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Leah Kateb on Perfume and Her Persian IdentityRona Ahdout – Hearst Owned
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The enduring presence of contestants in the cultural limelight after Love Island USA can be unpredictable. Yet, there’s no denying that Leah Kateb, a season 6 runner-up, has firmly established herself within the reality-star-to-celebrity trajectory. Since her stint on the show concluded in July 2024, she’s been actively attending prestigious fashion shows (such as Roberto Cavalli and Off-White), participating in a Love Island spin-off alongside her friends and former castmates, and walking red carpets with her villa partner and current boyfriend, Miguel Harichi.
By last summer, Leah also solidified her presence in the beauty sector, taking on the role of creative director and relaunching the clean fragrance brand Skylar (a brand that has long been a favorite among Cosmo editors). In her new capacity, she is deeply involved in revitalizing Skylar, focusing on incorporating personal narratives into each product. Her second launch, Pomegranate Princess, specifically honors her Persian heritage.
Rona Ahdout – Hearst Owned
Making its debut at Sephora on March 21, Pomegranate Princess is a fruity gourmand fragrance that pays tribute to Leah’s Iranian background—her parents emigrated from Iran to the United States before her birth. Within Persian culture, the pomegranate, or “anar” in Farsi, her native tongue, symbolizes “regal beauty, abundance, and femininity,” Leah shared during a phone call while hiking with Miguel and her beloved dog Blue. “I adore the fruit; it features prominently in so many Persian dishes and traditions.”
The launch timing is no accident: it coincides with Nowruz, the Persian New Year, which signifies themes of regrowth, fertility, and rebirth—all concepts embodied by the fragrance. “Nowruz is a period for renewal and honoring one’s origins, which is precisely what this product represents,” she explained.
Like many first-generation Americans, Leah admits that her appreciation for her heritage didn’t always come easily. “Growing up in a predominantly white neighborhood, where English wasn’t my first language, I faced teasing for everything from my accent to my family’s names,” she recounted. “I felt out of place. Even simple things like the lunch I brought to school would cause me embarrassment.”
Now, at 26, witnessing her Persian identity prominently featured on Sephora shelves—alongside major fragrance houses—holds profound meaning for her. The pomegranate, in particular, has consistently been a motif throughout her life. “Every home I’ve ever inhabited has, by chance, had a pomegranate tree,” she noted. Naturally, she understood it had to be the central element of this scent.
Given the ongoing conflict and unrest in her family’s homeland, Leah believes this fragrance arrives at a crucial juncture. Months after countless Iranian protestors were tragically killed in Tehran’s streets and as attacks continue to intensify, she has utilized her platform to advocate for the people of Iran. Earlier this year, she posted a series of photos on Instagram, stating: “My parents were fortunate enough to escape during the revolution, but my family is still there fighting. Iran is not its government. Iran is its beautiful people.” A portion of the proceeds from Pomegranate Princess will be dedicated to supporting animals, families, and children in need in Iran. “This perfume is not merely a celebration, but also a means to give back,” she affirmed.
Leah hopes that Pomegranate Princess will introduce a wider audience to the splendor of Persian culture, while also providing the Iranian community a moment to feel acknowledged and celebrated. She is already observing this impact firsthand, sharing that fans in Los Angeles have approached her to express how proud she makes them feel to be Persian. “When girls tell me they are proud of their origins because of me—how they look, how they perceive themselves, their culture—that truly means everything,” she stated. “It’s something I wish I had experienced growing up.”
Rona Ahdout – Hearst Owned
During Leah’s time on Love Island, the internet affectionately named her the “People’s Princess” for her genuine and authentic demeanor in the villa. Ironically, without access to her phone, she initially believed viewers felt the opposite about her. “When we were developing this scent and my team proposed the name Pomegranate Princess, it felt like a perfect match,” she recounted with a laugh. “I’ve been called many things, but the title I hold dearest is the people’s princess.”
As for her actual princess parallel? Snow White. “I feel a connection to her—animals always gravitate towards me. Even in the villa, birds would come and simply perch with me.”
When asked to describe Pomegranate Princess using only three words, Leah chose: fruity, beautiful, and a blessing. This is more than just a fragrance launch; it’s a tribute to her heritage, identity, and the joy she wishes for others to experience in embracing who they are. “Middle Eastern people, especially women, have frequently been misrepresented. But our culture is rich, beautiful, and something I carry with immense pride.”
This conversation has been slightly edited for length and clarity.
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