Fee Range for Jenn Harper
$7,501 - $10,000
Jenn Harper
Speaker, Indigenous Entrepreneur,
Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics Founder
About Jenn Harper
Jenn Harper is an award-winning Anishinaabe entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics Inc., a B Corp certified, Indigenous-owned beauty brand sold at Sephora Canada and JCPenney.
As a keynote speaker, she brings a rare combination of business acumen and lived experience to conversations on social entrepreneurship, resilience, and Indigenous advocacy.
She has addressed universities, corporate events, DEI leadership conferences, and Indigenous organizations — using her own story to inspire audiences toward ethical, sustainable, and purpose-driven business practices.
Jenn Harper's Expertise
- Indigenous Entrepreneurship — building Cheekbone Beauty into a B Corp certified, Indigenous-owned brand sold at Sephora Canada and JCPenney
- Social Entrepreneurship & Purpose-Driven Business — embedding community give-back and cultural values into every stage of business growth
- Business Resilience & Adversity — transforming personal loss, addiction recovery, and early-stage rejection into sustained entrepreneurial success
- Representation & Inclusion in Beauty — expanding Indigenous visibility and challenging stereotypes in a historically exclusionary industry
- Sustainable & Ethical Business Practices — building a cruelty-free, environmentally responsible brand from sourcing through packaging
- Truth & Reconciliation Advocacy — educating audiences on the Residential School System and its generational impact on Indigenous families
- Women in Business Leadership — scaling a founder-led company through Dragons' Den, national retail partnerships, and continued growth
- Mental Health & Sobriety — speaking candidly about addiction recovery and the role mental wellness plays in entrepreneurial resilience
- Change Management & Business Growth — negotiating retail contracts and leading a company through rapid national expansion
Jenn Harper's Bio
Jenn Harper is an Anishinaabe keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics Inc., a B Corp certified, Indigenous-owned cosmetics company carried by Sephora Canada and JCPenney. Born in Thunder Bay, Ontario and raised in the Niagara Region, she draws on more than a decade of business leadership to speak on Indigenous entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship, resilience, and representation.
Before founding Cheekbone Beauty, Jenn spent years in sales and marketing at two major international corporations. During a professional training exercise, she was asked to describe her dream job and wrote, without hesitation, that she wanted to be the CEO of a major cosmetics brand — a goal that had no clear path yet, but became the foundation for everything that followed.
In January 2015, that goal took shape. After a vivid dream of Indigenous girls covered in colourful lip gloss, and after reconnecting with her grandmother's story as a survivor of the Residential School System, Jenn spent more than two years researching and developing a brand that didn't yet exist: a cruelty-free, sustainable cosmetics company built by and for Indigenous people. Cheekbone Beauty launched from her kitchen table in St. Catharines, Ontario, and now stands as one of Canada's most recognized examples of Indigenous entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship in action. +
Business resilience and adversity define much of Jenn's story. The loss of her brother, B.J., to suicide became a defining turning point, reinforcing her resolve to build a company with meaning beyond product sales. Jenn speaks candidly about her own sobriety and mental health, and about the role recovery played in shaping her as a leader — a story that grounds her keynotes in lived experience rather than theory.
In 2019, Jenn appeared on CBC's Dragons' Den, where she turned down every offer rather than give up a controlling stake in her company — a decision in women in business leadership that led her to Raven Indigenous Capital Partners instead. That resolve pushed Cheekbone Beauty onto the shelves of Sephora Canada and more than 550 JCPenney locations across the United States, making it one of the most visible Indigenous-owned brands in North American retail and a case study in change management and business growth.
Cheekbone Beauty is a certified B Corporation that has directed more than $250,000 to philanthropic causes, including partnerships with the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society, and Jenn regularly speaks on truth and reconciliation advocacy and representation and inclusion in the beauty industry. Her honours include the 2017 Social Enterprise Award from the Women in Niagara Council and Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce, a spot on Entrepreneur Magazine's 2022 list of 100 Women of Influence, an Honorary Doctorate from the Goodman School of Business at Brock University in 2023, and recognition as one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women in November 2024. --
Contact Us for Jenn Harper's speaker fees, and date availability.
Jenn Harper's Presentation Topics
Jenn Harper travels from Toronto, Ontario, Canada & provides keynote presentations, fireside chats and moderated Q&A on a variety of topics. Each presentation is unique, personlized and tailored for audiences, industries, conferences and event formats.
