Today we’d like to introduce you to Sitarah Kassam.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I️ started my business, Art of Hennas, in 2017 out of a need to find a creative outlet in my everyday corporate life. Henna is a big part of my cultural identity and it was always something I️ grew up doing and dabbling in. At some point, my corporate life was causing so much anxiety that I️ needed a creative outlet and I️ turned back to this childhood love for henna. Throughout the years, that love and dedication to the art turned in not only body adornment, but designing henna inspired canvas art and hand designed faux leather purses to bring this cultural beauty into the everyday.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Thankfully, I️ haven’t had a hard time in my endeavor as a henna artist. Of course, there have been bumps in the road, but none large enough to detour me from continuing to pursue this passion.
One struggle I’ve had to face head on is imposter syndrome. It has on and off snuck back into my mind… especially after unsuccessful vendor markets or events. But I’ve had such overall support with my art that I’ve continued on.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As the designer behind Art of Hennas, I️ am a self-taught henna artist servicing the DC/Maryland/Virginia area. I️ have over 15 years of artistic and designing experience with henna and body/face painting. My knowledge and experience in both traditional and modern art styles has allowed me to develop a combination style of my own to include Indo-Pak and Arab-Afro concepts and aesthetic techniques.
I️ have designed henna for weddings (including brides and bridal party members), parties and events, private photo shoots, fashion shows and of course, individual clients!
“I love using my cultural background as inspiration for my work. My family is originally from India, however, the past several generations have been born and raised in East Africa. As my life has been a hybrid of cultures and religions, I’ve been very lucky to see the beauty and art behind history as it has unfolded through my many travels. The highlight of my day is the joy I get from designing a custom piece, be it on a client or as a product design. If I’m not working, you’ll find me sitting quietly, headphones in, designing henna on a random piece canvas because that’s genuinely what I consider my ‘happy place’”.
Art of Hennas provides mobile services bringing the henna experience into each client’s home. This is to provide comfort and convenience.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’ve been blessed with the most amazing support system! My parents have encouraged and supported Art of Hennas since its conception. My dad helped load and unload the car for every client and event; my mom created a large art studio space for me to utilize in their home. To this day, they have been fantastic cheerleaders!
When I met my husband, he immediately jumped in and provided every kind of support. He now handles all the physical logistics of my day to day endeavors with events and markets. My best friends have always come with me to henna events/vendor markets and turned into customer service and support by bringing clients into my henna tent.
I️ don’t know where I would be without such fantastic and unwavering support in my life.
Pricing:
- Bridal Henna starts at $165
- One-on-one appointments start at $20
- Artwork ranges from $20 to $350
- Standard travel is included in all price quotes as this is a mobile henna service
- Open to commissioned projects as well
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artofhennas.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artofhennas
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artofhennas
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/art-of-hennas-woodbridge-5?dd_referrer=
