Huda Kattan, founder of Huda Beauty, criticizes the beauty industry for objectifying women and discusses the challenges she faced as a woman in business.
Huda Kattan, the founder of the billion-dollar cosmetics brand Huda Beauty, is no stranger to adoring fans and industry accolades. However, behind the glitz and glamour, Kattan is a vocal critic of the beauty industry and social media. In an exclusive interview, she discusses the industry’s sexist practices, the challenges she faced as a woman in business, and the unrealistic expectations perpetuated by social media.
Challenging Beauty Industry Norms
Kattan boldly asserts that the beauty industry is inherently sexist, often reducing women to their appearance. As someone who loves to glam up, she understands the frustration of being judged solely on looks. However, she also acknowledges that quick judgments are a common failing, even for herself. Kattan recounts her early struggles as a businesswoman, where she was often overlooked and not taken seriously by industry professionals, who would direct their attention to her husband instead.
Slow Progress in Inclusivity and Representation
Growing up as the daughter of Iraqi immigrants in Tennessee, Kattan experienced firsthand the feeling of being considered unattractive. This personal experience drives her commitment to inclusivity and representation in her cosmetics line. While she acknowledges some progress in the industry, she believes it is moving at a snail’s pace. Kattan reveals her frustration with manufacturers who fail to understand the need for a wider range of shades in their products. She emphasizes the importance of catering to diverse skin tones and calls for a deeper understanding within the industry.
Social Media’s Dark Side
Kattan’s success can be largely attributed to her social media presence, where she shares make-up tutorials, reviews, and glimpses into her life in Dubai. Initially, she embraced social media as a platform for connecting and giving voices to the masses. However, she now sees it as a dopamine-hacking algorithm that perpetuates unrealistic expectations. Kattan believes that social media places immense pressure on women to be perfect and constantly compares themselves to others. She admits to feeling the same pressure and acknowledges her own role in perpetuating these expectations.
Speaking Out and Raising Awareness
With her massive social media following, Kattan recognizes the power of her voice. She feels a responsibility to speak up about issues that affect women and her community. While she admits she is not a political expert, she uses her platform to raise awareness about social and political issues, particularly those in the Middle East. Kattan acknowledges the importance of posting accurate information and recognizing multiple perspectives.
The Need for Vulnerability
Kattan calls for a more vulnerable and authentic social media space. She believes that the current platforms, such as Instagram, do not provide this space and advocates for the creation of a more open and honest online community. Kattan herself frequently disconnects from social media and limits her screen time. She is cautious about her 12-year-old daughter’s exposure to social media and notes the impact it has on her anxiety levels.
Balancing Privacy and Faith
Despite living much of her life in the public eye, Kattan keeps certain aspects of her life private, such as her Muslim faith. While she has become more religious as she has grown older, she fears criticism for not adhering to certain religious practices. Kattan hopes that her success as a woman of color can inspire other young girls who may feel underrepresented.
Conclusion: Huda Kattan, the trailblazing founder of Huda Beauty, challenges the beauty industry’s sexist practices while acknowledging her own role in perpetuating unrealistic standards through social media. She calls for greater inclusivity, representation, and vulnerability in the industry and hopes to inspire women, particularly those of color, to embrace their unique beauty. As Kattan continues to break barriers and advocate for change, she reminds us that true beauty lies in embracing our authentic selves.
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