Have you ever felt an inexplicable pull towards something that felt like the universe was conspiring to set you on a path? 

That's precisely how Huda Kattan felt about her relentless attraction to the world of beauty and makeup. 

She pursued her dream without having the slightest clue that she would amass a $400M net worth, rank among the top 100 American self-made women in terms of net worth in 2023 or be one of the top 6 creators in 2022.

Huda Kattan's journey wasn't always lined with beauty products and makeup brushes. Born to Iraqi immigrants, she lived a conventional life in Oklahoma City. She pursued a degree in finance from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and embarked on a finance career. 

This is the Next Level Academy, and we are on a mission to eradicate poverty from this world completely. If you like what we do, join our community.

The Leap: From Comfort Zone to the Unknown

Huda Kattan's journey to success took an unexpected turn when she got fired from her first job in finance after university. She was working during weekends and found herself in the office, coming in first and going home last.

Though initially disheartened, this setback became her sign to pursue her true passion: beauty and makeup finally. With the support and encouragement of her sisters, she decided to invest in herself and enrolled in a beauty school. She even borrowed $6,000 from her sister to get a headstart for her business.

Not one to do things half-heartedly, she dived headfirst into a makeup training course under the legendary makeup artist Joe Blasco in Los Angeles. She was no longer just a woman with a passion; she was a woman with a mission. 

Embracing her love for makeup, Huda worked as a freelance makeup artist, eventually leading her to share her beauty insights through a newsletter. The organic growth of her newsletter and the launch of the Huda Beauty Blog marked the beginning of her transformational career in the beauty industry.

Maximizing Instagram for Beauty Success

With her newfound skills, Huda ventured into the digital world. She created a beauty blog, Huda Beauty, where she shared makeup tutorials. Instagram became her canvas and her followers, her muse. Her raw, honest, and authentic approach resonated with her audience, making her an instant hit.

Her beauty tips, insightful tutorials, and honest product reviews became an instant hit among her followers. Unlike others, Kattan wasn't just selling a product; she was telling a story, sharing her experiences, and making the world a part of her journey.

Her refreshingly authentic and relatable approach struck a chord with her audience. She wasn't just a beauty guru; she was a friend, a confidante, sharing her struggles, failures, and triumphs with her audience. 

The Brand: Creating Huda Beauty

The turning point came when she noticed a gap in the market for high-quality false lashes. In 2013, Huda's entrepreneurial spirit led her to launch her brand, Huda Beauty, with a collection of false eyelashes. "I knew it was a risk, but I also knew that if I didn't take it, I would always wonder, 'what if?'" she shared.

Huda pioneered how she leveraged her digital presence to promote her brand. She gave her followers a sneak peek into her creation process, demonstrating her products in real-life scenarios.

The most significant break was when style icon Kim Kardashian endorsed Huda Beauty's lashes. It was a moment of victory for Kattan, reinforcing her belief in quality and her knack for seizing opportunities. "That moment was surreal. It wasn't just about the endorsement; it was validation of my hard work and belief," Huda said.

The Challenges: Managing Growth and Staying Authentic

In the early days, Huda Beauty received skepticism and disinterest from retailers and distributors. The struggle to be taken seriously as a brand was both disheartening and challenging. Despite the frustration, Huda and her sisters refused to relinquish their vision. They persevered, staying true to their passion for creating authentic beauty products and compelling content.

Success brought challenges. As Huda Beauty expanded, Huda found herself navigating the intricacies of managing a rapidly growing brand while staying true to her roots. "There were times when it seemed overwhelming,” but she pushed through, fueled by her commitment to her followers and the quality of her products. 

Days turned into nights, and nights into days, as she devoted herself to developing her product range. She never compromised on the essence of what made her a social media sensation: her deep connection with her followers.

One of the defining moments for Huda Beauty was proving that a family-owned business could succeed in an industry where it was rare for an individual to make their mark. Huda and her sisters' unwavering commitment to breaking down existing beauty standards and promoting inclusivity for all became the driving force behind her brand's mission.

The Legacy: Inspiring Generations

Today, Huda Kattan is a beacon of inspiration to millions. From a small-town girl to a global beauty icon with a billion-dollar empire and over 53 million Instagram followers, Huda's journey is a testament to the power of dreams, passion, and hard work. "I hope my journey can inspire others to pursue their passions fearlessly. I want them to know that it's okay to step off the beaten path and follow their heart," Huda expressed in a heartfelt interview.

This serves as a reminder that it's possible to build a life beyond the ordinary with courage, authenticity, and determination. Her journey isn't just about her spectacular rise to fame. It's a story of a woman who dared to dream, dared to take risks, and dared to be herself. Huda's story is a shining light of hope for anyone at the edge of their dreams, unsure whether to play it safe or leap into the unknown. Isn't it time to listen to our hearts and follow our true passion, just like Huda Kattan did?

Unleash your potential as a Social Media Creator with Next Level Academy's Free Masterclass! Gain insider secrets for success, learn dynamic content strategies, and unlock your digital influence.