A. Shriniwasan Mehendi Designer

I've been doing henna off and on for about 20 years. I started at the age of 9 when my father brought home a book about Krishna. At first my 'henna' consisted of magic markers. But eventually with a little help, I figured it out. During my teenage years I abandoned the art form almost completely. Boys and fun seemed more important and other artistic endeavors caught my attention. It didn't help that no one really understood henna or what I was doing. The confused looks and constant questions were an unwelcome annoyance. During my teenage years I abandoned the art form almost completely. Boys and fun seemed more important and other artistic endeavors caught my attention. It didn't help that no one really understood henna or what I was doing. The confused looks and constant questions were an unwelcome annoyance. Then about 7 years ago a friend had a 'toothpaste tube' of henna that was about to expire and no talent for art. She asked me to henna her feet. When all was said and done, her feet looked wonderful, my hands were cramped and painfully throbbing but my passion was again ignited! The next day a sweet Indian lady had asked her how much I charge for weddings after seeing my friend's feet. I was truly back in the saddle again! I strive to be the best henna artist / mehndiwalli that I can be. My passion for mehndi is almost an obsession. I've worked and studied hard to educate others and myself and to spread public awareness of the dangers of 'Black henna'.
... ...Less