If you haven’t heard already — Of Other Worlds has been selected to participate in the 2023 cohort of the Sephora Accelerate! This has been an extremely difficult secret to keep since I’ve become accustomed to telling the people who read this newsletter *everything* so it’s more than a relief to be able to finally share and celebrate with our community!
I shared a bit in my Instagram post announcing the news that I was severely lacking in morale only a week before being accepted. I had just had a meeting about bank loans that felt a bit like needing five years of experience for an entry-level experience opportunity. I was discouraged and seriously wondering what the viability of the brand looked like. Being chosen for the Sephora Accelerate is a welcome acknowledgment that, despite the challenges ahead, we’re building something with a bright future.
So, what does being in the Sephora Accelerate really mean? I’ve gotten this question a lot so it feels fitting to go ahead and explain it a bit. For starters, we will still be launching on our website projected for March of 2023 — so you won’t have to wait until the program concludes to get your hands on Light Beams again! *phew* The accelerate is a 6-month long program that functions like a business boot camp. Brands get structured workshops from the beauty industry's best to learn the crucial stuff that helps brands grow and scale with a purpose.
Are you launching in Sephora? This is always the next question and the answer is: Likely! The Sephora Accelerate is not a straight path to a Sephora launch — it’s truly meant to be a tool to set beauty businesses up to be exactly what they want to be. However, it’s easy to look at the history of where Sephora Accelerate alumni land and get the picture. We’re shooting for a similar goal!
This particular cohort is full of brands that, in many ways, are further along in their journey than Of Other Worlds. Some brands have raised millions of dollars and others have already inked retail partnerships. I feel extremely honored to join the ranks of some very intelligent, creative and successful founders so early on. I also am taking a moment to pat myself on the back for how we’ve been able to communicate our vision and potential in a way that’s landed us a seat at the table.
Some other updates!
Crossbody Bags are done! They are headed my way from the manufacturer and then to all of our qualifying Kickstarter backers shortly after. I’ve been researching dyeing techniques so I can hit the ground (successfully) running and transforming the bag straps as soon as they hit my doorstep. Check out the latest production photo below:
We also have new product packaging! We’ve upgraded from our soft launch bottles to some extreeeeeemellly beautiful glass bottles with a stunning unit carton to house it all in. Those designs we’re keeping on the DL for now — unless you’re a paid subscriber you can scroll down to check out that sneak peek!
With the end of the year in sight, we’re preparing to take a second look at fundraising. With retail goals coming sooner than originally expected, it’s time for us to get settled up with proper funding. But that’s a hurdle we’ll jump over in 2023 :)