Today we’d like to introduce you to Yasmeen Shah.
Yasmeen, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have always loved all forms of arts and crafts and started working as a henna artist 4 years ago. This skill was passed down to me from a close family member who also does henna designing professionally for brides. I shadowed her & learnt through practice & watching her perform. I then started to learn on my own developing my own style and technique.
With the right guidance and practice anyone can learn this skill and I love to encourage the young girls to try learning it. It is fun, meditative and therapeutic- anyone can learn even if they are not artistic!
I feel that henna is a beautiful and empowering art form. It makes women of all ages feel beautiful & pampered, allowing them to express themselves in a unique, fun & safe way.
I usually freestyle and most of the time I sense the energy of the person whose hand I am applying the design and give each person something that fits their personality.
I moved to Chicago and graduated from Douglas J Aveda cosmetology school and I had gained more knowledge and understanding about the science of skin. I was able to figure out how to get the best color results with henna. I also had heard some horror stories from around the world that chemicals being used in the henna were causing skin boils and permanent scarring.
I realized that the henna- and anything that is applied to the skin- eventually gets absorbed into the skin & therefore the blood & body. I went on a search for the best quality, all natural & organic henna ingredients to protect myself and others from any possible harm.
All natural henna is made from different parts of the henna plant. It has health benefits and different medicinal qualities which was used in many ways throughout history. ‘Hennatonic’ (Hennotannic) acid is the dye which binds to the skin and cells. The dye fades as the superficial layer of the skin starts to shed (usually 2 weeks)
Has it been a smooth road?
It has been a learning experience. Some struggles I came across were mainly to do with advertising and getting my name out there.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the HennaTonic story. Tell us more about the business.
I can safely say that I have become obsessed with natural healing & health and hope to pursue this in the near future. I am always reading books and learning new things about alternative healthcare practices & love meeting other like-minded women and sharing ideas at my henna appointments.
I absolutely love this job it’s been such a blessing in so many ways. With every experience I learn more about the henna itself but I also realize that the best part is meeting and talking to the women & children who I am serving. This has inspired me to transform my business… now don’t just apply the henna designs but I make each event a unique “Henna Experience”.
I also love to make small unique gifts and jewelry items and promote several natural products and brands for women and children
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I have noticed that henna is becoming a very popular art form over the last few years. It’s also becoming more sophisticated, modern & multicultural. More people know about it or at least have seen it and this fill me with joy that it is in some ways bringing people together.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hennatonic.org
- Email: hennatonic@gmail.com
- Instagram: hennatonic
- Facebook: hennatonic
- Yelp: hennatonic
