6 Indigenous Women Making an Impact in the Beauty Industry

Today is International Day of the World’s Indigenous People, a day of observance held annually on August 9th to further protect and advance the rights of Indigenous communities around the globe. It is also an important day to raise awareness about the issues impacting Indigenous people and to honor their achievements. We’re celebrating and spotlighting six Indigenous women creating a big impact in the beauty industry and their communities.

Jenn Harper

“The most vivid dream of little Indigenous girls covered in colorful lip glosses” inspired Jenn Harper to make the transition from a career in marketing to launching her own cosmetics company, Cheekbone Beauty. Jenn built her brand on Indigenous teachings with the goal of being representative of the community and welcoming to everyone. Leaning into these values, their products are bright and vibrant along with being sustainable, high-quality, vegan, and cruelty-free.

Cheekbone Beauty has a two pronged mission: “to create a space where everyone, including Indigenous people, feel represented and seen” and “to make a difference in the lives of Indigenous youth.” With the Cheekbone Beauty Scholarship Fund, she’s done just that, launching a new limited-edition product and donating 100% of those profits to the fund. As a result, several Indigenous students have received $2,500 CAD for post-secondary education expenses (be it tuition, supplies, or even room and board). To learn more about Jenn and her far-reaching impact, visit Jenn and Cheekbone Beauty on Instagram.

Jennifer Lindell

Based out of Iqaluit in the Nunavut territory of Canada, Jennifer Lindell is the proud owner of the region’s only Inuit-owned hair salon, Jenn 87 Hairstyling. Jennifer places a heavy emphasis on supporting her community in addition to providing styling services. With a lack of available commercial spaces in the area, she invites community members to use her salon for sewing and other local workshops. While building strong communal bonds, she has also provided free haircuts during the winter holiday season in recent years.

Jennifer has had a lifelong interest in beauty and attributes her journey to the Nunavut community, where all of her training was done. She hopes to continue to give back through her salon’s work, hiring from within the community, and continuing to foster communal partnerships. For a salon owner making a big impact and building bridges locally, follow Jenn 87 Hairstyling on Instagram.

Bianca Fallon Rongoā Makeup Hair

Maori makeup artist, hair stylist, and healer, Bianca Fallon describes her work as: “shapeshift[ing] people for a living using the tools of my industry.” With more than 25 years in the beauty industry, Bianca built her career working in fashion shows and television while earning a Master’s Degree in Applied Indigenous Knowledge. As she works towards her PhD, Bianca continues to be involved in the Maori community, bridging cultural gaps with non-Maori New Zealanders.

In addition to helping clients feel rejuvenated and beautiful at her private practice, Bianca serves on the Toi Mai Workforce Development Council’s Hair and Makeup Advisory board to pave a brighter future for the country’s underserved communities. Offering a range of insights into Maori teachings along with makeup looks that elevate clients’ natural beauty, Bianca’s Instagram is a must-follow.

Kari Tribble

In White Bear Lake, Minnesota, Kari Tribble is the founder of Avari Beauty, an esthetician salon that combines the latest in MedSpa advancements with Indigenous teachings and practices to help clients feel beautiful inside and out. Kari’s interest in beauty originally came from watching her older sister’s beauty routine, but it was a battle with cancer that helped her view beauty traditions as self-care. These experiences drove her to start Avari Beauty to “invoke the energy of beauty as an act of self-expression.”

With more than 15 years of experience in the industry, she’s achieved certifications in various beauty techniques like eyelash extensions, microblading, and even body art. Building on these skills and knowledge at Avari Beauty, the salon is not just her creative platform but one that donates to charities that protect Indigenous people, animals, and the planet. Show your support by following Avari Beauty on Instagram.

Daphne Coriz

For fans of a more edgy style, meet Daphne Coriz of Dye Dye My Darling salon in Albuquerque, New Mexico. With over 11 years of experience, Daphne’s mission is to “create looks that magnify your creativity, style, uniqueness and confidence.” The salon puts an emphasis on individuality and the cultural significance of hair: “connection, identity, and strength.”

Daphne is a passionate stylist who also believes in tailoring each guest’s experience and providing an inclusive environment. She welcomes deep conversation with clients of all backgrounds. Using her platform to educate and inspire, Daphne raises awareness about Indigenous/POC topics and issues her community faces. For both unique perspectives and hairstyles, follow Dye Dye My Darling on Instagram.

Cece Meadows

Self-described Xicana and Indigena Cece Meadows launched her cosmetics brand, Prados Beauty, in 2019 “to bring light and awareness to Indigenous peoples, our stories, our true history, resiliency, and beauty.” The line features stunning, colorful eyeshadow palettes along with a variety of other cosmetics and even reusable false lashes.

At the heart of the brand is their Prados Promise: “our commitment to put our money, time, and mentorship back into Indigenous communities across Turtle Island.” Cece and her husband Daniel also started a nonprofit organization called The Prados Life Foundation to uplift and empower Indigenous students, veterans, and children with special needs. Learn more about these initiatives on Prados Beauty’s Instagram and stay up to date with Cece on Instagram.

Whether locally or globally, the impact these women have had on their communities and the beauty industry is awe inspiring. As we observe International Day of the World’s Indigenous People, we’re honoring the accomplishments of these six entrepreneurs and their work inspiring the next generation.