Are you thinking of catapulting your beauty brand to the next level? Sephora Accelerate might be the perfect program for you! This renowned brand incubation program is dedicated to fostering a community of innovative and inspiring beauty brand founders. Aimed at increasing diversity with a strong focus on people of color, the Sephora Accelerate initiative is committed to ensuring that the beauty industry reflects the diversity of the Americas.
What is Sephora Accelerate?
Sephora Accelerate is not just another brand incubator. It’s a six-month journey with a robust curriculum designed to help early-stage beauty brands succeed. Participants receive mentorship, merchandising support, and even potential grants and funding. By the end of the program, brands have the opportunity to launch at one of the largest beauty retailers in the world – Sephora North America.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the program, applicants must:
- Lead a North America-incorporated beauty brand company.
- Be founded or co-founded by a person who is at least 18 years old.
- Be an early-stage brand that is not yet widely distributed.
- Be able to attend the entire six-month program, which runs from January to June.
Application Process
Applications for the 2025 Sephora Accelerate program will open in Fall 2024. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply:
- Application Form - Complete the online application form available on the Sephora Accelerate website (Sephora Accelerate). The form will include questions about your eligibility, detailed information about your brand, and other essential aspects.
- Video Submission - You must record and submit a short video introducing yourself and your brand. This is your chance to showcase your passion, product, and personality.
- Product Samples - Be prepared to share product samples if requested. Ensure your product prototypes have been iterated upon based on user feedback or have demonstrated interest through sales or customer testimonials.
Selection Criteria
Your application will be evaluated based on several criteria, including:
- Vision and Passion: Demonstrating a genuine passion for making your business succeed.
- Innovation: Showing how your brand or product is unique and what it offers that clients can’t currently find elsewhere.
- Product: Having a working prototype or proven customer interest.
What to Expect as a Participant
Participants will embark on a hands-on learning experience from January to June. This includes:
- Bootcamp: Structured workshops to enhance your business model, branding, marketing, and growth plans.
- Mentorship: One-on-one mentoring with industry experts, Sephora leaders, and beauty brand founders.
- Funding: Receiving monetary grants and potentially additional funding.
- Pitch Day: Present your brand to industry experts, investors, and senior-level Sephora leaders.
Success Stories
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Multiple brand founders have credited the program for their success. Words of wisdom and encouragement from luminaries like Nancy Twine of Briogeo, Vicky Tsai of Tatcha, and the co-founders of Glow Recipe, Sarah Lee and Christine Chang, underline the program's transformative impact. For more details, visit the Sephora Accelerate website.
Ready to leap? Your beauty brand could be the next big thing at Sephora. Apply for Sephora Accelerate and see your vision come to life!
