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MUSE Accelerator

We are on a mission to magnify, uplift, support and empower underrepresented founders of color. From one-on-one mentorships to in-depth training, we’ll offer you the tools and expertise to build your brand and leave your mark.

Meet the 2022 brands

An inside look at the eight early-stage brands selected for our first 10-week program.

The Refig

Tanya Perkins

Get ready in minutes (instead of hours) with curl-care designed to be clean, conscious and simple.

Bonita Fierce Candles

Melissa Gallardo

Candles that transport you right into the heart of a Latin home—all made with premium ingredients.

Dehiya Beauty

Dr. Mia Chae Reddy

A modern homage to ancient Moroccan beauty rituals. Experience the ethically sourced, plant-based formulas.

Watch and learn more about these founders.

OURSIDE

Keta Burke-Williams

Find your bliss with scents designed to evoke memories and moments. All made with clean ingredients.

YINA

Ervina Wu & Angela Gray

Tap into the art of self-care. Inspired by ancient Chinese wellness rituals, developed with modernity in mind.

Sade Baron

Rachel Lambo & Folasade Lambo

Feed your skin the good stuff. The vegan, nutrient-rich bodycare was created with sensitive skin in mind.

Watch and learn more about these founders.

Squigs Beauty

Nikita Charuza

Cultivating happiness through headcare. Effective products for skin and scalp, plus packaging to make you smile.

Pound Cake

Johnny Velazquez & Camille Bell

Say no to universal shades and yes to tones as unique as you are—that's the Pound Cake motto.

Watch and learn more about these founders.

What we offer

The MUSE Accelerator offers eight BIPOC beauty brands within its early stages the opportunity to continue their growth towards retail readiness and success.

Funding

$50,000 in financial support to help accelerate your business.

Curriculum

Our 10-week curriculum and training includes lessons on how to set your brand up for long-term success.

Mentorship

One-on-one mentorship from founders and partners to provide guidance along the way.

Our 2022 Mentors

From the chemistry lab to the boardroom, these beauty brand founders know what it takes to help your brand thrive.

Desirée Rogers

CEO of BLK/OPL

Julissa Prado

Founder & CEO of Rizos Curls

Ron Robinson

Founder & CEO of BeautyStat Cosmetics

Shontay Lundy

Creator & Founder of Black Girl Sunscreen

Taffeta White

Co-Founder & COO of Melanin Haircare

KJ Miller

Co-Founder & CEO of Mented Cosmetics

Jamika Martin

Founder of ROSEN Skincare

Deepica Mutyala

Founder & CEO of Live Tinted

Check back

Applications for the 2023 program will be opening soon.

MUSE Accelerator FAQ's

What is the MUSE Accelerator?

The MUSE Accelerator supports eight BIPOC beauty brands as they prepare to launch and thrive in retail. We will educate, inspire and support diverse leaders, founders and entrepreneurs with time, resources and mentorship for retail readiness. In tandem, we’ll nurture a community to help empower each selected participant’s journey.

Who is eligible to apply?

We welcome eligible brands across all beauty categories to apply if they are:

  • BIPOC-owned

  • Early staged with market presence, awareness or have DTC revenue

  • Not currently sold at a major retailer

  • Shelf-ready and have more than one product (one category preferred)

  • Seeking to meaningfully grow and develop

  • Eager to learn from leading industry experts

  • Able and willing to fully commit to the 10-week program

  • At least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen and currently residing in the U.S.

To learn more about applicant guidelines, visit www.ulta.com/company/dei/muse/muse-accelerator

How long does the MUSE Accelerator run?

The program is 10 weeks, from start to completion.

What does the curriculum entail?

The 10-week curriculum features sessions led by Ulta Beauty executives, partners and various industry leaders focused on brand development for retail readiness, including:

  • Brand Strategy & Positioning: An immersive, 360-degree planning session that provides tools, support, and resources needed for long-term success.

  • Retail 101: Expert training to successfully launch, grow and thrive in a national, omni-channel retail environment.

  • Supply Chain & Logistics: A critical course on planning for and navigating distribution channels to ensure optimal customer experiences.

  • Demo Week & Celebration: A once in a lifetime opportunity to pitch their brand to potential investors and merchants.

What will MUSE Accelerator brands receive?

Selected brands will receive $50,000 in financial support to propel brand development as well as resources designed to prepare each for retail readiness and long-term success. This will include a dedicated mentor, unique opportunities to learn from subject matter experts across various disciplines such as merchandising, supply chain, legal and marketing, as well as engagement with brand founders and industry leaders during fireside chats and panels.

Will acceptance into the MUSE Accelerator ensure distribution into Ulta Beauty?

Our goal is to ensure participating brands are armed with the necessary tools, funding and resources to successfully launch and thrive in an omni-channel retail environment. Selected brands will have the opportunity to pitch their business to Ulta Beauty merchants at the end of the program, but there is no guarantee any will launch at Ulta Beauty as part of the program.

When is the deadline to apply?

The submission deadline for the inaugural 2022 program is 11:59pm CT, June 30.

Visit www.ulta.com/company/dei/muse/muse-accelerator for more details.

Have more questions? Contact us

Please contact MUSEAccelerator@ulta.com should you have any questions.