Mona Kattan, Founder of KAYALI and Co-Founder of Huda Beauty, emerges as a powerhouse in the beauty industry, breaking barriers, and redefining standards. From her early days as a beauty pageant enthusiast to becoming a trailblazer in fragrance, Mona’s journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and a commitment to empowering women globally.
The Birth of Huda Beauty
Mona’s journey into the beauty world started when she first started a beauty salon, along with a friend called The Dollhouse. She has always loved the power of being able to transform how people feel by making them feel their best through the power of beauty and grooming. Shortly after, alongside her sisters, Huda and Alya Kattan, they started working on the creation of Huda Beauty first product line, a false lash collection. Recognizing the potential in her sister Huda’s talent as a makeup artist, Mona played a pivotal role in the launch of Huda Beauty. The brand skyrocketed to success with the 2013 debut of faux eyelashes at Sephora, marking the beginning of a beauty empire that has now reached a valuation of $1 billion.
As the Global President of Huda Beauty, Mona continues to drive the brand’s success, overseeing strategic initiatives and spearheading innovations. The brand’s revolutionary products, ranging from body foundation to lip contouring pencils and 3D highlighters, have garnered a global fan base and secured placements in leading retailers such as Sephora, Harrod’s, and Net-a-Porter.
KAYALI: Fragrance as a Form of Art
In 2018, Mona expanded her influence into the realm of fragrance with the launch of KAYALI. The fragrance line, with Mona at the helm of creativity, quickly gained recognition for its unique approach to scent layering. One of the standout fragrances, Vanilla | 28, became a bestseller, prompting the creation of the iconic Vanilla Royale Sugared Patchouli | 64.
Contrary to the colloquial association of “vanilla” with blandness, Mona embraces the ingredient. Vanilla is an icon with KAYALI, term, asserting that being “vanilla” doesn’t mean being boring but focused and achievement oriented. This philosophy is reflected in her fragrance creations, where vanilla becomes a symbol of consistency, stability, and achieving success.
Today, KAYALI is comprised of 19 fragrances available on shelf throughout the world, including the newly launch Eden Sparkling Lychee | 39, an ode to lychee and positivity.
Sensory Escapes in Troubled Times
Amid the challenges of the global pandemic, Mona observed a shift in people’s relationship with fragrance. Scents, particularly those with comforting notes like vanilla, became a source of solace and a tool for transforming home environments. Mona’s Vanilla | 28, with its nostalgic and soothing qualities, resonated with individuals seeking familiar, calming experiences.
The demand for scents that evoke serenity aligns with a broader societal shift towards embracing simplicity and finding joy in the mundane. Sherry Pagoto, a licensed clinical psychologist, notes that after a prolonged period of uncertainty, people are drawn to familiar, comforting fragrances as a means of reconnecting with their safe space.
Roots and Identity: A Journey of Self-Discovery
Mona’s journey involves a delicate balance between her American upbringing and Arab heritage. Moving to Dubai became a pivotal moment of inspiration for Mona, reconnecting her with her Middle Eastern roots. Through KAYALI, she seeks to bridge the cultural gap, sharing the rich fragrance rituals of the Middle East with a global audience.
The brand’s newest collection, Oudgasm, represents five years of development, and aims to offer a taste of the Middle East to the world, showcasing the region’s traditions and rituals through fragrance. Mona’s commitment to merging her two worlds exemplifies a dedication to cultural appreciation and understanding.
The Fragrance Layering Trend
KAYALI’s emphasis on fragrance layering, initially met with skepticism, has become a trendsetter in the beauty industry. Mona recalls facing criticism for proposing the idea of layering different fragrances, a practice deeply rooted in Middle Eastern traditions. Today, the fragrance layering trend is ubiquitous on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, showcasing the creativity of individuals experimenting with scents.
Mona expresses pride in witnessing people adopt a practice integral to Middle Eastern culture for centuries. The layering of fragrances, resulting in unique and complex blends, aligns with the growing individualization of beauty routines.
A Vision for Female Leadership in Beauty
Beyond fragrance, Mona envisions a beauty industry that embraces and is more welcoming towards women leaders. Despite women constituting a significant majority of consumers, leadership roles are still predominantly occupied by men. Drawing from her own experiences in the male-dominated world of investment banking, Mona advocates for a more inclusive industry where women play pivotal roles in decision-making.
In her pursuit of empowering women, Mona believes that the beauty industry should reflect the diverse perspectives and experiences of its consumers. Breaking free from traditional norms and challenging the status quo, Mona is a beacon of inspiration for women aspiring to lead and succeed in the beauty and business domains.
Mona Kattan’s Enduring Legacy
Mona Kattan’s journey from beauty pageant to global fragrance mogul is a tale of perseverance, innovation, and a commitment to empowering women. Through KAYALI, she has not only redefined industry standards but has also provided a platform for individuals to express their individuality and embrace simplicity in self-care routines.
As the fragrance industry continues to evolve under Mona’s creative influence, her vision for a more inclusive and female-led beauty industry remains at the forefront. Mona’s story is a testament to the transformative power of scents, the enduring appeal of simplicity, and the limitless possibilities that arise when women are allowed to lead and inspire change.
