Empowering Emerging Beauty Entrepreneurs
Applications are now open for the Maesa Magic Incubator Class of 2026, a transformative initiative aiming to support early-stage beauty and wellness entrepreneurs from diverse and underrepresented communities.
What is the Maesa Magic Incubator?
The Maesa Magic Incubator is a well-crafted program that provides invaluable resources such as no-strings-attached funding, personalized mentorship, and significantly tailored learning opportunities. This incubator is specifically designed for brands generating sales under $1 million.
It's aimed at founders who identify as women, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, differently abled, seniors over 65, or coming from low-income backgrounds. Maesa recognizes the unique hurdles these groups face in the beauty industry and has created a program that levels the playing field.
Why This Program Matters
The inception of the Maesa Magic Incubator is a thoughtful response to the ongoing challenges that many early-stage entrepreneurs encounter, such as a lack of access and opportunities. The beauty industry is filled with innovative ideas, yet many remain excluded from progress due to revenue requirements or retail readiness.
Since its launch in 2023, the program has made a significant impact by distributing over $200,000 in funding and successfully graduating a select group of talented entrepreneurs. Past winners, including Jadis Montijo (Motivo Scar Care), Marsha McBain (Trinoli), and Aziza El Wanni (The Potion Studio), are testaments to the program's effectiveness in nurturing talent.
Piyush Jain, CEO of Maesa, expressed the importance of the program, stating, "Each year the Maesa Magic Incubator reaffirms what we already know and believe - that there's no shortage of talent, only a shortage of access. This initiative serves as a powerful platform to amplify underrepresented voices and pave the way for the next generation of beauty brands."
This Year's Program Highlights
The Maesa Magic Incubator provides notable advantages that set it apart:
Financial Support
- $35,000 in grant funding for each winner.
Tailored Learning and Mentorship
- Personalized mentorship to address real-life business challenges.
- Custom learning tracks focused on both major and complementary aspects of business.
- Fireside chats with prominent leaders on the Incubator Advisory Board.
Exclusive In-Person Events
- Admission to the renowned Emerson University, which offers a program on "Future of Commerce and Work" at the Harvard Faculty Club.
- Cosmoprof North America will cover a fully paid trip to their Miami event, featuring a dedicated panel discussion and networking opportunities.
The culmination of the program includes a capstone project presentation to an advisory board teeming with industry experts and accomplished entrepreneurs. This year's board famously includes Piyush Jain (CEO, Maesa), Oshiya Savur (CMO/CBO, Maesa), Scott Kestenbaum (General Manager, Managed Brands, Maesa), and others.
The intent behind the Maesa Magic Incubator is to stimulate innovation while also fostering economic growth, creating a conducive environment for entrepreneurial success. Interested entrepreneurs can apply to the Maesa Magic Incubator program before a specified deadline.
About Maesa
Maesa is recognized as a revolutionary force in the beauty industry, actively working to incubate and cultivate notable brands that reimagine beauty products and consumer experiences. Their mission is to make prestige beauty more accessible while meeting the diverse needs of consumers.
With a portfolio that features brands like Kristin Ess, Hairitage by Mindy McKnight, and many others, Maesa continues to innovate by offering best-in-class design, formulation, and marketing services to nurture new beauty ideas and facilitate a better shopping experience for consumers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Maesa Magic Incubator?
The Maesa Magic Incubator is a program supporting beauty entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities with funding, mentorship, and resources.
Who can participate in the program?
The program is ideal for founders who identify as women, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, differently abled, seniors, or those from low-income backgrounds.
What types of support does the program offer?
Participants receive grant funding, mentorship tailored to their needs, and access to exclusive events for networking and learning.
How much funding do winners receive?
Each winner receives $35,000 in grant funding to support their business initiatives.
When do applications open and close?
Applications are currently open, and interested participants should ensure they apply before the specified deadline.
