Jenn Harper

Founder Cheekbone Beauty a BCorp AVAILABLE at Sephora Canada and JC Penny in the USA - 2023 Honorary Doctor of Laws from Brock U 100 Women of Influence 2022 - Canada’s Most Impactful Businesses - New Innovators List 2022

Jenn Harper is the Founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics INC, an innovative Indigenous-owned cosmetics brand based in Canada. She is an Anishinaabe woman from St. Catharines, Ontario, who established the company in 2016 with a mission to create high-quality, vegan, and cruelty-free beauty products that reflect Indigenous values and promote sustainability.1 2 4

Background and Inspiration

Harper's inspiration for Cheekbone Beauty came from a dream in 2015, where she envisioned a line of beauty products that would empower Indigenous youth and provide them with representation in the beauty industry. Despite lacking formal training in cosmetics, she collaborated with chemists and sustainability experts to develop her product line, which emphasizes low environmental impact and maximum wearability.2 4

Achievements

Under Harper's leadership, Cheekbone Beauty has gained significant recognition. The brand's signature SUSTAIN line of lipsticks and eye pencils is available at Sephora Canada and online retailers. The company also emphasizes community support, having donated over $300,000 to various causes that benefit Indigenous youth and women.1 3 4 Additionally, Harper has been awarded multiple honors, including the Environmental Leadership Award in 2023 and recognition as one of Canada’s Most Impactful Businesses.3

Community Engagement

A core aspect of Cheekbone Beauty’s mission is its commitment to giving back to the community. This includes launching the Cheekbone Beauty Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to Indigenous students pursuing post-secondary education.1 2 Harper regularly speaks at conferences and educational institutions about sustainability, entrepreneurship, and the importance of Indigenous representation in business.3

Conclusion

Jenn Harper exemplifies a modern entrepreneur who integrates cultural heritage with sustainable business practices. Her work not only contributes to the beauty industry but also aims to uplift Indigenous communities through education and empowerment initiatives.