We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amina Allen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Amina, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

In 2015 I received my first henna tattoo, that was the catalyst that sparked my obsession and passion to create. I studied and researched the dangers and origins of henna and for a year before applying designs on individuals . I would charged as low as $5 on my tattoo designs . Word was getting around that I am a henna artist and how beautiful my designs were . It wasn’t until I started to get booked for college and corporate events and weddings out of state that I realized , I need to get insurance and get serious and start my business. At the end of 2018 , I was at my lowest emotionally , yet my highest spiritually. A divorcee, the lost of our baby, laid off work, failed every class the fall semester ; all of this in a matter of all in one year. I was at my lowest but I knew there was no where else to go but up. So I asked, begged and prayed God to help me with my depression and to cope with the lost of everything I had . Soon after I came across a YouTube video of a woman doing resin crafts and resin waves using a heat gun and another woman painting beach waves. Being creative is in my dna since I sketched myself portrait in the 1900’s yet , I always wanted to paint and discover my hidden talent like Frida Khalo did. So I ordered all the supplies and tools needed and turned my laundry room into my studio. In the beginning I started to make a mess and I was happy I found my outlet my therapy, the remedy I asked for from God . I was proud of my art so most of it I gave away until I sold my first painting for $250 . When I found my style of resin art and painting , I realized this is my calling. I have since created a 3D effect of resin dripping off or a wave lifting from the canvas or table . What I have discovered was hidden and buried within me . If you told me 20 years ago I would be an artist today, I would’ve be excited to hear because I kinda knew I always would be.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Everything and anyone has the potential to ignite my inspiration . I have a dual business. As a henna artist and media resin artist , I create my own henna as it is 100% natural and roll my own cones. What sets my artwork apart from others is 90% of my art glows in the dark so you’ll see more than one piece of art when you turn off the lights . Either it be a painting or a resin piece. I find inspiration in the world , nature , and the beauty with in it. I have received numerous reviews , comments, and mentions of appreciation and support from individuals all over the country and now I can proudly say my brand has reached as far as Africa . It feels amazing and it truly warms my heart to know that I am making an impact to peoples lives and making them feel and look beautiful in ways that changes their world.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I am super shy and for years I hesitated expressing myself . When social media advanced to video creating and actually appearing in videos speaking and acting so to speak , it was very difficult to get over my fears. When I joined Tik Tok and realized millions were doing the challenges and trends and some of them confessed how scared and shy they were I literally dove in head first as it was my sign that I could do it too. I continue to make videos , duets, and stitches, and in the process I have made some awesome friends from all over the US . We encourage each other and support each as small business owners and creators it’s a community of makers from all over the world that shares the same feelings and fears . For anyone who is hesitant of making a presence on social media , don’t be , jump in you’d be surprise of who is watching and waiting to catch you.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In one word Covid-19. I was in the beginning stages of obtaining an commercial space/ studio and the pandemic halted everything I had planned. Funding was scarce bootstrapping was my only way of maintaining operations and still is . I am resilient because of my beginnings and I have came so far now that I can not go back. So my progress , amount of energy , time , and of course money invested is my motivation to keep going.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.MotherEarthEssence.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/MotherEarthEssArts
• Facebook: Facebook.com/MotherEarthEssence
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/motherearthesse
• Youtube: MotherEarthEssence
• Yelp: MotherEarthEssence

Image Credits
TishaB Photography Baltimore, MD