Mona Kattan is not just a beauty entrepreneur — she’s a fragrance visionary. As the driving force behind Kayali Perfumes, she’s turned personal passion into a global sensation. But how did this Dubai-based mogul make perfume cool again?
Let’s dive into her story, her brand, and what makes Kayali stand out in a market filled with scents.
Before the perfume shelves had Kayali bottles lined up, Mona started her career in finance. However, the 9-to-5 desk job couldn’t hold her creative energy for long. Alongside her sister Huda Kattan, she co-founded Huda Beauty and quickly rose to international fame.
But while makeup was booming, Mona’s heart was somewhere else — in the world of fragrance.
She wasn’t just a collector. She was obsessed. Her personal collection included over 2,000 perfumes. That obsession sparked a business idea: create a luxury perfume brand that celebrates layering, individuality, and modern elegance.
Kayali — which means “my imagination” in Arabic — is more than a fragrance line. It’s a lifestyle brand built on the idea that every scent tells a story. The bottles are minimal yet luxurious, and the fragrances are designed for mixing, matching, and personalizing.
One of the reasons Kayali stands out is its attention to detail. From the bottle design to the scent names, every element feels intentional. Take Vanilla | 28, a cult favorite. It blends sweet, warm vanilla with amber, making it ideal for everyday wear and perfect for layering.
Mona Kattan made sure Kayali fragrances were different. They’re bold but wearable, modern but timeless. Each perfume is numbered, inspired by the number of iterations it took to perfect the formula — a small touch that reveals the craftsmanship behind the brand.
Mona didn’t just launch Kayali and walk away. She became the face of the brand, engaging with fans, testing scents, and sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses into the fragrance creation process.
This transparency helped her build trust and a loyal audience. And it’s this community-driven approach that turned Kayali from just another perfume line into a beauty movement.
By speaking directly to her audience and sharing her scent layering hacks, Mona redefined how people think about perfume.
Today, Kayali Perfumes are sold in major retailers worldwide. But Mona isn’t stopping there. Her goal? To make fragrance as fun, inclusive, and experimental as makeup.
She often teases new launches, collaborates with perfumers, and ensures the brand stays on top of fragrance trends. Whether it’s oud-based blends or fresh florals, Kayali is always ahead of the curve.
And through it all, Mona remains the passionate force behind the brand — equal parts entrepreneur and perfume lover.
In a market saturated with celebrity fragrances and designer bottles, Mona Kattan chose to build something real. With Kayali Perfumes, she brought soul back to scent. She made perfumes not just wearable, but personal. And that’s why she continues to win the hearts of beauty fans globally.
What does “Kayali” mean?
Kayali means “my imagination” in Arabic. It reflects the brand’s philosophy of creativity and personal expression through fragrance.
Is Kayali suitable for daily use?
Absolutely. Kayali perfumes are designed for layering and daily wear, with many users loving scents like Vanilla 28 or Musk 12 for everyday use.
Can I layer Kayali with other perfume brands?
Yes, you can. But the best results come when layering different Kayali scents together, as they’re made to complement each other.
Who is the founder of Kayali Perfumes?
Mona Kattan, co-founder of Huda Beauty, is the visionary behind Kayali Perfumes.
Are Kayali perfumes long-lasting?
Yes, many of the scents are known for their longevity, especially deeper notes like oud, amber, and vanilla.
