Ep 03: Healing, Beauty, and Taking Up Space — Jenn Harper of Cheekbone Beauty on Building a Brand with a Soul
What if lipstick could change more than your look—what if it could change the narrative?
This week on Closet Philosophy, we’re joined by powerhouse founder Jenn Harper, the visionary behind Cheekbone Beauty—one of the first Indigenous-owned beauty brands in North America. Jenn shares how a dream in early sobriety led to a mission-driven brand that’s redefining what beauty means, who it’s for, and what it’s made of.
We dive into:
- The dream that started it all: three laughing Native girls with lip gloss and a spark of possibility
- How generational trauma—and healing—shaped Jenn’s identity, sobriety, and purpose
- The power of representation for Indigenous people in the beauty industry
- Why not knowing your full history doesn’t mean you don’t belong
- Sustainability beyond buzzwords—what it really means to build a brand with the next seven generations in mind
- Veganism, cultural nuance, and honoring traditional lifeways
- The story behind Cheekbone’s stunning lipstick names (spoiler: every shade is a language lesson)
- And a sneak peek at a powerful red lipstick collab you’ll definitely want on your lips—and in your life
Jenn also shares how her Indigenous values shape every decision—from the supply chain to the pigments—and why sustainability, transparency, and community care are non-negotiables.
If you’ve ever wondered how to live your values out loud, or how to turn personal pain into world-shifting power, this episode is your roadmap.
About Our Guest
JENN HARPER
Anishinaabe Founder of Cheekbone Beauty
Find Cheekbone Beauty on Instagram: @cheekbonebeauty
This isn’t a podcast about fashion.
It’s a podcast about meaning. About how we show up in the world.
And how we take up space—on purpose.
Subscribe now so you don’t miss upcoming episodes—and keep an eye out for that red lipstick drop.
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