APPLICATIONS FOR CLASS OF 2027 ARE NOW OPEN
APPLICATIONS FOR CLASS OF 2027 ARE NOW OPEN
Maesa is the
Next-Gen
Beauty Company
In 2023, we created the
Maesa Magic Incubator
program to celebrate our 25th anniversary, honor our entrepreneurial roots and to pay it forward. Since launching, our program has graduated six inspiring entrepreneurs and awarded over $300,000 in funding to support their growth.
The
Maesa Magic Incubator
was created in direct response to the ever-present entrepreneurial access gap and aims to empower and amplify early-stage, underrepresented voices. 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.
The
Maesa Magic Incubator
program is open to all under-represented communities in early launch phase: an unprecedented opportunity from a company with a proven track record of defying boundaries and transforming unmet consumer needs into desirable, scalable brands.
Maesa is the
Next-Gen
Beauty Company
In 2023, we created the
Maesa Magic Incubator
program to celebrate our 25th anniversary, honor our entrepreneurial roots and to pay it forward. Since launching, our program has graduated six inspiring entrepreneurs and awarded over $300,000 in funding to support their growth.
The
Maesa Magic Incubator
was created in direct response to the ever-present entrepreneurial access gap and aims to empower and amplify early-stage, underrepresented voices. 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.
The
Maesa Magic Incubator
program is open to all under-represented communities in early launch phase: an unprecedented opportunity from a company with a proven track record of defying boundaries and transforming unmet consumer needs into desirable, scalable brands.
What We Offer
What We Offer
Hands-onEntrepreneurial Track from September 2026 to January 2027
Hands-On Entrepreneurial Track from September 2026 to January 2027
Core Curriculum:
Each week, entrepreneurs dig deep into a specific topic. Virtual lectures and fireside chats are conducted weekly by Maesa mentors for all entrepreneurs, together.
Major & Minor Program:
The Program’s Unique Major and Minor tracks complement the comprehensive “core” business lectures provided. The Major track offers deep, specialized engagement in a primary business track culminating in a significant business deliverable, while the Minor track offers additional breadth and perspective, enriching each entrepreneur's learning.
Capstone Project & Pitch:
At the end of the program, each entrepreneur presents their major track capstone projects to a distinguished Advisory Board, narrating the journey of their project’s development, its completion, and its impact on their business.
In-Person Workshops & Events
In-Person Workshops & Events
In-Person Leadership Workshop at Harvard University:
Admission to the coveted Emerson University, “Future of Commerce and Work” program, located on-site at the Harvard Faculty Club (Fall of 2026). Fully-paid trip includes a workshop, cocktails, learning and networking.
In-Person Entrepreneur Academy & Panel Discussion at Cosmoprof in Miami:
Cosmoprof North America is offering a fully paid trip to Cosmoprof North America Miami in January 2027 including a dedicated panel discussion, networking opportunities, and complimentary access to their prestigious Entrepreneur Academy.
Additional Perks in Collaboration with BeautyMatter (BM):
Ticket to one of the BeautyMatter tentpole events and premium BM membership.
Funding, Publicity & Community
Funding, Publicity & Community
$35,000 Grant Award:
$35,000 in no-strings attached financial grant support to each of the 3 winners for their business.
Publicity & Access:
Promotional support across Maesa and leading industry platforms, plus access to a network of influential industry leaders.
Mentorship & Community:
Mentorship from beauty founders, Maesa executive leaders, and industry experts to guide each winner’s understanding of all-things beauty and entrepreneurship. A Small Winning Cohort and access to our Incubator Alumni winners fosters relationships we believe will be lifelong!
Meet Our Advisors
OLAMIDE OLOWE
FOUNDER & CEO, TOPICALS
BRIAN BORDAINICK
CO-FOUNDER, STARFACE & JULIE
SHAI EISENMAN
FOUNDER & CEO, BUBBLE
TOMI TALABI
FOUNDER, THE BLACK BEAUTY CLUB
BRIAN SUGAR
FOUNDER, SUGAR CAPITAL & POPSUGAR
KELLY KOVACK
FOUNDER & CEO, BEAUTYMATTER
LIRAZ EVENOR
MANAGING DIRECTOR, BAIN CAPITAL PRIVATE EQUITY PORTFOLIO GROUP
MOLLY KENNEDY
SVP BRAND MARKETING, MAESA
PIYUSH JAIN
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, MAESA
SCOTT KESTENBAUM
GENERAL MANAGER MANAGED BRANDS, MAESA
Meet Our Advisors
OLAMIDE OLOWE
FOUNDER & CEO, TOPICALS
BRIAN BORDAINICK
CO-FOUNDER, STARFACE & JULIE
SHAI EISENMAN
FOUNDER & CEO, BUBBLE
TOMI TALABI
FOUNDER, THE BLACK BEAUTY CLUB
BRIAN SUGAR
FOUNDER, SUGAR CAPITAL & POPSUGAR
KELLY KOVACK
FOUNDER & CEO, BEAUTYMATTER
LIRAZ EVENOR
MANAGING DIRECTOR, BAIN CAPITAL PRIVATE EQUITY PORTFOLIO GROUP
MOLLY KENNEDY
SVP BRAND MARKETING, MAESA
PIYUSH JAIN
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, MAESA
SCOTT KESTENBAUM
GENERAL MANAGER MANAGED BRANDS, MAESA
Eligibility & Process
Eligibility
- Entrepreneurs identifying as being from under-represented communities
- Must be at least 18 years old at time of submission
- Business must be early-stage and not yet widely distributed (<$1M in annual sales)
- Must be a US-based incorporated business (Immigrants with legal permission to reside in the US are welcome to apply)
- Must be beauty and wellness space
You may apply again if you have previously applied – even if you reached the Top 10 finalist level
What We Need From You
- Completed Application
- Pitch Deck
- Video Submission (1-3 minutes)
- Top 10 applicants will be invited to 2 interviews, with three companies being selected for the final program
Eligibility & Process
Eligibility
- Entrepreneurs identifying as being from under-represented communities
- Must be at least 18 years old at time of submission
- Business must be early-stage and not yet widely distributed (<$1M in annual sales)
- Must be a US-based incorporated business (Immigrants with legal permission to reside in the US are welcome to apply)
- Must be beauty and wellness space
You may apply again if you have previously applied – even if you reached the Top 10 finalist level
What We Need From You
- Completed Application
- Pitch Deck
- Video Submission (1-3 minutes)
- Top 10 applicants will be invited to 2 interviews, with three companies being selected for the final program