BOLINGBROOK, Ill.–(COMMERCIAL WIRE)–Ulta Beauty, the nation’s largest beauty retailer, is now accepting applications for its MUSE Accelerator, its inaugural program dedicated to supporting early-stage BIPOC beauty brands to launch and thrive in retail. Through the MUSE Accelerator, Ulta Beauty will educate, inspire and support participants with time, resources and mentorship to prepare diverse leaders, founders and entrepreneurs for retail readiness, while fostering a community to help empower each selected participant’s journey. .
“MUSE Accelerator is another way we are bringing to life our commitment to diversify our unrivaled variety so all guests can see themselves at Ulta Beauty,” says Monica Arnaudo, Ulta Beauty’s chief marketing officer. “We believe it is our responsibility to take tangible steps to create fundamental change in the industry. As a destination where brands can learn, thrive and successfully reach uncharted heights, this program helps us further nurture emerging BIPOC brands and create meaningful impact for the communities we serve, our industry and the world.”
MUSE Accelerator supports Ulta Beauty’s ongoing efforts to amplify underrepresented voices while curating a diverse variety. Launching in September, eight BIPOC beauty brand applicants will receive $50,000 in financial support to fuel brand development, plus resources designed to prepare each for retail readiness and long-term success. This will include unique opportunities to learn from subject matter experts on various topics including merchandising, supply chain, legal and marketing, as well as engaging brand founders and industry leaders during fireside talks and panels.
To ensure a meaningful and successful experience, a robust curriculum was created in partnership with Venture Noire, a nonprofit organization that specializes in accelerator programs dedicated to black and minority entrepreneurs. The 10-week curriculum includes virtual and face-to-face sessions focused on branding, including:
Strategy and Brand Positioning: An immersive 360-degree planning session that provides the tools, support, and resources needed for long-term success.
Retail 101: Expert training on how to successfully launch, grow and thrive in a national omnichannel retail environment.
Logistics in the supply chain: A foundational course on planning and navigating distribution channels to ensure an optimal customer experience.
Demonstration week and celebration: A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to introduce the brands to potential investors and traders.
Mentoring is an invaluable offering that will give participants the unique opportunity to learn from a dedicated mentor throughout the course of the program. MUSE Accelerator mentors Shontay Lundy, founder of Black Girl Sunscreen, Ron Robinson, founder and CEO of BeautyStat, Desirée Rogers, CEO of BLK/OPL, and Julissa Prado, founder and CEO of Rizos Curls, are among the many leaders of the industry that have achieved built brands. They are kindly offering their time and expertise to help this next generation of beauty leaders.
“Having built and launched a brand from concept to aisle, I understand the critical importance of mentors as guides along the way, especially as a minority navigating new territory,” said Shontay Lundy, founder and CEO of Black Girl Sunscreen. . “I was lucky to have had that support and was honored to have the opportunity to give back through Ulta Beauty’s MUSE Accelerator.”
Ulta Beauty is now accepting applications for the 2022 MUSE Accelerator cohort, with selections to be announced in September 2022. Early-stage eligible BIPOC brands are encouraged to apply today by visiting ulta.com/muse-accelerator for guidelines. and get more information about the program. . The deadline to submit is June 30 at 11:59 pm CT.
About Ulta Belleza
At Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ: ULTA), the possibilities are beautiful. Ulta Beauty is the largest beauty retailer in the US and the leading beauty destination for cosmetics, fragrances, skin care, hair care and salon services. In 1990, the company reinvented the beauty retail experience by offering a new way to shop for beauty products, bringing everything related to beauty together in one place. Today, Ulta Beauty operates more than 1,300 retail stores in 50 states and also distributes its products through its website, which includes a collection of tips, tutorials, and social content. For more information, visit www.ulta.com.
Ulta Beauty was recently added to the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index, which tracks the financial performance of public companies committed to supporting gender equality through policy development, representation and transparency. More information about Ulta Beauty’s corporate responsibility efforts can be found at https://ulta.com/investor/esg.
Source: www.businesswire.com