Today we’d like to introduce you to Bhavna.
Hi Bhavna, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Thirteen years ago, I started my journey with a simple dream: to adorn just one bride a week with bridal henna. Today, I am honored to celebrate with 3 to 4 brides every week, serving as the very first vendor they experience as their wedding festivities begin.
In the South Asian community, henna is more than a tradition; it is the heartbeat of the wedding week. Because I care deeply about the connection between my art and my clients, I pioneered the custom of free customized designs. Every bride I work with receives a pattern woven from their own love story, including hidden elements that are unique only to them.
To ensure every stroke is delivered with micro-precision, I also designed a professional, ergonomic application setup. Whether we are sitting for 7 hours for your bridal application or 12 hours for your entire family, my setup ensures comfort and perfection from the first line to the last. My goal is simple: for you to feel deeply connected to your design and completely satisfied with your experience.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Mindset of Parents/ Clients/ Other Artists has been challenging. For too long, we have treated art as a secondary pursuit—a “hobby” to fall back on once a “real” career is secured. If we want a world filled with beauty and innovation, we must change how we support the creators among us.
1. Reclaiming the Narrative for the Next Generation
Support for artists begins in childhood. We need to stop framing art as the path for those who “didn’t succeed” elsewhere. When parents tell children to find a “steady job” instead of pursuing their creative gifts, they instill a lifelong fear that art and stability cannot coexist.
We must empower the next generation to see art as a viable, prestigious profession. Let’s raise children who feel that art is on their side, not a distraction from their future.
2. Respecting the Working Artist
To the patrons and clients who enjoy our work: remember that artists have bills, too.
Pay the asking price: When you ask for a discount, you are asking the artist to undervalue their time and expertise.
Show appreciation: If the experience was exceptional, leave a tip.
Build their reputation: Leave a review or share their work. Two kind words can be the fuel that keeps an artist going when the world tells them to quit.
3. The Duty of the Thriving Artist
To my fellow artists who are currently thriving: our success is not a solo journey. We have a responsibility to pull others up as we climb.
Share your knowledge: Don’t gatekeep your skills.
Be a mentor: Teach the next generation the right way—with the right attitude.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I usually provide henna for brides two to three days before their big day and also adorn their family members and their guest closer to the wedding day. No wedding is complete in the South Asian community without the inclusion of henna and also it is the starting point of any wedding event.
So I am the first vendor that the bride experiences when the wedding week starts.
I am very proud to be the only henna artist who started the custom of giving a free customized design to every bride based on their love story and including special elements for them. I’m also the first henna artist who created a proper henna application setup so that it’s easy on the bride and the artist to sit for so many hours, as henna application takes approximately 7 hrs for the bride, after which I get to do the mom, the sister and any other important family members. So my usual days are 10 to 12 hours long so having the right setup really helps in maintaining good posture and being able to do a great job with micro-precision.
I’m also proud to be teaching my skills and my knowledge of the business at Henna conferences and also host a two-day workshop myself once a year.
Teaching this art form is another pride and joy for me as I want this artform to be taught in the right way and with the right attitude so that it grows and evolves into something even more beautiful.
I also provide lessons via zoom and in person for private students as well.
I have also started selling customized sketches for my brides as memories for them to keep.
The one thing that sets me apart from any other henna artist is that I create unique custom designs and truly care about my art form and my client. I want them to have the best experience ,feel connected to their design and be satisfied with my art as well.
What are your plans for the future?
As I look toward the next chapter of my career, my focus is shifting toward two core missions: Education and Elevated Experience. My goal is to mentor the next generation of henna artists, ensuring this sacred art form is taught with the precision, integrity, and professional attitude it deserves.
To better serve my brides, I am also transitioning my practice to my private home studio. This space is intentionally designed with my signature ergonomic setup, creating a sanctuary where both the bride and I can focus on micro-precision in total comfort. By narrowing my focus, I can ensure that every student I teach and every client I adorn receives the very best of my art and my energy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bhavnashenna.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bhavnashenna/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BhavnasHennaArts
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bhavnashenna
