MUSE Accelerator
We're on a mission to magnify, uplift, support and empower underrepresented founders of color.
Get to know our 2024 cohort
Apostle
Jamie Melbourne & Tony Lecy-Siewert
Inspired by friendship and a love of beauty, Apostle is a cosmetics line that aims to help men look and feel their best by creating a new archetype for masculinity.
Audaja
Audrey Ajakaye & Bola Ajakaye
Born out of a lifelong battle with eczema, Audaja reimagines affordable, professional-grade skin care solutions that protect the skin barrier on all skin types and tones.
BYROE
Amy Roe
Rooted in principles of holistic wellness, Byroe gives fresh life to upcycled ingredients to create effective superfood-infused skin care formulas that are vegan and cruelty free.
Femigist
Amara Onwukaeme
Blending modern science with herbal wisdom, Femigist creates plant-powered feminine hormone and wellness products that support women’s health from the inside out.
Luna Nectar
Mia Fiona Kut
With a mission to kick the stigma of women’s hair loss, Luna Nectar utilizes Eastern rituals, clinical actives and adaptogens to formulate sustainable, waterless hair care products that are all-natural, vegan and cruelty free.
OCOA
Cory Varona & Nicol Varona Cancelmo
Inspired by their Domincan heritage and experience growing up with curly hair, OCOA was started to simplify premium curl care with clean, nourishing ingredients that help people embrace their natural beauty.
Queen Cosmetics
Elimar “Ellie” Depaula
Fueled by a passion for makeup, Queen Cosmetics is dedicated to designing products that speak to the inner artist and encourage self-expression.
RedDrop
Monica Williams, Dana Roberts & Jarrod Shaw
Determined to make menstrual health less taboo, RedDrop hopes to empower the next generations of girls—and their caretakers—along their period journey.
Meet the mentors
From the beginning stages to the boardroom, these beauty brand founders know what it takes to help your brand thrive.
Cocokind
Priscilla Tsai
CEO & Founder
Donna’s Recipe
Gina Woods
Co-Founder
Fur
Lillian Tung
Co-Founder
Rizos Curls
Tony Prado
Co-Founder
Sugardoh
Aliyah & Marco Marandiz
CEO & Founder & COO
Kitsch
Cassandra Morales Thurswell
CEO & Founder
Bread
Maeva Heim
CEO & Founder
Nemat
Aamir & Abbas Attarwala
Co-Founders
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
Get $50,000 to help accelerate your business. Plus, together with Fifteen Percent Pledge, we’ll select one 2024 cohort participant to receive an additional $10,000 in financial support.
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.
Hear success stories from the 2023 cohort
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?
At least 18 years old, a U.S. or Canadian citizen and currently residing in the U.S or Canada
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. New to the program this year, Ulta Beauty and its long-time partner, Fifteen Percent Pledge, will select one participant from the 2024 cohort to receive an additional $10,000 in financial support for their business. This will be presented at the end of the program, and the recipient will be selected by Fifteen Percent Pledge's founder, Aurora James.
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 deadline has passed to apply for this year. Be on the lookout for your chance to apply next year (2025) around early June.
What is the 2023 MUSE Accelerator cohort up to now?
Keep an eye out for updates, as a few brands from the MUSE Accelerator 2023 cohort will soon be joining the Ulta Beauty family! 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.
Have more questions? Contact us
Please contact MUSEAccelerator@ulta.com should you have any questions.