Maesa has opened applications for its 2025-26 Magic Incubator program, offering three early-stage beauty founders $35,000 grants each. The comprehensive program provides no-strings-attached funding along with exclusive access to Harvard Faculty Club education and industry mentorship. Applications close August 6, 2025, at 11:59 pm EST for this highly competitive opportunity.
The incubator specifically targets entrepreneurs from historically marginalized communities including women, BIPOC individuals, LGBTQIA+ founders, differently abled individuals, seniors 65+, and those from low-income households. This focus addresses the significant funding gap where less than 3% of venture capital reaches women and BIPOC founders. Maesa aims to change these statistics through direct intervention and support.
$35,000 Grant Program: Breaking Down Barriers for Beauty Entrepreneurs
Each selected founder receives substantial financial support without equity requirements or repayment obligations. The $35,000 grant represents meaningful capital for early-stage businesses that often struggle to access traditional funding sources. This approach removes common barriers that prevent underrepresented entrepreneurs from scaling their beauty ventures.
The program has already distributed over $200,000 in funding during its first two years of operation. Previous recipients include Aziza El Wanni from The Potion Studio, Marsha McBain from Trinoli, Selah Jael from House of Foster fragrance, and Keisha Wagner-Gaymon from Fuzz Clinic hair removal brand. These success stories demonstrate the program’s effectiveness in supporting diverse beauty innovations.
Furthermore, recipients gain access to promotional support across major industry platforms. Winners receive marketing exposure through CEW, BeautyMatter, and Maesa’s official channels, providing valuable visibility for their emerging brands. This promotional component often proves as valuable as the financial grant itself.
Harvard Faculty Club Education: Premium Learning Experience for Beauty Founders
The incubator includes admission to Emerson University’s “Future of Commerce and Work” program at Harvard Faculty Club. This prestigious educational component elevates the program beyond simple grant funding to comprehensive business development. Participants gain access to world-class facilities and networking opportunities typically reserved for established executives.
Additionally, winners receive a fully paid trip to Cosmoprof North America Miami in January 2026. This industry trade show represents one of beauty’s most important networking and business development events. The sponsored attendance ensures founders can participate regardless of their current financial constraints.
The program also provides premium BeautyMatter membership, connecting recipients to industry insights and networking opportunities. These educational benefits create lasting value that extends well beyond the initial grant period. Founders gain tools and connections that support long-term business growth and success.
Hands-On Entrepreneurship Curriculum: Weekly Learning and Mentorship
Maesa’s entrepreneurial track delivers weekly curriculum through virtual lectures and fireside chats with successful beauty company founders. The program structure ensures consistent learning while accommodating founders’ busy schedules and geographic locations. Participants engage with proven entrepreneurs who have navigated similar challenges successfully.
The curriculum includes major and minor tracks tailored to individual business needs and interests. This customization ensures relevant learning that directly applies to each founder’s specific industry segment and business model. The program culminates in a capstone project presented to a distinguished Advisory Board.
Maesa announced the graduating class of the second cohort of the #MaesaMagicIncubator program. The 3 graduating founders are Jadis Montijo, Motivo Scar Care; Marsha McBain, Berri-Clear Skincare; and Aziza El Wanni, The Potion Studio. Read more about the brands below.
— Beauty Packaging (@BeautyPackaging) March 16, 2025… pic.twitter.com/47Rn9Pgx5f
Moreover, recipients gain mentorship from beauty industry veterans, Maesa executive leaders, and specialized experts. This multi-layered support system provides guidance across various business disciplines including product development, marketing, operations, and scaling strategies. The mentorship component often creates lasting professional relationships beyond the program duration.
Addressing Industry Pipeline Problems: Maesa’s Mission and Impact
The program directly responds to documented entrepreneurial access gaps in the beauty industry. “The beauty and wellness industry has created an abundance of incubator programs for specific under-served populations over the past decade, but time and time again, early-stage entrepreneurs are ineligible due to a lack of revenue or inability to be shelf-ready,” according to program materials.
Maesa Magic Incubator removes traditional barriers by accepting early-stage businesses regardless of current revenue or market readiness. This approach recognizes that innovative ideas often need support before reaching traditional funding milestones. The program empowers entrepreneurs to develop their concepts without premature commercialization pressure.
The initiative comes from the team behind successful brands including Kristen Ess Haircare, Hairitage by Mindy McKnight, Being Frenshe by Ashley Tisdale, and Fine’ry. Program founder Kelly Kovack leverages this collective expertise to create meaningful opportunities for underrepresented founders. The track record demonstrates Maesa’s commitment to building inclusive beauty industry leadership.
Application Process: Eligibility and Next Steps for Beauty Entrepreneurs
Eligible applicants include women, BIPOC individuals, LGBTQIA+ founders, differently abled individuals, seniors 65+, and entrepreneurs from low-income households. The inclusive criteria ensure broad access while maintaining focus on historically underrepresented communities. Interested founders must submit applications through Maesa’s official website before the August 6 deadline.
The selection process evaluates business potential, founder commitment, and alignment with program values. Three winners receive the complete package including funding, education, mentorship, and promotional support. The competitive nature ensures selected founders receive maximum attention and resources for success.
Successfully completing the program positions founders for continued growth and industry recognition. Alumni join a network of supported entrepreneurs who can provide ongoing peer support and collaboration opportunities. This community aspect extends the program’s value well beyond the formal completion date.
Maesa announced the graduating class of the second cohort of the #MaesaMagicIncubator program. The 3 graduating founders are Jadis Montijo, Motivo Scar Care; Marsha McBain, Berri-Clear Skincare; and Aziza El Wanni, The Potion Studio. Read more about the brands below.
— Beauty Packaging (@BeautyPackaging) March 16, 2025
