Jenn Harper and Cheekbone Beauty: Using Business To Do Good In The World

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Sustainability in beauty is not just a trend; it's a responsibility. In conversation with the award-winning Jenn Harper, founder of Cheekbone Beauty, we explored the innovation behind sustainable beauty. From establishing an Indigenous innovation lab blending traditional wisdom with modern science, to creating eco-friendly, biodegradable beauty products and appearing on Dragon's Den, Cheekbone Beauty is redefining what it means to be a beauty brand with a conscience.

Jenn Harper is not just a name in the beauty industry; she's a revolution. An award-winning social entrepreneur and international speaker, Jenn 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. You can read more about Jenn and her story here.

Julie and Jenn discuss...
The origins of Cheekbone Beauty (00:01:25) Jenn discusses the inception of Cheekbone Beauty. Jenn also shares the dream that inspired her to start a makeup brand and her vision to support her Indigenous community.

Transition to the beauty world (00:04:18) Jenn discusses the transition from selling seafood to the beauty world. Jenn elaborates about the importance of sustainability, representation, inclusivity, and social impact in the beauty space.
Starting the business and early support (00:07:41) Jenn reflects on the support she received and the early stages of building Cheekbone Beauty. Jenn shares her experience of securing early investment from an Indigenous investment fund, enabling the growth of Cheekbone Beauty.

Transition to sustainable and clean products (00:15:05) Jen discusses the transformation of the product line, formulating sustainable products.

Transition to Retail Listing (00:23:06) The transition from direct-to-consumer to listing products in retailers like Sephora and the challenges faced in this shift. The need for capital to support growth and expansion.

Sustainability, Indigenous Innovation, and Indigenous Entrepreneurship (00:29:27) The unique positioning of the brand through Indigenous roots, focusing on sustainability, and the use of Indigenous wisdom in product creation. The increasing presence of Indigenous women in entrepreneurship and the support available for startups in the Indigenous ecosystem.

Sustainable Growth Strategy (00:35:13) The importance of fostering business growth over time and the challenges of managing rapid scaling in a sustainable manner.
You can follow Cheekbone Beauty on the Cheekbone Beauty website (use discount code Figure820 for 20% off your order) or Cheekbone Beauty's Instagram. You can connect with Jenn through her personal Instagram or LinkedIn.

You can connect with Julie on LinkedIn or Instagram.
Find Julie's writing at her blog or by ordering Big Gorgeous Goals.
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