10.11.23
The 2023 winners of The Startup Collective by Aveeno—the brand’s initiative designed to empower Black female-identifying entrepreneurs in the beauty industry—have been announced.
Aveeno’s initiative centers on a $150,000 grant for business owners who are addressing unique skincare and haircare needs of Black consumers. This is the third year that the Kenvue-owned brand is running the program.
This year’s winner is Kristen Dunning of Gently Soap. The runner-up is Kimba Williams of Kushae.
Dunning is the $100,000 grant winner, awarded in recognition of her brand Gently Soap. Gently Soap is dedicated to providing 'gentle and joyful relief' for sensitive skin through its range of chemical-free bar soaps.
As the runner-up grant winner, Williams is presented with a $50,000 grant. She is the co-founder of Kushae, an all-natural, feminine hygiene line that specializes in products that safely and effectively treat women’s health concerns.
The recipients also gain access to hands-on business guidance and mentorship from Aveeno leaders across various fields such as package design, marketing and accounting.
Johnson & Johnson Names New Consumer Health Company: Kenvue
Aveeno’s initiative centers on a $150,000 grant for business owners who are addressing unique skincare and haircare needs of Black consumers. This is the third year that the Kenvue-owned brand is running the program.
This year’s winner is Kristen Dunning of Gently Soap. The runner-up is Kimba Williams of Kushae.
Dunning is the $100,000 grant winner, awarded in recognition of her brand Gently Soap. Gently Soap is dedicated to providing 'gentle and joyful relief' for sensitive skin through its range of chemical-free bar soaps.
As the runner-up grant winner, Williams is presented with a $50,000 grant. She is the co-founder of Kushae, an all-natural, feminine hygiene line that specializes in products that safely and effectively treat women’s health concerns.
The recipients also gain access to hands-on business guidance and mentorship from Aveeno leaders across various fields such as package design, marketing and accounting.
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