Today we’d like to introduce you to Husna Razi.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Husna. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I always get asked, “How long have you been doing this?” or “When did you learn how to apply henna?” To be honest, my earliest memory was getting henna done from my aunts and thinking “ wow this is art!” I’ve always had an eye for creativity, I appreciated it. When I was in third grade, I attempted my first design, obviously, it wasn’t the greatest, but hey, I tried! I gave using the cone, and started practicing on paper instead (which is so much easier) I practiced for years. I still have the drawings of designs I created as a kid. I practiced on paper until I felt I should try again. I tried again about five years ago and it wasn’t perfect but it allowed me to gauge where I wanted to improve. Slowly, I started asking my sisters and mom to volunteer their hands for practice and I got my practice that way. It wasn’t until I got asked by others to do their henna, that I decided I wanted to excel in this field. When I got married, the girl who did my henna was unable to finish, so the insides of my hands were empty, this meant I had to fill them myself! It looked good to me! Which meant I could start doing it on others! After I got married, in 2017, I started my Instagram page. I didn’t expect to get anyone to pay me but to my surprise, I got my first client, and then second, and then third! All in one week. I’ve practiced a lot over the year to reach where I am now, and I pray another year will give me more progress and opportunities to grow as an artist!
Has it been a smooth road?
It was not a smooth road at all. There were many bumps along the way, such as making time available for your passion, using the correct materials, and client interaction. There will be some clients who will tell you straight up that they hate your work! (Trust me, it’s a crummy feeling, I almost cried!) but you can’t keep that from your growth or love for art. Just take it with a grain of salt. Some advice would be, start with confidence, know where you want to reach! And when you reach there, make sure to help those who haven’t gotten there yet. Remember, always pass the ladder down!
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
My work is mainly henna designs. I do bridal henna, bridesmaids henna, party henna, henna for Eid (religious holiday), birthday henna, and just for fun henna! I would say my colleagues agree that I am best known for intricate henna designs, and I am very proud of being able to provide that level of care for my clients. I am proud of being able to have a skill that is very important in my culture. I am proud of making a brides special day even more special!
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
Instagram is an important app for me and my work. It was a great way to engage with an audience, and to help them find me! Another resource that helps me is my Canon camera, I love it to bits! It helps me capture my pictures how I want them to look!
Contact Info:
- Email: hennabyhus@gmail.com
- Instagram: @hennabyhus
- Other: @razimages
Image Credit:
@husna.jpeg
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