Jennifer Harper is the founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty, a cosmetics brand known for its commitment to sustainability and Indigenous representation. Driven by a deeply personal mission, Jennifer established Cheekbone Beauty to provide high-quality, ethical beauty products while championing Indigenous values and environmental responsibility. Under her leadership, the brand has gained recognition for its innovative approach to sustainable beauty, using eco-friendly materials and giving back to Indigenous youth and educational initiatives. Jennifer’s vision extends beyond cosmetics, aiming to inspire lasting change and greater inclusivity within the beauty industry.
In a recent interview with SME Business Review, Jennifer shared insights into her journey of building Cheekbone Beauty, her commitment to sustainability, and her vision for creating a more inclusive beauty industry. Here’s what she had to say.
Interview Excerpts
What motivated you to start Cheekbone Beauty?
The idea of Cheekbone Beauty came from a really personal place. I wanted to create a brand that celebrated Indigenous culture while making a meaningful impact. When I started, I saw a gap in the beauty industry for sustainable, ethical products that also honored my heritage. Cheekbone was my way of addressing that. I wanted a business that could both meet a high standard for quality and give back to the community.
You have embedded sustainability into Cheekbone Beauty’s core. Why is that such an important part of your vision?
Sustainability is everything to us because it’s about respect—for the land, the resources, and for future generations. I wanted our products to reflect a respect for the planet, so we use biodegradable packaging and sustainable ingredients wherever possible. It’s about minimizing our impact on the environment while still offering products that people love and feel good about using. Sustainability also aligns with Indigenous values, which center around living in harmony with nature.
Cheekbone Beauty is recognized for its inclusive and collaborative culture. What approach did you take to foster that environment?
For me, building an inclusive culture started with recognizing the power of diversity. I wanted everyone on the team to feel that their ideas mattered and that their unique perspectives could add value. I encourage collaboration and open communication, so everyone feels like they have a stake in the brand. I think that when people feel valued, they’re motivated to give their best, and it definitely shows in what we create together.
How has your Indigenous heritage influenced Cheekbone Beauty and your approach to business?
My heritage is a huge part of Cheekbone Beauty and what we stand for. Indigenous culture emphasizes community, respect for nature, and giving back, and those values guide almost everything we do. For example, we donate a portion of our profits to Indigenous-focused initiatives, especially those supporting education for Indigenous youth. It’s my way of honoring where I come from while building something that can uplift others.
You are also a strong advocate for social justice and Indigenous representation. How does that factor into your role as CEO?
Advocacy is part of who I am, so it naturally feeds into my role as CEO. I use Cheekbone Beauty as a platform to raise awareness about issues facing Indigenous communities and to call for more representation in the beauty industry. It’s important to me that Indigenous voices and perspectives are heard and respected. I’m proud that Cheekbone is helping to shift perspectives, and I hope we inspire other brands to think more deeply about inclusion.
Has innovation been a key part of Cheekbone Beauty’s journey?
Absolutely. Innovation is essential to keep pushing our sustainability and quality standards forward. I want us to always explore new ways to create products that are better for the planet and for our customers. For instance, we use modern techniques while staying inspired by traditional Indigenous knowledge, creating a balance between old and new. Innovation helps us evolve without losing sight of what’s important to us.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while building Cheekbone Beauty?
One of the toughest challenges was finding the resources to grow the business while sticking to our values. Funding was difficult in the beginning, as sustainable production often comes at a higher cost. But I was determined to find partners and investors who believed in our mission. Navigating sustainable sourcing and ethical production practices has also been challenging, but each step has been worth it. Staying true to our vision through all the obstacles has been essential.
How do you think Cheekbone Beauty is influencing the industry?
I think we are showing that a beauty brand can be successful without compromising on ethics or quality. Cheekbone has been proof that customers want to support brands that have a positive impact. I hope our story encourages more companies to prioritize sustainability and inclusion, and to recognize that there’s real value in staying authentic and mission-driven. I want us to be part of a larger movement toward responsible business in the beauty industry.
Where do you see Cheekbone Beauty going from here?
We have a lot of goals. Expanding our product line in sustainable ways and reaching new markets are definitely on the horizon. But the main focus will always be our mission to create clean, ethical products that give back to the community. As we grow, I want to deepen our impact and continue supporting initiatives that empower Indigenous youth.
Jennifer Harper, Founder & CEO, Cheekbone Beauty
