I've always loved henna! I love the smell of freshly ground henna leaves. I love the lovely red hues of the stain on my fingers and toes. I love the way henna makes my hair soft, shiny and "grey-less". I started greying at the grand old age of 12. But 2 years of conscientious monthly application of henna by my dear mom makes my hair totally grey-less. Even now ... really ....

Have I mentioned that I love henna??

The first time I saw elaborate bridal mehndi being applied (on one of my friends back in 1995), I was fascinated. WOW, I can do this ... afterall, I've always loved drawing. But it was only in late 1996 that I received my real mehndi "calling". I bought a henna cone (only because I was too snotty to allow myself be hennaed by this lady at a fair) and started doodling. I liked it! No, I LOVED it! Now I'm stuck .... I'm a henna addict.

I started out doodling on myself, mom, sister, cousins and friends. As my confidence grows and with much encouragement from them, I did my first bridal mehndi for my best friend, Rina in 1999. I was nervous but determined to do it well. I was esctatic that Rina, her family and guests loved it!

I've been doing bridal mehndi since ... and I enjoy it immensely. I have done henna painting at some fairs/bazaars but I don't enjoy those as much as bridal gigs. I feel greatly honoured to be a part of an important event in someone's life. The henna application process helps calm a bride's nerves and makes her feel relaxed. It makes me happy to know that she feels happy and beautiful.

I hope I am able to continue doing this for a long time, Insya Allah!

Love & peace,

~Jewel~