Summary: More than just lip service to Indigenous Beauty Jennifer Harper, edgy girl, alcoholic transformed to CEO change maker, exemplifies Lifting As You Climb, and tireless building of success ladders for many, along her own journey of healing and personal recovery. She grew up disconnected from her indigenous roots and unaware how generational transfer of trauma adversely affected her and millions of others. Jennifer inherited a legacy from the horrific history of residential schools, unhealed wounds, and trauma that native families endured during and beyond colonization. A dream, an awakening, and a vision to make a difference for others are part of the tender yet uplifting conversations I have with this fiercely dedicated young woman. Just a few short years ago, Jennifer Harper did the unthinkable. She said ‘No Thank You’ and kissed an offer of $125,000 from a Dragon’s Den celebrity Goodbye! Cheekbone Beauty was inspired by Jenn’s dream of children joyful and happy adorned with lip gloss. No matter how ambitious her start-up goals, Ms. Harper refused to seal the deal with a kiss that smudged her vision, and she walked. She kept on walking towards her goal of creating a billion cosmetics brand while donating 10 percent of profits to Shannen’s Dream, which advocates for education funding for First Nations children. Flare.com shared a quote from Ms. Harper: “The reason we exist, our North Star, is the Indigenous youth. We want to make [Cheekbone] so big that no Indigenous kid will ever question their beauty or their worth ever again in the world.” “I really want to be the first Indigenous woman to create a $1 billion beauty brand,” she continues. “For [young people] to see that one of their people can do that makes it attainable for them. When you have someone, who’s done that and you’ve seen it, then you know it’s possible for you. That’s always been the mission.” Canada NewsWire June 3, 2021 TORONTO, June 3, 2021 /CNW/ - This June, Sephora Canada reveals its first-ever National Indigenous History Month Campaign, to amplify the voices of Indigenous Peoples in Canada , while paying homage to their knowledge, wisdom, diverse strengths, and teachings. The next evolution of Sephora Canada's We Belong to Something Beautiful brand platform, the campaign is rooted in celebrating diversity and highlighting local Canadian collaborators' authentic untold stories. Sephora Canada is also proud to announce that local Indigenous beauty brand, Cheekbone Beauty, will be launching on Sephora.ca in the next year. This announcement comes shortly after the retailer made a new Canadian commitment to the Fifteen Percent Pledge to dedicate 25 per cent of its brand offering to BIPOC-owned brands by 2026.
