NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Maesa, the world’s #1 beauty incubator in mass, is thrilled to announce the winners of the second annual #MaesaMagicIncubator program. This initiative, now in its second year, 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.
“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,” said Piyush Jain, CEO of Maesa. “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.”
Meet the 2024 Maesa Magic Incubator winners leading the charge in beauty and wellness:
- Jadis Montijo, Motivo Scar Care - Motivo Scar Care was built From Patient Experience and Doctor Expertise, we’ve developed Premium Scar Care Products, to not only improve the appearance of scars, but to help rewrite the standards of healing
- Marsha McBain, Berri-Clear Skincare - Berri-Clear Skincare proudly pioneers 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. Our mission is to simplify and refine your hair care routine with intentional products designed for not so simple hair
These three visionary entrepreneurs stood out amongst all of the applicants, each bringing a fresh perspective and a bold vision to the beauty and wellness sectors. Their ideas not only address critical gaps in the market but also resonate with consumers seeking innovative and inclusive solutions.
During the rigorous review process, applications were evaluated on their brand’s understanding of consumer insight and solution to the insight, the “why” behind their brand, and the brand’s financial viability and go-to-market strategy. Amongst countless strong applicants, 10 finalists emerged with brands that are pushing boundaries with innovative, creative solutions for consumers; the three winners were then personally selected post comprehensive interviews with Maesa’s leadership team.
The 2024 Maesa Magic Incubator program offers a transformative experience, equipping founders with the essential tools to build successful brands from concept to aisle. It 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 delivers tangible results by blending 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.
As Maesa continues to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship, the #MaesaMagicIncubator represents a vital part of the company’s commitment to fostering innovation, diversity, and driving economic growth within the beauty and wellness industries. By supporting diverse voices and disruptive ideas, Maesa aims to create a ripple effect of shared success that reaches far beyond the winners themselves.
About Maesa
Maesa is the world's #1 beauty incubator in mass, transforming the industry by incubating and growing meaningful, innovative brands and making prestige beauty accessible. We believe beauty ignites inspiration, creativity, imagination, and connection, sparking new ideas and possibilities, and meeting unmet consumer needs. Through best-in-class design, formulation, manufacturing, and marketing capabilities, we deliver new, better, and differentiated products with an unsurpassed speed to market. Maesa works with mass, drug, and specialty retailers to cultivate both private label and owned brands, including Kristin Ess Hair, Hairitage by Mindy McKnight, Fine'ry, Being Frenshe by Ashley Tisdale, Flower Beauty by Drew Barrymore, TPH by Taraji P. Henson, itk Skincare by Brooklyn & Bailey McKnight, Mix:Bar, and Kōze Place. For more information, visit www.maesa.com.
