Press Release

Ten Emerging Beauty Brands Kick Off This Year’s Target Takeoff Accelerator Program in Minneapolis

Here at Target, we’re proud of our ever-growing, differentiated assortment of must-have products. Our teams search far and wide (literally!) to bring guests popular and exclusive items they’ll love. Sometimes that means creating our very own collections, and other times that means seeking out new and exciting brands. This week our second year of Target Takeoff starts to do exactly that!

Target Takeoff is a mini retail boot camp that brings 10 up-and-coming startups to Minneapolis to work alongside business mentors to learn the ins and outs of the retail industry. The program is a part of Target’s larger retail accelerator capability—which also includes Techstars and our India-based accelerator in Bangalore.

Published 6 years ago | About a 3 minute read

Last year, the inaugural program focused on better-for-you products. This year, Takeoff is all about beauty. Our guests love to stay up-to-speed with the latest beauty trends and products, and we’re seeing a lot of interest in smaller niche brands. From natural beauty products to multicultural collections, men’s brands and more, we selected 10 inspiring startups and, as of this Monday, have officially kicked off Target Takeoff.

Throughout the week, the startups will participate in workshops with different mentors and network with industry insiders—including Target leaders from across the company. At the program’s end, each brand will pitch their products to a panel of experts at “Bark Tank” (inspired by our canine mascot!) and receive crucial feedback. After boot camp, the startups will return home to continue refining their pitch and products, then return in late May for a product showcase with Target leaders.

Ready to see the selected startups? Learn all about them, below!

Eu’Genia Shea

Eu’Genia Shea is focused on bringing the best shea butter to market, and created balms that are a natural alternative to petroleum jelly and chemical-based moisturizers. GIRL+HAIR

Known for its unique UNDER HAIR CARE system, GIRL+HAIR created a way for women to cleanse, nourish and protect their hair while it’s in a protective style, such as a weave, braids or under a wig.

Heritage1933

Heritage1933 is a socially conscious beauty company that creates a range of products for women of all backgrounds and prides itself on donating hair care products to shelters that support women and children.

HUE For Every Man

HUE For Every Man’s products are formulated to work for all men, regardless of hair texture or skin color, and provide a line of all natural products in a generally underserved space.

Oars + Alps

Known for premium, natural skincare products, Oars + Alps was created to offer men a better line of good-for-you grooming products that seamlessly fit in with an active lifestyle. ROSEN Skincare

Created for guests looking for ways to treat acne-prone skin without turning to harsh chemical products, ROSEN Skincare provides powerful alternatives made from clean, minimal ingredients.

Sienna Naturals

Sienna Naturals treats hair care like skin care and creates products that focus on improving the health and wellness of textured hair, categorizing products into a simple four-step ritual.

YUNI Beauty

Focused on products that help guests save time and relieve stress, YUNI Beauty creates natural beauty and lifestyle products that are developed with a mindfulness of social and environmental sustainability.