Jenn Harper, Woman of Influence
In 2016, Cheekbone Beauty was born. Jenn Harper had a vision of giving Indigenous people space in the beauty industry where they could see themselves, giving back to the Indigenous community and reflecting Indigenous values of connection to the earth using sustainable practices. She has achieved this and so much more. She is a visionary and unprecedented business leader never wavering from her core values in everything she does and creates.
The most difficult challenges of an Indigenous female entrepreneur...
Getting out of my own way was and has been the most challenging. The lack of self love that I experienced for so long at the hand of generational trauma took a long time to recover from. I am still healing.
The importance of choosing the arena of the beauty industry...
It was important for me to create a brand, especially in the beauty space, where Indigenous faces were represented. Growing up I did not see anyone in mainstream media that looked like me and that definitely contributed to my self love issues.
Jenn has been very open about her battle with alcoholism and the trauma her family has experienced for generations due to residential schools. She has suffered great losses and is mindful about caring for her own personal mental health.
On prioritizing personal mental health while running a business...
I go for routine morning walks to be in nature and alone with my thoughts. I also try to live an active lifestyle and find other outlets to relieve stress and anxiety, like running on the treadmill or a quick ride on the peloton, where before I would have turned to alcohol or other substances.
Jen has created such a massive social media following that brilliantly reflects her and her business. She highlights many of her clients using her products, embracing her roots and educating her customers on her Indigenous cultural practices.
On leading change in the media’s beauty industry...
It was evident that people were looking for change in the beauty space which helped us grow our community online. Yes, it was challenging, but it is clear that Indigenous people were seeking a space where they could see themselves and others were looking for a space to become an ally and learn about Indigenous peoples.
One word you want people to grasp when they think of you...
Resilient
Cheekbone Beauty has recently launched at Sephora. Huge Congratulations to Jenn and her team!
You can follow Jenn and order the sensational products from Cheekbone Beauty at the following: