Mona Kattan, widely known as the “Perfume Princess,” is no stranger to global success, yet she is refreshingly honest about the realities behind leadership. Speaking at a Kayali activation during the Dubai Shopping Festival, Kattan offered a candid perspective on what it truly means to be a CEO, challenging the glamorous image often associated with the title.
As the co-founder of Huda Beauty, one of the world’s most influential beauty brands, Kattan spent years helping build a global empire alongside her sisters, Huda and Alya. Last year marked a pivotal turning point in her career when she stepped away from her role as president of Huda Beauty to focus fully on her own fragrance brand, Kayali—a decision rooted in vision, independence, and long-term ambition.
Now the CEO of Kayali, Kattan is deeply involved in every aspect of the business, from creative direction and brand storytelling to strategy and growth. While Kayali is celebrated for its luxurious scents and refined aesthetic, Kattan was clear that leading a brand comes with immense pressure, responsibility, and constant decision-making. “Being a CEO is not glamorous – it’s tough,” she shared, underscoring the discipline and resilience required to sustain success.
Her appearance at the Dubai Shopping Festival highlighted not only Kayali’s growing presence in the region but also Kattan’s strong connection to the Middle East as a modern business leader. The brand has carved out a distinctive identity in the fragrance world, blending emotional storytelling with craftsmanship—an approach that mirrors Kattan’s own passion for perfumery.
Mona Kattan’s journey is one of evolution and courage. By stepping out from the shadow of a global beauty powerhouse to lead her own brand, she has redefined success on her own terms. Her honesty about the challenges of leadership resonates with entrepreneurs worldwide, especially women aspiring to build meaningful, lasting brands.
Behind the title of “Perfume Princess” is a founder who understands that true luxury is not just about beauty, but about perseverance, clarity of vision, and the strength to choose the harder path in pursuit of purpose.
