The Professional Beauty Association and Cosmoprof North America have partnered to launch Beauty Pitch—the ultimate brand presentation for beauty entrepreneurs at PBA Beauty Week 2015.
A first of its kind, this new addition to CPNA will offer up-and-coming and established companies alike the unique opportunity to present their brand, products or ideas to a panel of top investors, including businessman, TV personality and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and renown entrepreneur John Paul DeJoria.
Five finalists will have the chance to pitch to the panel live as part of the PBA Business Forum on July 12 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. One winner will receive a one-year mentorship from Mark Cuban and/or another will receive possible funding from a reputable private-equity firm.
“The Beauty Pitch brings the concept of ABC’s "Shark Tank" to PBA Beauty Week, giving beauty entrepreneurs access to potential financial support and mentoring from acclaimed businessmen,” said PBA chairman Scott Buchanan. “We are thrilled to have the support of Mark, JP and the investment community to present this unique opportunity to the professional-beauty industry.”
Cuban served as the keynote speaker during the PBA Business Forum in 2014, but this year’s event will be a first for DeJoria. To kick off Beauty Pitch, Cuban and DeJoria will share their advice on business practices and answer questions from the audience, with Buchanan serving as the moderator. The event will then be followed by the live pitches from the finalists.
“I’m thrilled to return to CPNA and PBA Beauty Week, as I have a vested interest in building my industry knowledge to further support the three beauty brands I currently own, and mentoring one winning brand from the Beauty Pitch to success,” stated Cuban.
The Beauty Pitch is now accepting submissions. Beauty Pitch contest entries must be submitted online by May 4 at 9 a.m. EDT—and follow #BeautyPitch for updates. See the official rules here.
Finalists will be selected by an internal panel of judges consisting of industry professionals, program hosts and investors. The five finalists will be announced on May 22.
Ticket registration for the PBA Business Forum, including the Beauty Pitch, will open later this month [April] ($60 for PBA members, $70 for nonmembers). Ticket prices include a full buffet-style breakfast, which will be served at 7 a.m. Cuban and DeJoria will take the stage from 8 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. in the Mandalay Bay Ballroom on July 12. The CPNA show floor will open for attendees at 10 a.m.
Editor's note The Beauty Pitch is discussed along with CPNA 2015's superb educational lineup in our May print issue Q&A interview with CPNA marketing director Daniela Ciocan. Look for "CPNA Releases New Educational Offerings" by Liz Barrett, May, Beauty Store Business, page 26. The May BSB digital edition should be accessible at our website about the same time your 2014 federal incomes taxes are likely due: April 15!
[Beautypitch.com website image courtesy of beautypitch.com, the Professional Beauty Association and Cosmoprof North America; John Paul DeJoria image courtesy of John Paul Mitchell Systems; Mark Cuban photo by Armando Sanchez, BSB]
