Retail Council of Canada (RCC) has announced that Jenn Harper, Founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics Inc., will receive the 2025 Independent Retail Ambassador of the Year Award. The honour recognizes Harper’s transformative role in Canadian retail as the visionary behind the first Indigenous-owned cosmetics company in North America.
Harper’s journey with Cheekbone Beauty has been marked by a steadfast dedication to sustainability, cultural celebration, and social impact. What began as a bold vision has grown into a powerful brand that now sets new standards for inclusivity, ethics, and environmental responsibility in the beauty industry.
“Jenn Harper is redefining what it means to lead with purpose in retail,” said Diane J. Brisebois, President and CEO of Retail Council of Canada. “Her limitless energy, innovative spirit, and deep-rooted commitment to community are exactly what the Independent Retail Ambassador of the Year Award is about. We are thrilled to honour her outstanding achievements.”
A Trailblazing Indigenous-Owned Brand
Founded in St. Catharines, Ontario, Cheekbone Beauty was created to fill a gap in the cosmetics industry—providing high-quality, ethically made beauty products while honouring Indigenous culture and storytelling. The brand has since built a strong presence across North America, both online and through select retail partnerships.
As a certified B Corporation, Cheekbone Beauty has also emerged as a leader in sustainable packaging and clean beauty, offering vegan, cruelty-free, and low-waste products. The company’s approach challenges an industry often criticized for its environmental impact, demonstrating that success and sustainability can go hand-in-hand.
Harper remains intimately involved in the day-to-day operations of the brand, particularly in product development. “Every product we create tells a story—it carries meaning, purpose, and a message of representation,” Harper has shared in past interviews. “It’s about more than makeup. It’s about identity, empowerment, and change.”
Giving Back to Community
Beyond business growth, Harper has made community impact a core pillar of her work. Cheekbone Beauty has contributed significantly to Indigenous communities across Canada through donations, mentorship programs, and a dedicated Scholarship Fund that supports emerging Indigenous leaders and entrepreneurs.
In addition to funding, the company provides product donations and speaking engagements that raise awareness about the importance of reconciliation and Indigenous representation in retail. These efforts have positioned Cheekbone Beauty not only as a brand, but as a platform for systemic change.
Industry Recognition and Upcoming Awards Gala
The Independent Retail Ambassador of the Year Award will be presented to Harper at the Excellence in Retailing Awards Gala on June 3, 2025, at the Toronto Congress Centre. The event serves as a capstone to RCCSTORE25, the Retail Council’s national retail conference that runs from June 3–4.
Now in its 2025 edition, RCCSTORE will host over 75 speakers and attract leading figures from across North America. Attendees will gather to celebrate the achievements of retailers like Harper who are helping to reshape the retail landscape through innovation, ethics, and vision.
About Cheekbone Beauty Cosmetics Inc.
Cheekbone Beauty is an Indigenous-owned Canadian beauty brand, best known for its clean, vegan colour cosmetics that blend modern formulations with Indigenous storytelling. The company was founded by Jenn Harper with a mission to advance Indigenous representation, create sustainable beauty solutions, and contribute to social change. Cheekbone Beauty is a certified B Corporation, reflecting its commitment to the highest standards of environmental and social performance.
