Day 27. Huda Kattan Beauty Empire Builder.
“Don’t wait for permission to build something beautiful. Create it, wear it, and own it.”
— Huda Kattan
Today our spotlight is on Huda Kattan, an Iraqi American entrepreneur, beauty influencer, and founder of Huda Beauty — one of the fastest-growing beauty brands in the world. With her authenticity, business savvy, and cultural pride, Huda has redefined what it means to be a CEO in the age of social media.
A Journey from Finance to Foundation
Born in Oklahoma to Iraqi immigrant parents, Huda was raised in a culture that valued education and hard work. She initially pursued a career in finance, earning a degree in business from the University of Michigan–Dearborn. But when a layoff gave her a moment to reset, she followed her heart to Los Angeles to study makeup artistry — and the rest is history.
After moving to Dubai and building a loyal following as a makeup artist and beauty blogger, Huda launched Huda Beauty in 2013, starting with a line of false eyelashes sold at Sephora. Her brand took off after beauty icons like Kim Kardashian began using and promoting her products.
Building a Billion-Dollar Brand
From lashes to lipsticks, Huda’s company has grown into a global beauty empire valued at over $1 billion, with products sold in more than 150 countries. Known for its bold colors, high-performance formulas, and inclusive shades, Huda Beauty resonates with people across cultures and skin tones.
Huda leveraged social media as a superpower, using platforms like Instagram and YouTube to connect directly with customers, build trust, and cultivate a brand driven by community. She has over 50 million followers on Instagram alone, making her one of the most influential beauty figures in the world.
More Than Makeup: Championing Realness
Though her business is built on glam, Huda is also known for being unapologetically real. She has spoken out against unrealistic beauty standards and industry toxicity, advocating for mental health, body positivity, and the importance of diversity in beauty.
“I want people to feel empowered, to feel like they belong. Beauty shouldn’t exclude anyone.”
Her advocacy extends into philanthropy through the Huda Beauty Foundation, which supports causes including refugee relief, gender equality, and education for girls.
Quotes to Inspire
“You don’t have to fit into someone else’s version of success. Define your own, and slay it.”
“Being Arab American gave me the strength to stand out, not blend in.”
More About Huda Kattan
- 🎥 Huda’s YouTube Channel highlights products, tutorials and techniques.
- 📚 Forbes Profile – From Blogger to Billionaire.
- 🎧 Podcast: ON Purpose with Jay Shetty.
Reflection
As we reflect on Huda’s inspiring story, we invite you to consider these actions for yourself on your journey toward inclusion and advocacy.
💬 How can you better support Arab American–owned beauty brands?
💬 What beauty standards or cultural expectations do you ascribe to, and what standards should be redefined?
💬 How can you celebrate diversity and authenticity in beauty, health and wellness, and fashion?
Tomorrow, we’ll highlight the work of writer Ameen Rihani, who changed the way the world understood the Arab community.
Learn more: Huda beauty’s online site highlights the products and the culture of beauty Huda has created as she built her empire.
#UU #UUA #CelebrateDiversity #30DaysOfHonoringArabAmericans #ArabAmerican #ArabAmericanHeritageMonth #HudaBeauty #BeautyBoss #MakeupMogul
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