Concept to Creation Course

This course is designed to provide step-by-step guidance to minority business owners on launching a beauty brand. Weekly check-ins are integrated to ensure accountability and progress tracking.

Week 1: Laying the Foundation
• Topic: Understanding the Beauty Industry
• Overview of the beauty market (cosmetics, skincare, haircare)
• Identifying gaps and opportunities for minority-owned brands
• Defining your “why” and your unique value proposition (UVP)
• Assignment:
• Write your business mission statement and identify your niche.

Week 2: Research & Product Development Basics
• Topic: Trends, Ingredients, and Product Ideas
• How to research market trends
• Understanding cosmetic ingredients (clean, natural, etc.)
• Brainstorming and validating product ideas
• Assignment:
• Develop a list of potential products and their features.

Week 3: Legal & Compliance
• Topic: Navigating Regulations
• FDA regulations for cosmetics and skincare
• Labeling and claims compliance
• Understanding product liability and insurance
• Assignment:
• Research compliance requirements for one product idea.

Week 4: Branding Essentials
• Topic: Building a Memorable Brand
• Defining your brand identity (name, logo, values, etc.)
• Packaging design and its role in consumer perception
• Tips for connecting with diverse audiences
• Assignment:
• Create a mood board for your brand’s visual identity.

Week 5: Sourcing & Manufacturing
• Topic: Finding the Right Partners
• How to source ingredients sustainably
• Working with manufacturers or starting DIY production
• Building relationships with vendors
• Assignment:
• Research 2-3 potential suppliers or manufacturers for your product.

Week 6: Pricing & Profit Margins
• Topic: Financial Foundations
• Understanding cost of goods sold (COGS)
• Pricing strategies for profitability and scalability
• Break-even analysis basics
• Assignment:
• Draft a pricing model for your product line.

Week 7: Marketing & Social Media
• Topic: Creating Buzz for Your Brand
• Building a pre-launch marketing plan
• Utilizing social media for visibility (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube)
• Working with influencers and ambassadors
• Assignment:
• Outline a content calendar for a 2-week campaign.

Week 8: E-commerce & Retail Strategy
• Topic: Selling Your Products
• Setting up an online store (Shopify, Etsy, etc.)
• Retail vs. direct-to-consumer (DTC) models
• Strategies for getting into stores (pitches, pop-ups)
• Assignment:
• Compare e-commerce platforms and decide where to sell.

Week 9: Funding Your Business
• Topic: Financial Resources & Strategies
• How to self-fund or bootstrap
• Pitching to investors or applying for grants
• Managing cash flow as a small business owner
• Assignment:
• Research and apply to one funding opportunity.

Week 10: Scaling Your Business
• Topic: Growing Sustainably
• Scaling production while maintaining quality
• Expanding product lines and diversifying revenue streams
• Managing a team and building company culture
• Assignment:
• Draft a 6-month growth plan.

Week 11: Preparing for Launch
• Topic: Finalizing Your Launch Plan
• Pre-launch checklist (inventory, website, marketing)
• How to create a buzz-worthy launch event or campaign
• Setting measurable goals for your first quarter
• Assignment:
• Finalize your launch plan and goals.

Week 12: Reflection & Next Steps
• Topic: Sustaining Success
• Analyzing early performance and adjusting strategies
• Building relationships with customers and gathering feedback
• Staying inspired and avoiding burnout
• Assignment:
• Present your business plan to the group for feedback.

Weekly Check-ins:
• Provide a progress update and share wins/challenges.
• Ask questions and collaborate with peers for support.
• Recap key learnings and set goals for the upcoming week.

This curriculum ensures a comprehensive roadmap for you to launch a sustainable and impactful beauty brand. 

This course is designed to provide step-by-step guidance to minority business owners on launching a beauty brand. Weekly check-ins are integrated to ensure accountability and progress tracking.Week 1: Laying the Foundation• Topic: Understanding the Beauty Industry• Overview of the beauty market (cosmetics, skincare, haircare)• Identifying gaps and opportunities for minority-owned brands• Defining your “why” and your unique value proposition (UVP)• Assignment:• Write your business mission stateme