In the dynamic world of beauty and cosmetics, Huda Kattan stands as an iconic figure, carving her path to success and redefining the standards of glamour. The founder of Huda Beauty made it to the top 15 of Forbes top creators list for 2023 and in the top 100 list of America’s self-made women.
Early Life and Background
Kattan was born on October 2, 1983, in Oklahoma. She was one of four children, and her parents were both from Iraq. They eventually moved to Tennessee and then Boston. Kattan grew up in a predominantly white community and, unfortunately, was not very accepting of Kattan’s race. Kattan struggled with bullying, and it eventually impacted her self-esteem. Kattan found solace by experimenting with makeup in her bedroom at age 12.
During her college years, she moved to Dearborn, Michigan, to attend the University of Michigan, where she studied finance. This is also where she met her husband, Chris Goncalo. In 2006, the couple moved to Dubai, where Kattan welcomed her daughter and continued to work in finance. Eventually, Huda became tired of her job in the business field and decided to go back to her passion and study makeup artistry in Los Angeles. She worked in L.A. with celebrity clients like Eva Longoria and Nicole Richie and eventually moved back to Dubai to work as a freelance makeup artist.
2010 was another pivotal year in Kattan’s career as she launched her blog, Huda Beauty, and YouTube channel. Kattan initially focused on creating makeup tutorials. It took almost a year of consistent posting and dedication to her site and channel to gain traction. However, it was her expertise in false eyelashes that gained significant attention, setting the stage for what would become a beauty empire.
Huda Beauty: The Brand
In 2013, Kattan took a $6,000 loan from her sister after realizing that there was a gap in the market for false eyelashes and developed her own. Kattan then launched her beauty brand, “Huda Beauty,” with false eyelashes as the flagship product. The lashes sold out on the first day and, within the first year, reached $1.5 million in sales. The brand’s rapid success led to an expansive product line, including eyeshadow palettes, lip products, foundations, and skincare items. The brand’s commitment to inclusivity and innovation has solidified its position in the highly competitive beauty market. Huda Beauty is also a family affair as Kattan has partnered with her two sisters, and her husband Goncalo is Head of Operations.
Huda’s entrepreneurial spirit continued to rise. In 2017, she launched “Huda Beauty Liquid Matte,” a collection of liquid lipsticks that gained immense popularity. The success of this venture catapulted her into the league of beauty moguls. What sets Huda Beauty apart is its emphasis on quality, diversity, and inclusivity. Huda’s meticulous approach to product development ensures that her cosmetics cater to a wide range of skin tones and preferences. The brand’s eyeshadow palettes, such as the iconic “Huda Beauty Desert Dusk Palette,” are celebrated for their rich pigments and versatile shades.
Global Influence and Massive Following
Huda Kattan’s influence extends globally, with millions of followers on social media platforms. Her Instagram presence, in particular, showcases her passion for beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. Her authentic engagement with followers and dedication to sharing beauty tips has created a community that transcends geographical boundaries.
Financial Success
Huda Beauty’s financial success is a testament to Huda Kattan’s business acumen. Huda Beauty sells over a hundred products, bringing in an estimated $200 million in annual sales. The private equity firm TSG Consumer Partners acquired a minority stake in 2017 in a deal that boosted the company’s value to $1.2 billion. Kattan has also started a fragrance business called Kayali fragrances with her sister Mona and another skincare line called Wishful Skincare. Her various revenue streams, including cosmetics, endorsements, and business ventures, contribute to her financial success. As of 2023, Huda Kattan’s net worth of $400 million reflects the impact she has made in the beauty and business world. Huda’s ability to understand market trends, coupled with her knack for creating products that resonate with consumers, has solidified her as a financial powerhouse.
Feature Image: Wikimedia Commons, Vogue Taiwan, September 6, 2019. Uploaded a work by [https://www.youtube.com/c/voguetvtaiwan VOGUE Taiwan]