Sephora North America has nominated eight BIPOC brand founders to its 2024 Accelerate program, a long-running brand incubator that helps growing beauty firms.

Sephora’s Accelerate program continues to provide a path to success for numerous BIPOC-founded and -owned firms, with this year’s cohort encompassing the haircare, makeup, skincare, and fragrance categories.

The eight names include Roz Samimi of Banuskin, Hannah Diop of Sienna Naturals, Yasmin Zeinab of Abi Ame, Diipa Buller-Khosla of Inde Wild, Katini Yamaoka of Katini Skin, Teri Johnson of Harlem Perfume, Denise Vasi of Maed Beauty, and Quani Burnett of Soft Rows. 

The program includes a 360-degree, six-month curriculum for all participants, as well as mentorship, merchandising help, funding, and investor connections, with the option to launch at Sephora North America upon completion.

“This year, we received more than 800 applications – a record-setting number of applications in Accelerate program history – which we believe is a testament to the unique and differentiated curriculum we’re able to offer, plus the strength of our community,” said Kristin Odegaard, senior director of merchandising strategy and business development at Sephora.

The 2024 Accelerate class will also have access to 1:1 personalized consultation with Front Row and Clarity Media, as well as a dedicated advisory team, made up of beauty industry partners, Sephora portfolio founders, and financial professionals.