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. --
Book Jenn Harper to speak at your next conference or corporate event.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jenn Harper
Who is Jenn Harper? +
Jenn Harper is an Anishinaabe entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and the founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics Inc., a B Corp certified, Indigenous-owned cosmetics company sold at Sephora Canada and JCPenney. Born in Thunder Bay, Ontario and raised in the Niagara Region, she built her company from a 2015 dream into a nationally recognized brand. She received an Honorary Doctorate from the Goodman School of Business at Brock University in 2023 and was named one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2024. --
What does Jenn Harper speak about? +
Jenn Harper speaks on Indigenous entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship, business resilience, representation in the beauty industry, sustainability, truth and reconciliation, women in business leadership, mental health and sobriety, and business growth and change management. Every presentation blends personal storytelling with practical business insight. --
What are Jenn Harper's credentials as a speaker? +
Jenn Harper is the founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty, a B Corp certified company carried by Sephora Canada and JCPenney. She holds an Honorary Doctorate from the Goodman School of Business at Brock University (2023), was named to Entrepreneur Magazine's 2022 100 Women of Influence, received the 2017 Social Enterprise Award from the Women in Niagara Council and Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce, and was recognized among Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2024. --
How do I book Jenn Harper for a corporate event or conference keynote presentation? +
You can book Jenn directly through K&M Productions Speakers & Shows to check her date availability, discuss your event's goals, and request her current speaking fees. --
How much does it cost to book Jenn Harper as a keynote speaker in Canada? +
Jenn Harper's current speaking fee range is $7,501–$10,000, with final pricing confirmed through K&M Productions Speakers & Shows based on event format, location, audience size, and customization. Contact K&M Productions to check date availability and arrange a pre-event call. --
Is Jenn Harper available for virtual keynotes? +
Yes. Jenn Harper delivers keynotes both in person and virtually, bringing the same storytelling and business insight to remote audiences as she does to live events. --
Can I have a pre-booking call with Jenn Harper? +
Yes. Pre-booking calls help confirm that Jenn is the right fit for your audience and give her the context she needs on your organization and industry before stepping on stage. Contact K&M Productions to arrange one. --
Does Jenn Harper customize her presentation for each audience? +
Yes. Jenn tailors her keynote to the specific industry, culture, and goals of each audience — drawing connections between her own entrepreneurial journey and the challenges facing the organization she's speaking to. --
Is Jenn Harper a good fit for DEI, entrepreneurship, and women-in-business events? +
Yes. Jenn Harper is widely booked for DEI leadership conferences, entrepreneurship events, women-in-business associations, and Indigenous organizations. Her ability to connect personal story with practical business lessons on representation and resilience makes her a strong fit for these audiences. --
Does Jenn Harper speak about mental health? +
Yes. Jenn speaks openly about her own sobriety and the loss of her brother to suicide, framing mental health and recovery as part of the resilience that shaped her as a founder and leader. --
Is Jenn Harper represented by a speaker's bureau in Canada and how is the contract handled? +
Jenn Harper is represented by K&M Productions Speakers & Shows Canada, who coordinate bookings and handle the contract agreement with the client. Bureau representation ensures consistent communication between the client and the speaker, as well as an "insurance policy" for your conference in the unlikely occurrence of speaker illness or cancellation. --
How do I contact Jenn Harper to check her date availability and begin the booking process for events in Canada? +
Jenn Harper is contacted through K&M Productions Speakers & Shows to confirm her speaking schedule, availability, fees, and event details. The booking process starts once event requirements are confirmed in writing, and the contract agreement is then issued on behalf of the speaker. --
This speaker profile was last updated by K&M Productions on August 31, 2026.
What Clients are Saying About Jenn Harper
I couldn’t of asked for a better, down to earth, humble, honest and real speaker for this group of delegates to kick off this conference. She emotionally impacted the attendees with her story and left everyone inspired. She stayed and networked with us till after lunch ensuring that she spoke to as many people as she could. Her story is one that needs to be told. I would highly recommend Jenn Harper to any group. She is something special and will be a superstar soon enough.
–NLOWE (Newfoundland Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs) (Booked by K&M Productions)
Jenn was fantastic. Her message was touching, personal and honest. She was wonderfully professional and prepared. I heard many good things from our delegates afterwards.
–Polytechnics Canada (Event booked by K&M Productions)
Jenn, I just wanted to extend my sincere appreciation, thanks, and gratitude – Not only for your time to be with us yesterday at the "She Owns It" 2023 Women’s Entrepreneurship Conference Northumberland, but your awe-inspiring, genuine, informative, motivational session. Your raw emotion mixed with humour and grace, left the audience wanting more. The feedback we have already received has been the best ever we have received from a speaking session we have held. Thank you for making my vision yesterday come to life, it is because of your talent, your story, and your success, you made the event a success for us.
–Business & Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland - Northumberland County Economic Development (booked by K&M Productions)
Jenn was a great addition to our conference. She added a diverse story to inspire our audience.
–CHFA (Canadian Health Food Association) (Booked by K&M Productions)