We recently connected with Raman Dhariwal and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Raman thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?
In 2013, after completing a henna course, I secured my first bridal client. It was an exciting moment, but it wasn’t something that happened overnight. I had been doing henna for friends and family as a hobby for years, and they constantly encouraged me to pursue it professionally. They believed in my talent more than I did at first. I remember feeling both nervous and excited when I booked my first bride. It was a pivotal moment, as it marked the transition from something I did for fun to something I could build a career around.
I’ll never forget the day. The bride reached out to me after seeing some of my work on a friend. The trust she placed in me for her special day felt surreal. As I started, the first brush of henna felt like a confirmation of all those years of encouragement from family and friends. When she handed me that first payment, it was a mix of pride and excitement, like a new chapter was beginning. It wasn’t just about the money—it was a validation of my skills and the start of something bigger than I had anticipated.
Raman, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I started my henna journey in 2013, but in reality, it began much earlier. Growing up, I would do henna for friends and family, always as a hobby. My work became known within my circle, and everyone who saw it would tell me that I had a special talent. They encouraged me to pursue it professionally, and that push led me to take a formal course. After the course, I felt confident enough to take on clients, and soon after, I secured my first bridal client—a moment that opened the doors to the world of professional henna art.
I specialize in bridal henna, intricate designs for special events, and personalized henna for festivals or smaller occasions. My services range from traditional and modern bridal henna to custom designs that reflect each client’s personality and the story they want to tell. What sets me apart is my deep understanding of both cultural and contemporary henna styles, which allows me to offer unique designs that are meaningful and visually striking. Every piece I create is tailored to the individual, whether they want something traditional or something with a modern twist.
The problems I solve for my clients go beyond just providing beautiful designs; it’s about creating an experience. Brides and clients often come to me feeling stressed or anxious, and my goal is to provide a calm, reassuring presence while crafting something special for their big day. I work with them to ensure that the henna design is not only beautiful but also symbolic and personal.
What I am most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with brides who want their henna to reflect their unique story, and that creative collaboration is what I love most. I want potential clients to know that when they book me, they’re not just getting henna—they’re getting an artist who listens, understands, and tailors every design to reflect the individuality and beauty of each person.
Ultimately, what I want my clients to know about my brand is that it’s about more than just henna art—it’s about connection, culture, and creativity coming together to make something memorable.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the connection I build with people through my work. When someone trusts me to create something for a significant moment in their life, whether it’s a bride on her wedding day or someone celebrating a festival, it’s an honor. The process of translating their vision, emotions, and stories into a design is incredibly fulfilling.
Seeing the joy on a client’s face when they first look at their henna, knowing that I’ve captured something meaningful for them, is the most gratifying feeling. It’s not just about creating something beautiful—it’s about being part of their experience, knowing that my work adds to their special moments.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One story that stands out from my journey and illustrates resilience happened early in my henna career. I had booked a major bridal client, and it was a big opportunity for me. I spent weeks preparing, perfecting designs, and practicing techniques. However, the day before the wedding, I unexpectedly fell ill. It would have been easy to cancel or find an excuse to reschedule, but I knew how important this day was for the bride, and I didn’t want to let her down.
Despite feeling unwell, I pushed through, showing up with all my supplies, determined to do my best. As I worked, the energy shifted—there was something about being in the moment, knowing that my presence and effort mattered. I focused on the design, and as the intricate patterns started to take shape, I realized how much I loved what I do. By the end, not only was the bride overjoyed with the result, but I felt a deep sense of accomplishment and pride.
That experience taught me a lot about resilience—not just in the face of physical challenges, but also in staying committed to what I had set out to do. It reaffirmed my dedication to my craft and reminded me that sometimes, it’s the toughest moments that bring out the best in us.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Www.instagram.com/hennavative
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/hennavative