Kahina Giving Beauty was one of the first brands on our shelves, and it was a true pioneer: for 18 years, Kahina has been committed to healthy ingredients, sustainable approaches to packaging, and ethical sourcing with meaningful producer partnerships—about ten years before those became the standards that most brands in our world strive for.

Kahina has had a very soft spot in our hearts (and a place on our shelves) since its earliest days, so we were devastated to hear that the brand will be winding down its operations this year. As founder Katharine L’Heureux put it, “We’ve found ourselves facing many of the same challenges that other independent business owners are navigating today…After much thought, I feel this is the right time to close this chapter. It feels important to me to do so with the same intention, integrity, and commitment to doing things the right way with which I started the business.”

Katharine very kindly agreed to chat about her decision to close the brand and provide us with some sage advice: what to stock up on while you still can, and how to make a tough decision and find peace with the outcome. Check out her conversation with Ayla founder Dara Kennedy below.

Then, shop the Kahina selection before it’s all gone.

Dara: I was devastated to hear that Kahina will be closing soon, and I’m sure many others will feel the same way. Can you tell us more about this?

Katharine: We are closing because of the complexities of running a global business with the intention, ethical standards, and level of product quality that I have always believed in. We found ourselves facing many of the same challenges that other independent business owners are navigating today. Kahina was built to do things differently, and maintaining those standards at this scale has become increasingly difficult. 

After much thought, I feel this is the right time to close this chapter. It feels important to me to do so with the same intention, integrity, and commitment to doing things the right way with which I started the business.

Dara: What should we stock up on while we still can?

Katharine: If there are three products I would encourage you to stock up on, they would be our Argan Oil, Eye Serum, and Antioxidant Mask.

Our Argan Oil is at the heart of Kahina, and one of the products I am most proud of. We have always believed in sourcing the purest, highest-quality argan oil we could find, and doing so in a way that supports the Berber women who produce it. It is incredibly versatile and can be used on its own as a face oil, mixed into your moisturizer, or smoothed through the ends of your hair. If there is one Kahina product I would not want to be without, this is it.

Our Eye Serum has won multiple awards over the years, and for good reason. It is one of those rare products that works beautifully across ages and skin types, helping to address fine lines, dark circles, puffiness, and other signs of aging. One of my favorite lesser-known uses is around the mouth, where it makes a beautiful serum for the fine lines that develop in that area.

And then there is our Antioxidant Mask, which has remained our best-selling product after our Argan Oil. Our customers have always loved it as a skin reset. It purifies and revitalizes without stripping or drying the skin, leaving it incredibly soft and giving you that immediate, healthy-looking boost. It is the product I reach for when my skin needs extra care.

Dara: Once things wind down with Kahina, what do you think your next chapter might be?

Katharine: Kahina has been central to my life for almost 20 years. It’s hard to imagine my days without it, but as I enter my 67th year, I’m also looking forward to the time to pursue my other passions, including ceramics, gardening, textile arts, reading, and exploring New York City and beyond. 

One of the greatest gifts of Kahina has been the pleasure of working alongside my daughter Grace and my husband Jim. While I’ll miss sharing that part of our lives, it will be nice to spend time together NOT talking about business. 

Grace, too, is ready to pursue her other passions. She will be launching a furniture design company with her partner, Wyatt, while continuing to explore her interest in botany. 

Dara: Soon, it’ll be the first time you’ve experienced the world of skincare as a non-industry shopper in a very long time! That will be another adjustment, won’t it?

Katharine: I have only used Kahina products and argan oil since the day I was introduced to it in the souk of Marrakech so long ago. So, I will be embarking on a skincare discovery journey. It is daunting! I will start with trusted retailers like Ayla for recommendations, then do my own research. Fortunately, I know how to read a label and understand ingredients.

Beyond that, I’ll also be looking for brands that share the values I’ve always cared about. I look forward to finding other brands that don’t cut corners, value their ingredients, use quality packaging, and have an authentic brand story. 

Dara: One last question…closing this brand was a major decision, and a hard one.  What words of wisdom can you share with us about making a tough decision and feeling a sense of peace with the outcome?  

Katharine: I’ve always said Kahina is like my fourth child, as it is a hugely defining part of my life. These past 18 years have been a wonderful ride, but it became clear early this year that it was time to close this chapter. When I started the business, I trusted my instincts to guide me forward. Those same instincts are now leading me in a new direction. While I am heartbroken to see Kahina go, I am proud of what we accomplished as a brand while staying true to our values. I am excited to see where the next chapter leads.