In a significant move to support Black entrepreneurs in the beauty sector, Glossier recently announced a new cohort for its Glossier Grant Program. Launched in 2020, this initiative awards $50,000 and essential mentorship to emerging brands founded by Black entrepreneurs. This year’s recipients include innovative companies like Tonal Cosmetics, The UnBraider, The Renatural, and the clinical skincare brand founded by Dr. Rosemarie Ingletin. This program not only provides financial support but also guidance on vital business areas such as supply chain management and digital marketing.
The new grantees reflect a diverse range of products designed to cater to various needs in the beauty industry. For instance, Tonal Cosmetics positions itself as a “sun-safe” makeup line; The UnBraider, co-founded by the mother-daughter duo Natasha and Khadija Imara, has developed a specialized tool for braid removal; Aasiyah Abdulsalam’s The Renatural offers glueless wig options; and Dr. Ingletin’s skincare line focuses on the unique requirements of melanin-rich skin. By highlighting such innovative solutions, Glossier is amplifying voices in segments that often face significant market barriers.
An interesting addition to this year’s initiative is the Alumni Award, which grants a former grantee, Alicia Scott of Range Beauty, an impressive $100,000 alongside additional mentorship. This award aims to aid brands that have previously benefited from the program to achieve scalability. Scott’s line specifically targets those with eczema- and acne-prone skin, showcasing a commitment to addressing underrepresented skincare needs.
Roya Shariat, Glossier’s director of impact, highlighted the pressing need for funding among Black founders, especially in an investment environment that has become increasingly cautious. According to Shariat, over 60% of program alumni applied for this year’s grants, clearly demonstrating a demand for continued support. The closures of previous grantees, such as The Established and Ceylon, starkly illustrate the challenges these brands face, with the founder of The Established, Essence Williams, sharing that she “ran out of money three times” throughout her entrepreneurial journey.
In response to such overwhelming challenges, Shariat emphasizes the importance of consistent investment into the beauty community. “We cannot change the entire landscape of investing,” she stated. Nonetheless, the hope is that sustained reinvestment into Black-founded brands can encourage a broader spectrum of investors to recognize the potential within these companies.
Scott’s direction under the Alumni Award will be uniquely tailored to her business needs. The four-month program will focus on retail expansion and operational efficiency. Following her participation in Glossier’s accelerator, Scott successfully secured a partnership with Sephora, demonstrating her potential for growth. She remarks that the demands from potential investors are continually shifting, pointing to a requirement for startups to constantly demonstrate traction and revenue growth.
Looking ahead, Glossier plans to expand the grant program further to include applicants from the UK, reaffirming its commitment to fostering Black entrepreneurship across borders. Shariat reinforces the message that this initiative is not merely a reaction to past socio-political events but a dedicated effort to create lasting change. “This work is enduring,” she stresses. “To actually make an impact, you have to stay in it for the long haul.”
As the beauty industry continues to evolve, Glossier’s initiatives illustrate a significant step towards inclusivity and support for underrepresented founders. Through their grant program, they are not just offering financial aid but are also nurturing a community that thrives on collaboration and mutual growth. This exemplifies how brands can harness their influence to create a positive impact within the community while encouraging others to fulfill their commitments towards sustainable growth.
