THE WHAT? Sephora has announced the participants for its 2023 Accelerate brand incubator, with a cohort of seven BIPOC brand founders spanning fragrance, makeup, and skincare.

THE DETAILS The program is now in eighth year and offers a 360-degree, six-month curriculum with mentorship, merchandising support, grants, and investor connections to all participants, with the opportunity to launch at Sephora North America upon completion.

The seven brand founders are: Brianna Arps, Moodeaux; Malaika Jones, Tai Beauchamp, Nia Jones – BROWN GIRL Jane; Alicia Scott, Range Beauty; Sienna Brown, Glosshood; Camille Martin, Seaspire Skincare; Karen Young, OUI the People and Simedar Jackson, Of Other Words. 

According to a press release: “This year’s program aims to prepare BIPOC-founded beauty brands to launch at Sephora North America via bespoke support from those in the retailer’s ecosystem of beauty entrepreneurs and experts.”

THE WHY? Priya Venkatesh, Senior Vice President, Global Merchandising, said: “We are very excited to welcome all 2023 finalists to the Accelerate program and into the Sephora family. 

“Our program continues to create spaces for BIPOC-founded and owned brands that represent our clients and the world today, all while providing meaningful support for growing brands to succeed.”