MUSE Accelerator
We’re on a mission to magnify, uplift, support and empower underrepresented founders of color through in-depth training, tools and brand-building expertise.
That’s a wrap on our 2023 cohort! Applications for the 2024 cohort will open in late spring/early summer of 2024.
Celebrating Our 2023 Cohort
Jot these eight brands down now—you’re going to be seeing big things from them.
Meet the 2023 mentors
From the beginning stages to the boardroom, these beauty brand founders know what it takes to help your brand thrive.
Youthforia
Fiona Co Chan
CEO & Founder
Buttah Skin
Dorion Renaud
CEO & Founder
Hero Cosmetics
Ju Rhyu
CEO & Co-Founder
Better Not Younger
Sonsoles Gonzalez
CEO & Founder
good light
David Yi
CEO & Co-Founder
MIELLE
Monique & Melvin Rodriguez
CEO & Co-Founder, COO & Co-Founder
Sacheu
Sarah Cheung
Owner & Co-Founder
Kreyòl Essence
Yve-Car Momperousse & Stéphane Jean-Baptiste
CEO & Co-Founder, COO & Co-Founder
What we offer
The MUSE Accelerator offers eight BIPOC beauty brands within their 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
Mentorship from BIPOC beauty founders and Ulta Beauty Merchandising partners to provide guidance along the way.
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, led by Ulta Beauty executives, partners and various industry leaders, focuses on brand development for retail readiness. Topics include:
Brand Strategy & Positioning: 360-degree planning 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.
Product Development: Tips to maximize product development, packaging innovation and production timelines.
P&L & Financial Management: A critical course on financial planning and developing an expense roadmap.
What will MUSE Accelerator brands receive?
This 10-week opportunity is anchored in retail readiness and industry expertise. Selected brands will receive $50,000 to support long-term success in addition to time, resources, and mentorship throughout the engaging program.
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?
Applications for the 2024 cohort will open in late spring/early summer of 2024.
What is the 2022 MUSE Accelerator cohort up to now?
POUND CAKE, an award-winning lipstick brand founded by Camille Bell and Johnny Velasquez, launched at Ulta Beauty in the fall of 2023. The other MUSE Accelerator brands are taking big steps toward their individual goals—stay tuned for more on them soon! Each brand founder will stay connected to Ulta Beauty leaders as they continue learning and thriving in the industry.
See the full list of the MUSE Accelerator 2022 cohort
Have more questions? Contact us
Please contact MUSEAccelerator@ulta.com should you have any questions.