Mona Kattan, the powerhouse entrepreneur who co-founded Huda Beauty, is entering a new era. After years of operating under the Huda Beauty umbrella, her fragrance brand, Kayali, is officially . This move cements Kattan’s long-time passion for perfume and positions her as an independent force in the global fragrance industry.

In an interview with Khaleej Times, Kattan reflects on her journey—from a modest investment to building one of the most popular beauty brands in the world.

Before launching Kayali, Mona Kattan played a key role in the rise of Huda Beauty alongside her sister, Huda Kattan. The brand began with selling fake eyelashes in 2013, but within a few years, it grew into a billion-dollar beauty business.

 “We started with $6,000… and we had to beg Sephora to take a bet on us,” Kattan recalled in the interview. The sisters hustled to secure manufacturing and distribution with no outside investment. It was their passion and an underdeveloped beauty market that played to their advantage.

Huda Beauty’s success exploded, fueled by social media and the rise of influencer-led marketing. The company expanded into colour cosmetics, skincare, and fragrances. But for Mona, perfume wasn’t just another product category, it was her first love.

 "I bought my first perfume at 14 with my first paycheck… perfumes made me feel something that nothing else did," she shared.

Her early obsession ignited an entrepreneurial spark long before Kayali officially launched. In 2010, Kattan was already meeting with potential investors and exploring ways to create a perfume brand that would blend Middle Eastern scents with an international appeal. But the timing wasn’t right, she said, and so she put the dream on hold while focusing on Huda Beauty.

Then in 2018 it finally happened. Mona Kattan introduced Kayali to the world, a moment she describes as the highlight of her career. Translating to “my imagination” in Arabic, Kayali quickly gained a following for its unique layering concept- a fresh approach that resonated with GCC clients, its Middle-Eastern influence, and its long-lasting fragrances. The brand set itself apart by celebrating scent as a form of self-expression and individuality.

With Kayali breaking away from Huda Beauty, Kattan is focused on scaling the brand independently. “My dream is to continue building Kayali… my aspirations are to build more brands,” she said.

Mona Kattan. Photo: Supplied

The move has been two years in the making and allows Kattan to focus all her energy into growing Kayali, expanding its product line, and reaching new global markets. She also envisions creating other beauty ventures beyond fragrance, further solidifying her entrepreneurial footprint.

Despite her achievements, Kattan sees success as a daily commitment rather than a one-time milestone. "I've never been the person who thinks, 'I'm successful.' I feel successful on the day that I am disciplined. If I’m not disciplined, I feel like crap," she admits.

Mona Kattan. Photo: Supplied

This mindset has shaped her approach to business. She believes in long-term vision, taking deliberate strategic steps, and staying committed to personal growth and development. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in self-awareness, and having a relentless drive.

With Kayali’s newfound independence, Kattan is already mapping out its future. She plans to expand the brand’s reach while maintaining its signature Middle Eastern blend with a twist.

Beyond fragrance, she also hinted at creating new brands within the beauty space—though she remains tight-lipped on the details.

One thing is clear: Mona Kattan is just getting started. As she steps into this next chapter, she’s no longer the behind-the-scenes co-founder of Huda Beauty but an ambitious leader looking to disrupt the future of fragrance.

Watch the full interview on Khaleej Times and Emirates Airlines.