Youmna Khoury built Youmi Beauty the same way she built herself – with discipline and
empathy. The Lebanese founder spent 12 years of her childhood in an orphanage, which
shaped her heart-centred approach. For Youmna, success is about impact without ego. This
bleeds into everything she does, like her work with the Youmi Beauty Charity Foundation, self-care routines, and even her love life. Youmna owes everything to her Lebanese roots, paying homage to the beauty rituals she grew up around. Now, as a newlywed navigating founder life, she speaks candidly about building a business with purpose, staying grounded in her entrepreneurial mindset, and why consistency is her secret to true beauty.
Cosmo ME: How have your Lebanese roots inspired Youmi’s Beauty’s range?
Youmna: My Lebanese roots have fundamentally shaped how I understand beauty, not as
something purely visual, but as a daily practice of self-respect. In Lebanon, beauty is
expressive, confident, and deeply tied to ritual. One beauty secret I truly swear by is never
skipping self-care. A little oil, lots of hydration, and consistent skin and body routines go a long way. That philosophy sits at the core of Youmi Beauty. I wanted to reflect that balance between glamour and care, inspired by the women around me growing up. Every product is designed to support real routines. I wanted to translate that standard into something modern, accessible, and rooted in our regional beauty culture.
Cosmo ME: How did your childhood influence your entrepreneurial journey?
Youmna: That chapter of my life is not something I separate from who I am today. Growing up in an orphanage teaches you how to be strong, but it also teaches you how to feel deeply. From a young age, I promised myself I would build a life defined by choice, not circumstance. That promise became my inner compass. When I stepped into entrepreneurship, that mindset became something I could turn into action. I learned to keep going even when the results were not immediate, and to build with intention, not ego. For me, success is not only growth or visibility, it is impact.
Cosmo ME: Tell us more about Youmi beauty, What’s your go to beauty products?
Youmna: All of my Youmi Beauty products are my go-to products because I created the range around what I personally use. I approached the brand as a customer first. My routine is very consistent. I use our hair care and body care daily, our contact lenses, lashes, and extensions regularly, and our curler is one of my staples. I think what makes the brand connect is that it is built on real use and real standards. I am not just creating products to sell, I created what I needed first, and then shared it.
Cosmo ME: What advice do you have for young women who are interested in the business of beauty?
Youmna: My advice is to approach beauty as both an art and a business. Creativity will open doors, but structure, discipline, and knowledge are what keep them open. Learn every part of the process. The more informed you are, the more confident and strategic your decisions will be. Consistency is everything. The beauty space is competitive, but credibility is built by showing up, delivering quality, and staying patient through slow phases. Finally, stay connected to your purpose. If a dream keeps returning to you, it is usually because it is meant to be explored. Work hard, stay disciplined, protect your values, and build something that reflects who you are, not just something that sells.
Cosmo ME: Still raving about your wedding. What are some of your personal reflections on being a newlywed?
Youmna: Becoming a newlywed has grounded me in a way I didn’t fully expect. What I’m
enjoying most is the real meaning of partnership in everyday life. It’s not only the big moments, it’s the quiet ones. I’ve realised how much beauty there is in the “normal” moments, the ones no one sees, but that shape a life. Marriage hasn’t changed who I am, but it has refined me. It has made me more present, more patient, and honestly, more grateful. It reminded me that love can be both a safe place and a source of inspiration.
Cosmo ME: How are you balancing personal life with your career?
Youmna: Balance looks very different for me now. I’ve realised it’s less about perfect “work life balance” and more about alignment. Getting married taught me that you don’t have to choose between love and ambition. I’m very intentional with my time. I set clearer boundaries, I plan my week around what matters most, and I’ve become more disciplined about protecting small pockets of personal time. Having a supportive partner makes a real difference. When your personal life feels steady and understood, you show up better everywhere else.
Next, read about Avvai Beauty founder, Shivani Phulwani and her journey to becoming an entrepreneur.