tools needed to thrive in the CPG category from Maesa leadership, Hairitage Founder and CEO Mindy McKnight, Create & Cultivate Founder Jaclyn Johnson and motivational speaker and writer Jodi-Ann Burey.
The graduates of the inaugural Maesa Magic Incubator cohort include the following businesses:
Fuzz Clinic, founded by Keisha Wagner-Gaymon. This pre/post hair removal skincare for women of color includes formulations infused with botanical ingredients aimed at addressing common issues such as dark marks, irritation and bumps often associated with hair removal. Fuzz Clinic’s mission is to empower its customers by boosting confidence and enhancing their self-esteem.
House of Foster, founded by Selah Jael, promotes explorative fragrance featuring clean modern accords with a soulful undertone. House of Foster was born in search of the "untold scent story," with culture-led formulation that “redefines the constraints of clean fragrance” per the brand.
Squigs Beauty, founded by Nikita Charuza, is an award-winning Ayurvedic beauty brand whose comprehensive approach includes care for the face and scalp. A percentage of proceeds is donated to mental health charities.