10.03.24
The Estée Lauder Companies announced the winners of The Catalysts—a first-of-its-kind beauty initiative created by ELC’s New Incubation Ventures (NIV), with TikTok as a partner.
The three winners are listed below—and shown above.
The Catalysts says it's "seeking beauty disruptors" on its IG profile. It's like a beauty incubator and similar, in some ways, to the Sephora Accelerate Brand Incubator Program and Ulta Beauty's MUSE Accelerator Cohort. ELC says it aims to help indie brand founders—as well as content creators, fashion designers, perfumers, photographers, skincare scientists, and makeup artists—take their business to the next level.
"The Catalysts is an open call for new ideas set to transform the future of beauty—and an opportunity to receive vital funding to make your plans into reality," ELC states.
Shana Randhava, Senior Vice President, ELC New Incubation Ventures, comments:
“The Catalysts program far surpassed our expectations. With over 800 applicants from around the world, the program highlighted the incredible creative talent driving the future of beauty. Our finalists each represented a unique perspective and opportunity...we look forward to supporting the winners as they continue to build their companies.”
Before the winners were named, the nine finalists (see them at The Catalysts World) presented a seven-minute pitch to The Catalysts Jury at Le Meurice in Paris, on October 2nd.
Vanessa Craft, Global Head of Partnerships at TikTok, commented,
“Being part of the judging for The Catalysts has further opened my eyes to the diverse range of people inspiring the cultural trends that power today's beauty industry. A new generation of beauty founder is at the heart of this shift, bringing authenticity and joy to customers, and offering unique and inclusive products."
Lucy Edwards is a British broadcaster, journalist, content creator, speaker and disability activist, according to her bio. And—she is brand ambassador for Mattel's first-ever blind Barbie, Glamour UK reported.
Edwards aims to create the first beauty brand made for the 1.3 billion disabled people worldwide.
Charles Jeffrey is a fashion designer based in London—and has a goal to redefine the makeup landscape. Loverboy Beauty aims to be an expressive, liberated, and performance-inspired brand for the LGBTQIA+ community.
With a goal of bringing back the joy in textured hair, Ruka aims to continue its mission of disrupting the hair extension industry.
The program underscores NIV's dedication to championing trailblazing spirits in beauty, accentuating the influence and impact of the beauty industry and its interconnectedness with wider cultural, social, and artistic landscapes.
The winners will receive up to $250,000 in financial backing, as well as mentorship and project assistance.
Congratulations!
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The three winners are listed below—and shown above.
The Catalysts says it's "seeking beauty disruptors" on its IG profile. It's like a beauty incubator and similar, in some ways, to the Sephora Accelerate Brand Incubator Program and Ulta Beauty's MUSE Accelerator Cohort. ELC says it aims to help indie brand founders—as well as content creators, fashion designers, perfumers, photographers, skincare scientists, and makeup artists—take their business to the next level.
"The Catalysts is an open call for new ideas set to transform the future of beauty—and an opportunity to receive vital funding to make your plans into reality," ELC states.
Shana Randhava, Senior Vice President, ELC New Incubation Ventures, comments:
“The Catalysts program far surpassed our expectations. With over 800 applicants from around the world, the program highlighted the incredible creative talent driving the future of beauty. Our finalists each represented a unique perspective and opportunity...we look forward to supporting the winners as they continue to build their companies.”
Before the winners were named, the nine finalists (see them at The Catalysts World) presented a seven-minute pitch to The Catalysts Jury at Le Meurice in Paris, on October 2nd.
Vanessa Craft, Global Head of Partnerships at TikTok, commented,
“Being part of the judging for The Catalysts has further opened my eyes to the diverse range of people inspiring the cultural trends that power today's beauty industry. A new generation of beauty founder is at the heart of this shift, bringing authenticity and joy to customers, and offering unique and inclusive products."
Meet The Catalysts Program Winners 2024
Here are the three winners—and next 'beauty disruptors:
Lucy Edwards, Founder of Etia London
@LucyEdwards on TikTokLucy Edwards is a British broadcaster, journalist, content creator, speaker and disability activist, according to her bio. And—she is brand ambassador for Mattel's first-ever blind Barbie, Glamour UK reported.
Edwards aims to create the first beauty brand made for the 1.3 billion disabled people worldwide.
Charles Jeffrey, Founder of Loverboy Beauty
@charlesjeffreyloverboy on InstagramCharles Jeffrey is a fashion designer based in London—and has a goal to redefine the makeup landscape. Loverboy Beauty aims to be an expressive, liberated, and performance-inspired brand for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Tendai Moyo, CEO of Ruka
@RukaHair on TikTok / photo above via IG @vtmoyoWith a goal of bringing back the joy in textured hair, Ruka aims to continue its mission of disrupting the hair extension industry.
The program underscores NIV's dedication to championing trailblazing spirits in beauty, accentuating the influence and impact of the beauty industry and its interconnectedness with wider cultural, social, and artistic landscapes.
What Will the Winners Receive?
After the finalists outlined their concept, vision, and innovation—the judges chose the winners based on their presentations. See The Catalysts Jury here.The winners will receive up to $250,000 in financial backing, as well as mentorship and project assistance.
Congratulations!
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