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Lately I've had several clients timidly sit down in my studio and awkwardly apologize, “I'm sorry if this is cultural appropriation, I just really love henna.”  It got me thinking, is it cultural appropriation?  Wikipedia defines cultural appropriation as the adoption of an element(s) of one culture or identity by members of another culture or identity. This can be controversial when members of a dominant culture appropriate from minority cultures. In the case of henna, this definition could be interpreted as: it’s taking the sacred art and application of mehndi without permission and turning it into fashionable consumer culture, where [...]

Henna or mehndi has always been used in celebrations symbolizing joy, strength and love. Belly blessing henna for pregnancy is all of those things and more! It’s a wonderful bonding experience, not just for the mom-to-be and her beautiful belly, but a gathering of many women coming together to celebrate and bless them both. For me, it’s truly a humbling and connecting experience, especially when the baby moves and reacts to the henna cone tickling the belly as I paint.  Here is my story on how I discovered this beautiful art and why I fell in love: At the beginning [...]

Here's how to prepare for your henna appointment and plan accordingly based on what you want done, and some frequently asked questions: Covid notice: masks are required. Only 1, max 2 people are allowed inside at a time, other's can wait in the car or outside seating. Please text upon arrival.  Timing: don't plan anything for about 4-6 hours after your appointment. The henna/jagua will need to dry and set for 4-6 hours. So you don't want to sweat or do anything vigorous, where the henna/jagua could smear or flake off. Mani Pedi: Make any spa appointments a day before [...]

South Florida is huge for destination weddings, people from all over the US, Canada and UK travel here for their sunshine weddings on or near the beach. Weather you are headed to the sunshine state or a tropical island, here are some tips for beach brides planning their bridal and sangeet henna:    Mani Pedi: Make your spa appointment a day before your henna appointment, including your mani-pedi. Having your hands and feet soaked and scrubbed after henna application can cause fading. Shaving and waxing - fine hair is ok, anything too heavy a wax or shave is recommended. Hair [...]

Preparing for the start of your wedding festivities is exciting and stressful, but your Sangeet or Henna night is the kick-off! The beginning of all the festivities of your amazing wedding events to come. Here's our advice on ensuring your henna is scheduled correctly and you are prepared to relax and enjoy:   Bridal Henna should be applied 2-3 days before the big day. Henna needs up to 36 hours to fully darken and be camera ready. The areas that will darken quickest, from the orange to the maximum shades of brown-reddish-burgundy are the palms, fingers, toes and edges of the [...]