From False Eyelashes to TikTok-Famous Perfumes: The Rise of Huda Kattan's Beauty Empire

The journey of Huda Kattan, from a makeup artist and beauty blogger to the founder of a billion-dollar empire, is a testament to entrepreneurial spirit fueled by online influence. Originally from Iraq and having lived in Dubai, Kattan moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in makeup artistry. Frustrated by the lack of high-quality false eyelashes for her clients, including celebrities like Nicole Richie and Eva Longoria, she began crafting her own.

Kattan's initial foray into the beauty industry was met with familial skepticism. "In the beginning, I didn't even know if I belonged in the beauty industry because my family didn't really have anything to do with fashion and beauty; they would have been happier if I were a doctor or a lawyer," she once told the media. She felt the need to prove herself to gain their serious consideration.

Her business gained traction through her blog and social media following. However, the significant expansion into a global brand, particularly the successful Kayali perfume line, owes much to her sister, Mona. Mona, working as a PR consultant, actively encouraged Huda to launch her own brand, seeing the potential for new business opportunities.

The article also touches on the author's personal experience with the Kayali brand. Influenced by TikTok trends, the author visited Sephora in Croatia, a recent addition to the country's retail landscape, and spent approximately 200 euros on Kayali perfumes. The intense popularity of the brand, evident in the crowded Sephora store, highlights the power of social media marketing in driving consumer purchasing decisions.