2021 Indigenous Entrepreneurship Awards
November 4, 2021 | Tonight, Pow Wow Pitch, a non-profit organization supporting and celebrating Indigenous entrepreneurs, announced Jennifer Harper, Co-Founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty, as a winner of the Entrepreneur Icon Award at the inaugural Indigenous Entrepreneurship Awards, which celebrate excellence and outstanding achievement and impact in Indigenous entrepreneurship.
Jennifer Harper has been making a name for Cheekbone Beauty in the beauty industry for several years, gaining popularity after being on the hit CBC show Dragons Den.
Throughout her life, Jennifer struggled to accept her Indigenous roots. She was estranged from her Indigenous family for much of her childhood and adult life. However, after learning about her grandmother’s experience in residential schools, she understood how her family was affected by generational trauma. This drove her to understand and overcome her struggle with alcoholism.
Through Cheekbone Beauty, Jennifer reimagines beauty products, ensuring they are cruelty-free and starting with raw ingredients – from products to packaging.
Cheekbone Beauty recently launched a scholarship program for Indigenous youth and released a new product line with SEPHORA. Through Cheekbone Beauty, Jennifer is helping Indigenous youth see themselves in a beauty brand while helping to bring Indigenous values to the beauty industry.
“Cheekbone Beauty would like to be a role model for Indigenous youth, leading with love and being courageously curious,” said Jennifer Harper. “We are proud of the innovation we are working on. The steps we are taking will have lasting effects on the beauty industry. We hope to help provide a place where Indigenous youth can also see their potential in STEM, using Indigenous wisdom and teachings to build better.”
“It is an honour for us to celebrate and recognize excellence and outstanding impact in Indigenous entrepreneurship,” said Sunshine Tenasco, Founder of Pow Wow Pitch. “Jennifer is forging new paths for others to follow and building a legacy of impact, sustainability and equality. Jennifer is truly an Indigenous entrepreneurial icon.”
To watch Jennifer’s feature, click here. To watch the full Awards show, click here.