Huda Kattan, founder of the billion-dollar cosmetics brand Huda Beauty, criticizes the beauty industry and social media for their objectification of women and unfair expectations.
Huda Kattan, a prominent figure in the beauty industry and founder of Huda Beauty, has amassed a massive following on social media and built a billion-dollar cosmetics brand. However, despite her success, Kattan believes that the beauty industry is inherently sexist and perpetuates harmful standards of beauty. In an interview, she discusses her frustrations with the industry, the slow progress of inclusivity, and the negative effects of social media on women’s self-esteem.
Struggling for Recognition in a Male-Dominated Industry
Kattan reveals that when she first entered the beauty industry, she faced significant challenges in gaining recognition and respect. She recounts instances where people would ignore her in meetings and instead address her husband, undermining her authority as a businesswoman. This experience highlighted the gender bias prevalent in the industry and motivated Kattan to speak out against it.
The Beauty Industry’s Snail’s Pace Towards Inclusivity
As a woman of Middle Eastern descent, Kattan acknowledges the lack of representation and inclusivity in the beauty industry. Growing up, she felt unattractive due to the limited options available for her skin tone. While she believes that progress has been made, Kattan criticizes the industry’s slow response to the need for more diverse products. She emphasizes the importance of offering a wide range of shades and tones to cater to the diverse beauty needs of consumers.
Social Media’s Negative Impact on Women
Kattan, who initially embraced social media as a platform for connection and self-expression, now views it as a source of pressure and unrealistic expectations. She highlights the detrimental effects of social media on women’s self-esteem, as they are constantly bombarded with images of perceived perfection. Kattan admits to feeling the burden of maintaining a flawless appearance and expresses her desire for a more authentic and vulnerable space on social media.
Speaking Up for Women and her Community
With her immense social media following, Kattan recognizes the power and responsibility that comes with her platform. She uses her voice to advocate for issues affecting women and her community, even if she acknowledges that she may not have all the information or expertise. Kattan’s recent posts in support of Palestinians during the conflict in Israel and Gaza garnered both praise and criticism, highlighting the complexities of using social media for activism.
The Need for Vulnerability and Balance
Kattan believes that social media should be a space for vulnerability and authenticity, where individuals can share their imperfections and struggles. She shares her own experiences of disconnecting from social media and limiting her screen time to maintain her mental well-being. Kattan also reveals that she does not allow her 12-year-old daughter to use social media due to the negative impact it can have on mental health.
Conclusion: Huda Kattan, an influential figure in the beauty industry, uses her platform to challenge the sexism and unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by the industry. She advocates for inclusivity and representation, highlighting the slow progress in meeting the diverse needs of consumers. Kattan also raises awareness about the detrimental effects of social media on women’s self-esteem and calls for a more vulnerable and authentic online space. Despite her success, Kattan remains grounded and hopes to inspire young women of color to feel represented and empowered.
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