Maesa Magic Incubator Opens New Round for Early-Stage Beauty Entrepreneurs
The Maesa Magic Incubator is once again opening doors for underrepresented beauty and wellness founders. Applications are now open for the 2025–26 program. Three early-stage entrepreneurs will receive $35,000 in grant funding, no strings attached.
But the support doesn’t stop there. Selected founders will also benefit from mentorship, exposure on industry platforms, and expert-led training. The incubator is designed to help those often overlooked due to low revenue or early-stage status.
Organizers say it’s about bridging the “access gap” and helping new founders grow fast with real support. Over $200,000 has already been awarded since the program launched.
Hands-On Training and Real-World Opportunities
Chosen participants will go through a hands-on entrepreneurship curriculum. That includes weekly online sessions, fireside chats with founders, and a capstone project to pitch to a board of industry experts.
There’s also an in-person learning experience at Emerson University’s “Future of Commerce and Work” program, held at the Harvard Faculty Club. Maesa even covers a fully paid trip to Cosmoprof North America Miami in January 2026.
Participants also receive a premium BeautyMatter membership and business promotion across top platforms like CEW and Maesa’s social media.
A Mission to Fix the Beauty Industry’s Pipeline Problem
The program was created by beauty industry veteran Kelly Kovack. Her goal is to fix what many call a broken pipeline — where only a tiny percentage of venture capital goes to women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ founders.
Maesa’s team has helped grow major beauty brands like Kristen Ess Haircare and Being Frenshe by Ashley Tisdale. Now, they want to build the next wave of bold, diverse beauty brands.
Previous winners include Aziza El Wanni of The Potion Studio and Keisha Wagner-Gaymon of Fuzz Clinic. Many have gone on to gain national exposure and secure further investment.
Who Can Apply and How to Get Involved
Applications are open until August 6, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Women, LGBTQIA+, people of color, seniors 65+, differently abled individuals, and those from low-income backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Maesa’s website has full details and the application form. This opportunity is more than a grant — it’s a launchpad.
