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How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Being a henna artist, I have always enjoyed the beauty of art and making everyone feel beautiful and confident. I was first introduced to henna while I grew up in India. I grew up seeing how henna played a significant role within my community. As a little girl, I always did henna on my friends. As I moved to the United States, I felt distant from my culture. I missed those moments when my friends and I used to do henna on each other and that’s when I started practicing henna on myself. As a self-taught artist, it wasn’t always easy. Henna requires the art of creativity and freestyling. I grew up seeing the art of henna. While I always enjoyed having it on my skin, I wanted to give that experience to others.
What does the average day look like for you now as an entrepreneur (especially compared to past jobs/days)?
As a passionate creative, each day unfolds with thrilling diversity, offering a unique tapestry of experiences. Some days are dedicated to deepening my knowledge of henna through research and self-education. On others, I immerse myself in the artistry of applying henna and honing my skills through freestyle creations. The beauty of my journey lies in the flexibility that allows me to curate appointments on my own terms, aligning seamlessly with both my schedule and the preferences of my valued clients. Most importantly, I relish the freedom to grow and learn organically, allowing my artistic expression to flourish with each day.
What are some of the top things you have learned so far?
For some henna might just be a tattoo, but for others, it is an accessory they wear that gives them confidence. I often get asked if henna is for every skin tone. Henna is a dye that is derived from dried leaves of the henna shrub (Lawsonia inermis). Henna is for everyone as it leaves stains on every skin tone. I try my best to be expressive in my henna designs by asking my clients if they would like to include a specific design or name or initials. Over my experiences, I have come to learn that I work best as a freestyle artist as I get to showcase my creativity while adding the essence of others’ expressiveness. One of my favorite parts while I do henna for others is I get to build authentic relationships with them. I enjoy learning their story and educating them about henna and about my culture. And it makes me happy to be getting to meet beautiful individuals and learn about their own cultural history and passion.
Who or what inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
Being a strong communicator, I have always enjoyed human connection as a means to grow personally and professionally. People’s stories make an impact and move the world forward. I love sharing my story and enjoy hearing stories from others. My experience with HER Campus, an online magazine platform, I was able to share my voice through the art of storytelling to share and create a voice for young women around the nation by writing and publishing biweekly articles about self-advocacy, women empowerment and growth mindset. I want to continue creating an empowering and inspiring environment at KS WELI.
Furthermore, as a high performer in my leadership competition in the University Leadership Network program, I was offered to attend SXSW EDU. Attending the conference led by Jan Ryan, Kendra Scott, and Britney Robins, I was introduced to the limitation of female entrepreneurs and the necessity of female role models. I was able to discuss effectively incubating female college students to formulate an entrepreneurial mindset. In addition, I was offered to share my voice in advocating about women entrepreneurs in CBS Austin news.
Speaking on behalf of International Women's Day and self-advocacy on CBS news allowed me to share my voice as a South Asian creator. Henna brings me closer to cherishing my culture and makes me feel empowered. It allows me to share my experience and my creativity. Being able to advocate and share my voice in the diverse community is important to me in everything that I create because it ensures that I am sharing my authentic self and staying true to my vision.
What have been 1-2 of your proudest moments in creating your business?
Henna has also taught me the importance of patience. It took me many years to be where I am right now with my henna journey. I still have a long way to go. But I appreciate the times when I got to learn and grow within my creative space. Because I am right-handed, I can only draw henna on my left hand. I never knew as a right-handed individual, I have become so close to doing henna that I can also do henna with my left hand as well. If I never tried, I would have never known my ability to see such accomplishment that I get to feel. Sometimes when we let go of what was holding us back, oftentimes we create a new version in us. I didn’t realize how much I have grown and learned resilience in creating my business.
What’s the best advice you have received along your journey?
If you have a talent or a desire, don’t hesitate. Learn to cherish the small wins and take failures as an opportunity to grow yourself. I encourage you to keep doing what makes you feel the most creative. You will realize that it was never doing it the right way or being appreciated by others but it was simply realizing to love your art for what it brings: love, beauty, and confidence. And how it makes you feel. For me, henna brings me joy. It makes me happy to see my clients feel beautiful and confident being in their own skin. It fills my heart.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I find immense joy in my creative space. Outside my henna career, I enjoy the enchanting realm of writing. My passion extends beyond the written word as I revel in exploring diverse cultures, savoring new culinary delights, and embarking on exciting travel adventures.
Furthermore, I love learning new dance styles such as Bollywood and social dance. In addition to being an enthusiast for dance, I take pride in being a cheerleader for my cherished friends and beloved family, uplifting and supporting them in their endeavors.
About The Author:
Founder of Hennariya
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