Mona Kattan, widely celebrated as the “Perfume Princess,” is redefining what modern leadership looks like—honest, demanding, and deeply personal. Speaking candidly at a Kayali activation during the Dubai Shopping Festival, the entrepreneur and fragrance visionary offered a rare glimpse into the realities behind the title of CEO, dispelling the notion that leadership at the top is all glamour and ease.
“Being a CEO is not glamorous—it’s tough,” Kattan said, addressing an audience eager to hear from one of the beauty industry’s most influential figures. Her words reflected not only experience, but evolution. Last year marked a pivotal moment in her career when she stepped away from her role as president of Huda Beauty, the global cosmetics powerhouse she co-founded with her sisters Huda and Alya Kattan.
That decision, while significant, was not about stepping back—it was about stepping forward. Kattan chose to focus fully on Kayali, her fragrance brand that has rapidly grown into a global name, admired for its layered scents, storytelling, and bold identity. As CEO of Kayali, Kattan has embraced full creative and operational ownership, guiding the brand with a clear vision and unwavering commitment.
Her candid reflections at the Dubai Shopping Festival highlighted the often unseen side of entrepreneurship: long hours, high-stakes decisions, and the emotional weight of responsibility. Yet, it is precisely this reality that fuels her passion. Kattan’s leadership style blends creativity with resilience, proving that success is not built on glamour, but on persistence and purpose.
Known for her deep love of fragrance and her distinctive personal brand, Mona Kattan has transformed Kayali into more than a perfume label—it is an extension of her identity and values. Her journey from co-founding a beauty empire to leading her own brand stands as a powerful example of reinvention and self-belief.
As she continues to shape Kayali’s global presence, Kattan remains refreshingly transparent about the challenges of leadership. In doing so, she inspires a new generation of founders to embrace the hard work behind the scenes and to understand that true success is earned—not performed.
