Jenn Harper

Indigenous speaker Jenn Harper is an award-winning entrepreneur,  and the founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics INC.

Jenn Harper is considered a beacon of innovation in Beauty and Philanthropy. She is not just a name in the beauty industry; she's a revolution, Jenn Harper is the trailblazing founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics—a brand that has gracefully painted the ideals of sustainability and inclusion onto a global canvas. From its inception in 2015, Jenn has nurtured Cheekbone Beauty into a B. Corp Certified force, now gracing the shelves of Sephora Canada and 550 JC Penney locations across the USA.

Jenn Harper stands as more than a CEO; she is a voice for entrepreneurship, exerting influence on topics that are reshaping the business landscape: social entrepreneurship, empathy, representation, inclusivity, and sustainability. Regularly sought after for her insights, Jenn weaves her narrative as both a woman and a representative of North America's Indigenous peoples, substantiating the importance of these values in today's business ecosystem.

The accolades accruing to Jenn's name bear the weight of her achievements. In 2022, she was listed among the 100 Women of Influence by Entrepreneur Magazine—a list graced by the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian. In 2023, Jenn was conferred an Honorary Doctorate degree from the Goodman School of Business at Brock University. This honorary degree recognized her unwavering dedication to community betterment and adamant endeavors in championing sustainability. In November of 2024, Jenn Harper was also named as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women. +

Jenn's journey with Cheekbone began as a digitally native, direct-to-consumer brand that took pride in its commitment to reducing environmental impact and supporting Indigenous communities. Her formidable leadership made sure Cheekbone stood out not only for its stunning products but also for its ethical backbone—it became a symphony of transparency, philanthropy, and support for women and youth. To date, over $250,000 have been donated to philanthropic causes, testament to Cheekbone's core values.

Cheekbone's prestige has been hard-earned. In 2019, Jenn Harper made a confident appearance on Canada's Dragon's Den, the nation's equivalency of Shark Tank. While she turned down offers, her unwavering resolution steered Cheekbone towards exponential growth. Jenn's tactical negotiations led to expansive contracts with major retailers in North America, shining a beacon of inspiration for Indigenous women by placing an Indigenous CEO-led brand on equal footing with global industry giants. 

In addition to Cheekbone’s mission, she strives to educate as many people as possible about the Residential School System and the effects it has had on her family and friends through decades of generational trauma. She speaks regularly to university, college and high school students about social entrepreneurship, empathy and the history of her First Nations family. She has also been invited to speak to various entrepreneur groups, women in business associations, Apple Canada and First Nations organizations. --

Jenn Harper, Conference Speaker Presentations:

Beauty With Purpose: Building A Brand That Creates Change +

This session explores how a mission-driven business can simultaneously succeed in a competitive market and create meaningful social impact. Drawing on the journey of building an Indigenous-owned cosmetics brand from concept to national recognition, it examines the integration of cultural values into modern product development. The discussion includes strategies for embedding sustainability and ethical practices into every stage of operations without compromising quality or growth potential.

Participants will learn practical approaches for aligning business models with advocacy goals, from engaging underrepresented communities to leveraging brand influence for education and social change. The session also addresses how purpose-driven leadership can navigate industry challenges while staying true to core values, fostering both economic success and positive societal impact. -- 

From Vision to Venture: Turning A Passion Into A Scalable Business +

This session examines the process of transforming an idea into a competitive and sustainable enterprise. It outlines the importance of research, product development, and understanding market gaps when launching a brand with a unique mission. Using real-world examples, it demonstrates how perseverance through personal and professional challenges can shape a company’s long-term success.

Attendees will gain insights into early-stage decision-making, building a values-based brand identity, and creating systems that support both financial performance and community impact. The content emphasizes the link between resilience, clear vision, and the ability to adapt in a fast-changing marketplace. --

Representation in the Beauty Industry: Expanding Inclusion Through Authentic Brand Leadership +

This session addresses the ongoing need for diversity in beauty and personal care, highlighting the role of Indigenous-owned businesses in shaping industry narratives. It examines how authentic leadership can challenge stereotypes, broaden representation, and create space for underrepresented voices in product development and marketing.

Participants will learn strategies for building inclusive brand cultures, partnering with community organizations, and using business platforms to foster systemic change. The session also covers the impact of representation on consumer trust, loyalty, and market reach. -- 

Sustainable By Design: Embedding Environmental Responsibility Into Product Innovation +

This session explores how sustainable practices can be embedded into the core of product design and manufacturing. It covers approaches to reducing environmental impact through material selection, ethical sourcing, and waste-conscious packaging without sacrificing performance or consumer appeal.

Attendees will leave with actionable insights into balancing sustainability goals with commercial realities, including how to communicate environmental commitments authentically to build credibility and consumer trust. The discussion also touches on the broader role of environmentally responsible businesses in influencing industry standards. -- 

Using Business to Empower Communities: Leveraging Enterprise for Education and Social Equity +

This session focuses on how entrepreneurship can be used as a tool for advancing educational access and social equity in Indigenous communities. It explores the role of corporate giving, community partnerships, and targeted funding initiatives in creating measurable impact.

Participants will learn frameworks for designing programs that address systemic barriers, sustain long-term community relationships, and align social investments with business objectives. The session emphasizes how aligning profit with purpose can amplify both brand influence and community well-being. --

For more information on Jenn Harper's date availability and booking Jenn Harper contact us.