Mona Kattan’s Kayali Fragrance Brand Parts Ways With Sister Huda Kattan's Cosmetics Giant Huda Beauty

In a surprising move, the Kattan sisters are parting ways, but it’s a business breakup with good intentions.

Huda Beauty, co-founded by Huda, Mona, and Alya Kattan, is divesting its ownership in the fragrance brand Kayali, which was co-founded by Huda and Mona in 2018.

The two brands, which have already made major waves in the beauty world, are now venturing in separate directions.

Mona Kattan will continue to lead Kayali as CEO, partnering with global growth equity firm General Atlantic. The independent fragrance brand has made its mark with a diverse range of 24 scents, sold through popular retailers like Sephora, Walgreens Boots Alliance, and ASOS.

The decision to separate allows Huda Beauty to repurchase a stake in the company held by TSG Consumer Partners since 2017, as announced in a joint statement by the companies.

Huda Beauty, known for its luxurious lashes, makeup, and skincare products, has grown exponentially.

With more than 54.2 million followers on Instagram, it stands tall ahead of its competitors like Rare Beauty (8 million) and Kylie Cosmetics (24.7 million). The statement confirms that Huda Beauty is "making history as one of the few established beauty brands to return to full founder ownership."

While the business decision has been in the works for nearly two years, the sisters took to Instagram to announce the change to their millions of fans. Huda shared, “Mona and I are together here today because we have a very important announcement about Huda Beauty and Kayali.”

She continued, explaining, “We’ve been talking and planning for a couple of years – almost two years now, if not longer. We wanted to talk to you guys directly because you’re our community and are so important to us. You guys are the reason why we’re here,” before revealing, “Huda Beauty and Kayali are [officially] breaking up.”

The sisters’ journey together hasn’t always been smooth sailing, especially with Mona’s growing passion for fragrance. Huda admitted, “It hasn’t always been easy working together because she has so much vision and passion.”

Mona, who has always dreamed of creating her own fragrance empire, explained that going independent was necessary for her personal and professional growth. “I realised through years of therapy that I was too co-dependent on my sister,” Mona shared.

Huda responded lovingly, acknowledging Mona’s desire to step out on her own: “I remember telling Mona, ‘People don’t believe in Kayali – you need to make it happen.’ And she wanted us to do it together, but I told her, ‘No, you have to make it happen.’” Huda continued with heartfelt support for her sister’s journey: “I’m so excited to see you bring your vision to life limitlessly, without anybody holding you back.”

Mona Kattan took to Instagram to announce, "I'm still soaking it all in! @KAYALI is officially independent!"

As for the future, Mona will remain at the helm of Kayali as CEO, with plans to take the fragrance brand to new heights alongside General Atlantic.

Meanwhile, Huda will regain full ownership of Huda Beauty, continuing to push the brand forward as a leader in the beauty industry.