A new mentorship and grant programme designed to support the next wave of beauty innovators has launched today, backed by the British Beauty Council, Sephora UK and student discount app UNiDAYS.
Named The Student Shadow Board, the initiative will provide five students with £3,000 grants, exclusive mentorship opportunities and direct access to industry leaders.
The programme aims to foster fresh ideas across key areas including innovation, sustainability, marketing and science, helping students “transition from beauty enthusiasts to industry professionals”.
The launch has already generated significant interest, with more than 700 students registering their interest ahead of the official application window.
Students are invited to submit future-focused beauty solutions, with shortlisted candidates presenting their ideas to a panel of experts.
Heading up the judging panel is Jamie Genevieve, founder of make-up brand Vieve, alongside representatives from UNiDAYS, the British Beauty Council and Sephora UK.
For Genevieve, who began her career as a make-up artist while still a student, the initiative is a chance to uplift the next generation of beauty professionals.
“This is an amazing opportunity to spotlight new talent in the beauty industry,” she said.
“I know first-hand how important it is to have access to the right opportunities early on, and I can’t wait to see the creativity and innovation these students bring to the table.”
Sephora UK, the programme’s lead financial supporter, is equally committed to ensuring students have real opportunities to break into the industry.
Sabina Ellahi, Head of PR & Communications at Sephora UK, believes the programme will be instrumental in shaping the sector’s future.
“The beauty industry is constantly evolving, and we must ensure young people are given every opportunity to thrive,” she said.
“Sephora UK is dedicated to nurturing young talent, and this initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to create a more accessible and dynamic industry.”
The Student Shadow Board is part of the British Beauty Council’s Talent & Careers initiative, which focuses on building clear career pathways and improving industry education.
Millie Kendall, CEO of the British Beauty Council, sees this as a crucial step in engaging with the next generation.
“Today’s students are more connected to the workings of the beauty industry than ever before,” she explained.
“Their ideas and insights are invaluable, and this programme provides the perfect platform to help shape the future of our sector.”
UNiDAYS, which has a global student membership of 29 million, is leveraging its platform to ensure young voices are heard at an industry level.
Jessica Hewitt, Beauty Category Lead at UNiDAYS, says the initiative is about more than just funding, it is about giving students a seat at the table.
“This programme isn’t just about mentorship and grants,” she said.
“It’s about empowering students to influence an industry they already shape so profoundly.
“The beauty leaders of tomorrow are in university classrooms today, and we want to help them turn their ideas into reality.”
Applications for The Student Shadow Board are open until April 2025, with winners announced in May 2025.
Following their selection, the five winners will gain access to exclusive mentorship events and networking opportunities, helping them establish their careers in beauty.
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