Building on the success of its inaugural year, Ulta Beauty, the nation’s largest beauty retailer, has revealed the MUSE Accelerator cohort of 2023. Eight early-stage BIPOC beauty brands will embark on a 10-week journey featuring a robust curriculum, mentorship, and funding to fuel growth and prepare for retail distribution.

The MUSE Accelerator returns to Magnify, Uplift, Support, and Empower a new cohort of founders, allowing them to further build their beauty brand by learning from and engaging with industry experts. In addition, these founders will have access to resources to learn how to propel growth and help establish a foundation for long-term success.

Fostering a community of passionate, BIPOC founders with a shared experience will help build a foundation and support network anchored in inclusivity that can help drive equitable and sustainable change.

“We’re excited to welcome our 2023 MUSE Accelerator participants to the Ulta Beauty family,” said Monica Arnaudo, Chief Merchandising Officer, Ulta Beauty. “As retail leaders and brand builders, we have a responsibility to create space and opportunities for all brands, particularly those who have been underrepresented to thrive in our industry and nurture an inclusive assortment that reflects the beautifully diverse community we serve. This year’s participants are a shining example of the bright future of beauty, and we can’t wait for the world to meet them.”

Meet the 2023 MUSE Accelerator Cohort:

• Devin McGhee Kirkland and Brit Kirkland, Deon Libra: An elevated adaptogenic stress care brand that formulates products to support the body’s natural ability to handle stress and activate lasting healthy skin.
• Jessica Pritchett, OOLI: A plant-based, unisex haircare system formulated for Locs that is leaping bunny certified and sustainably developed.
• Sharie Wilson and Tonya Thompson, DreamGirls: A 5-step healthy haircare system to help Black women grow their natural hair, retain length, and achieve long-term hair health.
• Ana Nuñez, Vida Bars: An inclusive sustainable hair brand offering solid haircare products formulated for various texture types.
• Octavia Morgan, Octavia Morgan Los Angeles: A clean fine fragrance and beauty company offering unique signature blends designed for a one-of-a-kind sensory experience.
• Leigh Joseph, Skwalwen Botanicals: Provides clean, effective, luxury plant-based skincare inspired by ancestral knowledge and sustainable relationships with plants.
• Olivia Bae and Hyeri Sung, Perseve: An expert-formulated premium haircare brand offering prestige products at an affordable price.
• Melissa Samuel, FinesseYourClaws: Provides luxury press-on nails in on-trend, cutting-edge designs for the everyday consumer at a fraction of the price you would pay in a salon.