Cosmetics giant, Sephora, has picked eight female entrepreneurs from the US, Canada and Mexico to participate in its inaugural Accelerate Cohort program, which aids female-founded start-ups.

The program is part of Sephora’s ‘Sephora Stands’ initiative to help female-founded start-ups move forward in a male-dominated industry. Those picked will take part in an extensive mentoring programme.

The brands picked include Myavana, a data-driven social platform that offers personalised hair analysis, consultations and product recommendations; and Sylerz, which helps users discover top beauty salons, spas, barbers and independent professionals in Mexico and book appointments through smartphone. Glossgenius was also picked, an innovative digital personal assistant for independent beauticians which helps them manage and grow their businesses through proactive client engagement and marketing tools.

The fourth brand is Thrive Causemetics is Beauty with a Purpose, which creates high-performance, vegan, luxury cosmetics. Laxmi, a luxury skincare brand, was also picked. The brands Sahajan, Eu’Genia Shea  and One Love Organics also made it to the list.

Founders of the brands mentioned will attend a bootcamp in April where the participants will be taught to develop and refine the necessary skills to run and manage their businesses.