Henna art or Mehndi is an intricate and beautiful form of body art that is well- known in India, the Caribbean, Africa and the Middle East.
Today, I would like to introduce you to an ambitious young lady, well-talented in the art as well as other creative endeavours.
Interview with Aruna Nikita Ali – Henna Beauty by Nikita
Please tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Aruna Nikita Ali, I am a dedicated student of COSTAATT, pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Radiography; in which I am currently in my second year of study.
My parents and my best friend are my inspiration to the successes I have achieved, along with my undying drive to not only become a successful businesswoman but to becoming an ideal healthcare professional.
How did you become involved in doing henna art?
I first got a taste of art when I attended Asja Girls College, Charlieville; however, I didn’t get the opportunity to continue learning as I transferred to Chinmaya Vidyalaya High School where I graduated with twelve subjects; making this change one of which I am grateful for.
For Diwali and Eid-ul-Fitr, two festivals my family and I celebrate together, I always did henna for both my sister and myself. To my surprise, my family and friends loved it, this lead to a subsequent number of years of me adorning my aunts’, cousins’ and friends’ hands with henna, which I enjoyed doing.
Please share with us the cultural significance of mehndi?
Henna/Mehndi is a plant whose leaves are dried, grounded and made into a paste, when perfectly mixed and packaged, it is used to create traditional and beautiful intricate designs.
Henna is used for cosmetic purposes, fun body art, religious (Hindu) purposes and marriage (henna rituals, name game, etc.). Culturally, it used to adorn the Hindu gods and goddesses and bride and groom for their weddings as a sign of prosperity, benefits and luck that they bring into the family, a sign of marriage once the leaves are received by the female, and more.
Where you do find inspiration for your designs?
I’m my early years I replicated henna designs, I believe this is how most henna artists begin their journeys; however, as the years passed by I recreated designs but with my own style and eventually I brought myself to the level where once I start I can create a beautiful design.
I follow a number of Instagram henna pages from throughout the world and in my spare time, I explore them. In doing this, I get the opportunity to interact with other henna artists and continuously learn more about the field. This contributes to the inspiration for my designs.
How did you decide to go from hobby to doing henna designs professionally?
After pursuing the UWI’s Pre-Sciences Programme, I hadn’t discovered Radiography as a field of study yet, therefore, I spent a year away from school during which I got experience working.
Within this year, one of my friends kept encouraging me to do henna for people, I was extremely hesitant in doing so. After a few months of this, I couldn’t sleep one night and I created an Instagram page and to my surprise, I got so much love and appreciation for my work. I had to continue.
Do you have any other interests?
Apart from henna and my love for practising to become a radiographer at the hospital which I also define as an art; I also express my love for art in makeup, most especially special effects (sfx) makeup. Therefore, by next year, I am hoping to extend my services.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Five years from now I pray to become a successful Radiographer, to have grown my henna and makeup services, along with starting a plan to become a business owner of a diagnostic clinic.
Do you have any advice to encourage our readers to pursue their passions, as you have done?
To the readers of One Motivated Mommy I’ll share with you one of my most favourite and inspirational quotes:
“You don’t have a right to the cards you have been dealt. You have an obligation to play the hell out of the ones you’re holding.”
Aim high, set goals, dream big and believe in yourself, make the hardships you endure, your strength to do better, be better. Never give up! Most importantly never settle for less than you know you deserve.
Thank you all dearly for your patience in walking through my journey with me and everyone for continuously showing your support and love.
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