If you’ve spent more than five minutes on the beauty side of the internet, you know the name Huda Kattan. She’s the face that launched a thousand palettes. But behind the billion-dollar empire and the perfectly winged eyeliner is a partnership that most people only see in snippets on Instagram. Huda and Chris Goncalo aren't just your typical "influencer couple." They are a literal case study in how to mix marriage with a massive, high-stakes global business without losing your mind—or your relationship.
It started way before the Dubai penthouses.
They met in high school. Think about that for a second. In an industry where "brand-deal marriages" and fleeting social media flings are the norm, these two have been together since they were teenagers in the United States. Chris has been there through the makeup school days in Los Angeles and the initial move to Dubai when Huda was just a freelance artist trying to make a name for herself. Honestly, it’s kinda rare to see that level of longevity in the spotlight.
Why Huda and Chris Actually Work as Business Partners
A lot of people think Chris is just "the husband." He's not. Chris Goncalo is the Head of Business Development at Huda Beauty. While Huda is the creative engine—the one filming the tutorials and obsessing over the pigment payoff of a new eyeshadow—Chris is the one navigating the logistical nightmares of global distribution.
They balance each other. Huda is high energy, highly emotional, and deeply connected to her audience. Chris? He’s the quiet force in the background. You’ve probably noticed he doesn't post nearly as much as she does. He’s the stabilizer.
In the early days, they were basically a two-person army. When Huda launched those first false lashes—the ones that famously caught the eye of Kim Kardashian—Chris was there helping manage the chaos. They didn't have a massive corporate team back then. It was just grit.
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But it hasn't always been easy.
Huda has been incredibly open about the fact that working together almost broke them at one point. It’s a classic trap. When you’re building a brand, the business becomes a third person in the marriage. You stop talking about your day and start talking about inventory. You stop being a couple and start being co-workers who happen to share a bed. They actually had to take a step back and redefine their boundaries to save the relationship.
The Break and the Comeback
There was a period where Chris actually left the business for a while. This is a detail most casual fans miss. They realized that the constant proximity was creating friction. By stepping away, he was able to gain perspective, and she was able to lead without the weight of their personal relationship coloring every boardroom decision.
Eventually, he returned, but with a different mindset.
Today, they seem to have mastered the "divide and conquer" strategy. Huda stepped down as CEO for a period to focus on her mental health and creativity, later returning to the helm with a renewed sense of purpose. Throughout those transitions, Chris remained the constant. He isn't looking for the limelight. He’s looking at the bottom line.
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The Reality of Life in Dubai
Living in Dubai adds another layer to the Huda and Chris dynamic. The city is built on "more is more" energy, and the Kattans certainly live that lifestyle. But if you watch their family content—including their daughter, Nour Gisele—you see a surprisingly grounded family unit.
They’re tight-knit.
It’s not just Huda and Chris; it’s the whole Kattan clan. Mona Kattan, Huda’s sister and the force behind Kayali fragrances, is a huge part of their lives. This isn't a couple isolated on an island of fame. They are surrounded by family who knew them when they had nothing. That’s probably why they’ve managed to stay relatively normal despite the private jets and the global fame.
Common Misconceptions About Their Relationship
- "Chris is just an employee." Nope. He’s a founder-level partner who has invested as much sweat equity as Huda has.
- "It’s all for the cameras." If you look at their history, they were together long before "influencer" was even a job title.
- "They have a perfect life." Huda has been very vocal about her struggles with self-esteem, body image, and the pressure of the beauty industry. Chris has been her primary support system through those dark patches.
What You Can Learn From Their Partnership
Honestly, whether you like makeup or not, there's a lot to take away from how Huda and Chris handle their business. They prove that you can be ambitious without sacrificing your roots.
They also show the importance of evolving roles. What worked for them in 2013 didn't work in 2023. They weren't afraid to change their professional relationship to protect their personal one. That’s a lesson most entrepreneurs learn too late.
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If you’re looking to build something with a partner, take a page out of their book:
- Define your lanes. Huda owns the "what" and the "why," while Chris often handles the "how."
- Prioritize the person over the brand. They’ve both admitted that the brand is nothing if the family is broken.
- Keep some things private. Despite being one of the most famous couples in the world, there are large parts of their daily lives that never make it to a TikTok feed.
The Future of the Kattan Empire
As Huda Beauty continues to evolve—moving toward more sustainable packaging and "no-makeup" makeup trends—the role of Huda and Chris is shifting again. They are no longer just the "face" and the "manager." They are becoming seasoned moguls.
With the rise of Huda’s investment arm, HB Investments, they are now backing other founders. It’s a full-circle moment. They are using the lessons they learned in the trenches together to help the next generation of entrepreneurs.
It's been a long road from high school sweethearts to the top of the Forbes list.
Next Steps for Success:
If you’re looking to follow in their footsteps, start by auditing your own professional partnerships. Are you staying in your lane, or are you constantly clashing because your roles aren't defined? Take a day to sit down and map out exactly who is responsible for what.
Also, don't be afraid to take a break. If a partnership is stressing your personal life, stepping back—as Chris did—might be the very thing that saves the business in the long run. Focus on building a foundation that can survive the spotlight, not just one that looks good in it.