Hi Newsletter,
As June begins and we recognize National Indigenous History Month in Canada, I've been reflecting on a few experiences that fundamentally changed the way I see myself, my family, and the work we do at Cheekbone Beauty.
Over the last almost 10 years, I've learned that sometimes the most important lessons come from understanding where you come from. Before Cheekbone Beauty existed, before Sephora, before any of the milestones people see today, there was a period of my life where I was trying to reconnect with parts of my identity that I didn't fully understand.
That journey led me to places, people, books, and conversations that continue to shape me today.
One of the most powerful experiences was attending Pow Wows. There is something difficult to explain about hearing the drum, being surrounded by community, and feeling a connection to generations that came before you. Every time I attend one, I leave feeling grounded in a way that's hard to describe.
Another was taking the Indigenous Canada course through the University of Alberta. Around the same time, I began learning more deeply about the history of residential schools and the impact they had on Indigenous families, including my own. Some of what I learned was difficult. Some of it was heartbreaking. All of it was important.
And then there are the books that stay with you long after you've finished reading them.
Recently, one book in particular connected pieces of my own family history in ways I wasn't expecting. It reminded me that history isn't something that happened somewhere else. For many Indigenous families, it's deeply personal and still very present.
I've shared all three of these recommendations, along with why they meant so much to me, on our blog this week.
If you're looking for a meaningful way to recognize National Indigenous History Month, or if you've ever wondered about some of the experiences that shaped me as a founder, I hope you'll take a few minutes to read it.
Read the full post here →
Thank you for being here, for learning alongside us, and for helping create a future where more people feel seen, represented, and celebrated.
With gratitude,
Jenn Harper
Founder & CEO
Cheekbone Beauty
