News — Sephora

Previously, reported Sephora released its diversity report along with its efforts to promote more inclusion in its workforce. This week, the beauty giant announced that it will relaunch its business incubator program to include all Black and minority-owned beauty brands.

This will be the incubator’s sixth year, but its first with all minority-owned brands. The programs will offer participants mentorship sessions with industry veterans in addition to providing potential funding, investor connections, and merchandising support.

Applications for the incubator are now closed; details for applications will be available in fall 2022.

 “Last year, we made a commitment to dedicate 15 percent of Sephora shelf space to Black-owned brands, and we quickly realized the role that our Accelerate program could play in not only helping us to reach that goal, but to set these brands up for long-term success and growth,” said Sephora’s Executive Vice President and Global Chief Merchandising Officer Artemis Patrick in a press statement to the Associated Press.

“The goal of this program has long been to provide meaningful, ongoing support for growing brands, and that is exactly what we’re aiming to deliver to our 2021 Accelerate cohort,” Patrick added. “Each of the eight participating founders is inspiring in their own right, and we believe wholeheartedly in their potential at Sephora; we are so excited to help shape their futures and to ultimately introduce these brands to our clients.”

Earlier this year, the beauty retailer made a commitment to bringing more Black-owned brands onto its store shelves in response to claims about discrimination toward customers and store employees.

The eight brands selected for the accelerator include Glory Skincare, 54 Thrones, ries, Hyper Skin, Topicals, Imania Beauty, EADEM, and Kelfi Beauty.