Aaniin, Indigenous entrepreneurs! It’s an incredible time to be in business, and there’s so much power in our unique stories. It can be hard to break through the clutter in your entrepreneurial journey, so much of it is keeping your head down and doing the absolute most to stay afloat – but embrace your cultural identity and let it shine through everything you do—it’s your greatest asset! Seek knowledge from your community; their insights can guide your path with values that not only help you to stand out – but make the world a better place for people and the planet. Network with other Indigenous businesses to build a resilient support system and share experiences with each other. Remember, your vision is vital, and no dream is too big. Stay curious, keep learning, and most importantly, trust your instincts. You’re not just building a business; you’re empowering your community for generations to come.
An award-winning social entrepreneur, Jenn Harper is the founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics INC. Cheekbone Beauty aims to help every Indigenous person see and feel their value in the world while developing sustainable colour cosmetics that won’t end up in a landfill.
Jenn Harper is an Anishinaabe woman and is a member of the Northwest Angle #33 First Nation in Kenora, ON. Throughout her life, Jenn has struggled with accepting her Indigenous roots. She was estranged from her Indigenous family for much of her child and adult life. After learning about her grandmother’s experience in residential school, she understood how her family was affected by generational trauma. Harper has been making a name for herself in the beauty industry for a number of years but gained popularity quickly after appearing on CBC’s hit show, Dragon’s Den in 2019. Since her appearance on the show, Jenn has been featured as Chatelaine’s “Woman of the Year in 2019”, Canadian Business’s “2022 New Innovator’s List”, and Entrepreneur Magazine’s “100 Women of Influence in 2022” list.
She continues to be deeply involved in all aspects of Cheekbone Beauty operations, including product innovation with the Cheekbone Beauty chemist and sustainability experts to reimagine beauty products, starting with raw ingredients all the way to how all products are packaged. As part of its sustainability mission, Cheekbone Beauty is associated with organizations such as Pact Collective, 1% for the Planet, and B.Corp. These partnerships show the brand’s commitment to both people and planet.
As of 2023, Cheekbone Beauty is available in 50 Sephora stores across Canada as a Sephora Clean and Planet Positive brand. It is also available in 600 JCPenney stores across the United States.
Giving back to the Indigenous community is critical to Cheekbone Beauty’s mission. To date, Cheekbone Beauty has contributed upwards of $250,000 in product, monetary, and project-focused donations to the organizations across North America and will continue to do so.