The founders of eight beauty brands have been named to the 2024 Sephora Accelerate program, a business incubator supporting BIPOC beauty entrepreneurs. This year’s cohort represents hair, skincare, makeup, and fragrance lines.
“This year, we received more than 800 applications – a record-setting number of applications in Accelerate program history,” says Kristin Odegaard, Sephora’s Senior Director of Merchandising Strategy and Business Development.
Now in its ninth year, the Sephora Accelerate program features a 360-degree, six-month curriculum with mentorship, merchandising support, grants, and investor connections for all participants, with the opportunity to launch at Sephora North America upon completion.
The 2024 Sephora Accelerate Cohort includes:
· Roz Samimi, founder of banuskin, a range of products formulated for the unique needs of acne-prone skin.
· Hannah Diop & Issa Rae, founders of Sienna Naturals, a line of clinically proven, clean hair-care products for textured hair.
· Yasmin Zeinab, founder of ABI AMÉ, creator of problem-solving skincare for the body.
· Diipa Büller-Khosla, founder of indē wild –a holistic beauty ecosystem with products that marry 5000+-year-old Ayurvedic superfood ingredients with modern chemistry.
· Katini Yamaoka, founder Katini Skin, facial oils that use wild harvested, natural, and organic flora from around the globe.
· Teri Johnson, founder of Harlem Perfume Co., a fragrance brand inspired by the heart of Harlem and the soul of jazz.
· Denise Vasi, founder of MAED Beauty, decadent lip care for daily wear.
· Quani Burnett, founder of Soft Rows, a culturally inclusive beauty brand celebrating texture-rich hair.
The program features weekly content and curriculum to prepare brands for long-term success, with sessions on financial readiness, marketing, social media, brand and assortment strategy, and more.
The 2024 Sephora Accelerate class will receive access to 1:1 personalized consulting with Front Row and Clarity Media, plus a dedicated advisory team comprised of beauty industry partners, founders from within the Sephora portfolio, and financial professionals.