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Jennifer Harper

Founder & CEO, Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics

Jenn Harper is the founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics, an Indigenous-owned brand known for its commitment to sustainability and inclusion. Since launching in 2015, Cheekbone has grown from a direct-to-consumer startup into a B Corp Certified company, now available at Sephora Canada and over 500 JC Penney stores across the U.S.

Harper’s leadership has guided Cheekbone with a focus on ethical practices, environmental responsibility, and community support. The company has donated more than $250,000 to causes that benefit Indigenous youth and women, reflecting its values beyond the beauty industry.

In 2019, Harper appeared on CBC’s Dragon’s Den, choosing to decline investment offers in favor of maintaining her vision. Her strategic approach has since led to major retail partnerships and positioned Cheekbone as a respected brand in a competitive market.

Harper is frequently invited to speak on topics such as social entrepreneurship, representation, and sustainability. Her work highlights the importance of Indigenous voices in business and the potential for commerce to drive positive change.

Her contributions have earned recognition, including being named one of Entrepreneur Magazine’s 100 Women of Influence in 2022 and receiving an Honorary Doctorate from Brock University’s Goodman School of Business in 2023. In 2024, she was also listed among Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women.

Jenn Harper’s journey with Cheekbone Beauty reflects a blend of purpose and innovation, offering a model for building a values-driven brand in today’s evolving business landscape.