Industry News

Maesa Opens Applications for Second Indie Brand Incubator Program

Beauty and wellness entrepreneurs identifying as being from under-represented communities can apply until August 23.

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By: Christine Esposito

Editor-in-Chief

Maesa is accepting applications for the 2024 Maesa Magic Incubator.

Now in its second year, the initiative is tailored to support underrepresented pre- and early-stage beauty and wellness entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, including women, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, differently abled individuals, seniors above 65 and those from low-income households.  

According to the Kauffman Foundation, women and/or BIPOC founders collectively receive less than three percent of venture capital funding.

Launched in 2023 to commemorate Maesa’s 25th anniversary, the program supported founders including Nikita Charuza of Squigs Beauty, Keisha Wagner of Fuzz Clinic, and Selah Jael of House of Foster.  

Advisory Board

This year’s advisory board includes Maesa CEO Piyush Jain as well as Mindy McKnight, Ashley Tisdale, Liraz Evenor and Nyakio Greico, founder of Thirteen Lune.

2024 Applicants

To enter, applicants must be:

  • Beauty and wellness entrepreneurs identifying as being from under-represented communities 
  • Business must be in pre-launch or limited distribution phase (<$1M in sales) 
  • Must be at least 18 years old at time of submission 
  • Must be a US-based incorporated business 

The 2024 program offers a comprehensive six-month curriculum that includes a “no-strings-attached” grant capital of $35,000; interactive lecture-based learning with personalized mentorship; admission to the “Future of Commerce and Work” program hosted by the Emerson Group, located on-site at the Harvard Faculty Club; and hands-on training. 

New for 2024, Maesa has added  “Major & Minor” tracks that provide a dual-focused approach to business development, in addition to the comprehensive core business lectures provided. The Major track offers deep, specialized engagement culminating in a significant business deliverable. The Minor track offers additional breadth and perspective, enriching your learning and business innovation capabilities, according to Maesa.

Also, there’s  a “graduation gift” from Cosmoprof North America: a fully-paid trip to Cosmoprof North America Miami in January 2025 and complimentary admittance to its Entrepreneur Academy. 

How To Apply

All interested, eligible entrepreneurs can apply to the #MaesaMagicIncubator program before August 23 by visiting Maesa.com/incubator-page 

Finalists will have the opportunity to present a pitch deck to an advisory board comprised of Maesa executives, successful beauty and wellness company founders and industry thought leaders and investors.

 

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