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Mona Kattan, Founder of KAYALI and Co-Founder of Huda Beauty, is a powerhouse reshaping the beauty and fragrance industries. From her early passion for beauty pageants to becoming a trailblazer in fragrance, Mona’s journey is defined by resilience, creativity, and a commitment to empowering women.
Mona’s beauty career began with the launch of a beauty salon, The Dollhouse. Her pivotal role in the creation of Huda Beauty’s first product—faux eyelashes—helped the brand skyrocket to global success. As Global President, Mona continues to drive Huda Beauty’s innovations, with the brand now a billion-dollar empire.
In 2018, Mona expanded her influence into fragrance with the launch of KAYALI. Known for its unique scent layering, KAYALI’s fragrances, including the bestseller Vanilla | 28, quickly gained popularity. Mona embraces vanilla as a symbol of focus and success, and today KAYALI offers 19 distinctive fragrances worldwide.
Amid the pandemic, Mona observed a shift in fragrance use, with comforting scents like Vanilla | 28 offering solace and transforming home environments. This shift aligns with a broader societal desire for simplicity and comfort.
Mona’s Middle Eastern roots and American upbringing inspire her brand’s mission to bridge cultural gaps. KAYALI’s Oudgasm collection celebrates Middle Eastern fragrance traditions, showcasing Mona’s commitment to cultural appreciation.
A key trendsetter, Mona pioneered fragrance layering, a practice rooted in Middle Eastern culture, which has become a global beauty trend. Mona is proud to see this practice embraced by consumers, helping personalize beauty routines.
Beyond fragrance, Mona advocates for more female leadership in the beauty industry. Despite the industry’s large female consumer base, women are still underrepresented in decision-making roles. Drawing from her experience in investment banking, Mona champions a more inclusive and empowering industry for women.
Mona Kattan’s journey from beauty pageant enthusiast to fragrance mogul is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and the power of women leading change. Her influence continues to redefine beauty and fragrance, creating space for individuality, empowerment, and a more inclusive future.
