10.08.24
Maesa has announced the winners of the second annual #MaesaMagicIncubator program.
This initiative continues to focus on bridging the entrepreneurial access gap by amplifying promising early-stage beauty and wellness entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities, including those identifying as women and/or BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, differently abled, low-income, and seniors above 65.
Three visionary entrepreneurs stood out among all the applicants, each bringing a fresh perspective and a bold vision to the beauty and wellness sectors. Their ideas address critical gaps in the market and resonate with consumers seeking innovative and inclusive solutions.
Piyush Jain, CEO of Maesa, said,
“We are incredibly proud to continue the mission of the Maesa Magic Incubator, which was created to unlock the potential of underrepresented entrepreneurs with powerful ideas but limited access to resources. This year’s winners exemplify innovation, creativity, and a deep commitment to meeting unmet consumer needs through disrupting the beauty industry. We’ve seen firsthand how this program not only accelerates growth through key learnings, mentorship, and funding but also instills confidence in winners, fosters community amongst founders, and creates lasting, powerful industry connections. We can’t wait to see how they will transform the beauty and wellness industry.”
During the review process, applications were evaluated on their brand’s understanding of consumer insight and solutions to the insight, the “why” behind their brand, and the brand’s financial viability and go-to-market strategy.
Ten finalists emerged with brands pushing boundaries with innovative, creative solutions for consumers; the three winners were then selected after interviews with Maesa’s leadership team.
The program combines interactive lectures, personalized mentorship, hands-on training, and a no-strings-attached $35,000 grant for each winner.
Designed as a fast-track, practical initiative, the program blends foundational business principles with specialized tracks like Finance and Integrated Marketing to work on a project that tangibly impacts their business based on their specific goals.
Winners also gain admission to the prestigious ‘Future of Commerce and Work’ program hosted on-site at the Harvard Faculty Club and, new this year, a fully paid trip to Cosmoprof North America Miami in January 2025.
The program culminates in a pitch deck presentation to an esteemed advisory board, featuring industry leaders and investors such as Maesa CEO Piyush Jain, Maesa Founder & CGO, Scott Kestenbaum, Managing Director at Bain Capital, Liraz Evenor, Hairitage founder Mindy McKnight, Being Frenshe founder Ashley Tisdale, and Nyakio Greico, Founder of Nyakio Beauty, Thirteen Lune, and Relevant.
This initiative continues to focus on bridging the entrepreneurial access gap by amplifying promising early-stage beauty and wellness entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities, including those identifying as women and/or BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, differently abled, low-income, and seniors above 65.
Three visionary entrepreneurs stood out among all the applicants, each bringing a fresh perspective and a bold vision to the beauty and wellness sectors. Their ideas address critical gaps in the market and resonate with consumers seeking innovative and inclusive solutions.
Piyush Jain, CEO of Maesa, said,
“We are incredibly proud to continue the mission of the Maesa Magic Incubator, which was created to unlock the potential of underrepresented entrepreneurs with powerful ideas but limited access to resources. This year’s winners exemplify innovation, creativity, and a deep commitment to meeting unmet consumer needs through disrupting the beauty industry. We’ve seen firsthand how this program not only accelerates growth through key learnings, mentorship, and funding but also instills confidence in winners, fosters community amongst founders, and creates lasting, powerful industry connections. We can’t wait to see how they will transform the beauty and wellness industry.”
During the review process, applications were evaluated on their brand’s understanding of consumer insight and solutions to the insight, the “why” behind their brand, and the brand’s financial viability and go-to-market strategy.
Ten finalists emerged with brands pushing boundaries with innovative, creative solutions for consumers; the three winners were then selected after interviews with Maesa’s leadership team.
The 2024 Maesa Magic Incubator Winners
- Jadis Montijo, Motivo Scar Care: Motivo Scar Care was built From Patient Experience and Doctor Expertise. The brand developed Premium Scar Care Products, to improve the appearance of scars, and to help rewrite the standards of healing.
- Marsha McBain, Berri-Clear Skincare: Berri-Clear Skincare pioneered the world’s first dark spot superfruit skincare line, harnessing the power of fruits and vegetables native to Trinidad and Tobago to effectively reduce hyperpigmentation.
- Aziza El Wanni, The Potion Studio: The Potion Studio is a luxury haircare brand that believes in the power of nature and quality ingredients for both men and women with textured hair. The brand’s mission is to simplify and refine hair care routines with intentional products designed for not-so-simple hair.
The program combines interactive lectures, personalized mentorship, hands-on training, and a no-strings-attached $35,000 grant for each winner.
Designed as a fast-track, practical initiative, the program blends foundational business principles with specialized tracks like Finance and Integrated Marketing to work on a project that tangibly impacts their business based on their specific goals.
Winners also gain admission to the prestigious ‘Future of Commerce and Work’ program hosted on-site at the Harvard Faculty Club and, new this year, a fully paid trip to Cosmoprof North America Miami in January 2025.
The program culminates in a pitch deck presentation to an esteemed advisory board, featuring industry leaders and investors such as Maesa CEO Piyush Jain, Maesa Founder & CGO, Scott Kestenbaum, Managing Director at Bain Capital, Liraz Evenor, Hairitage founder Mindy McKnight, Being Frenshe founder Ashley Tisdale, and Nyakio Greico, Founder of Nyakio Beauty, Thirteen Lune, and Relevant.
