We were lucky to catch up with Arusa Majeed recently and have shared our conversation below.
Arusa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
My parents really drilled the importance of perseverance into me, and I have to say, it’s been a total game-changer while starting my own business. Whenever things got tough, their lessons kicked in and kept me going.
Being first-generation immigrants, my parents faced their fair share of challenges. But they never let those obstacles define them. Instead, they taught me the incredible power of never giving up. They worked tirelessly to create a better life for our family, and their unwavering determination became my inspiration
When I took the leap into entrepreneurship, it was like their immigrant spirit kicked in and fueled my drive. The entrepreneurial journey isn’t easy, believe me. But remembering my parents’ journey, their sacrifices, and their unwavering belief in me, I knew I had to keep pushing.
They showed me that setbacks and failures are just part of the game. Every time I stumbled, they reminded me that success comes to those who get back up, learn from their mistakes, and keep pushing forward. Their immigrant mindset of resilience and tenacity became the fuel for my entrepreneurial fire.
Thanks to my immigrant parents’ teachings on perseverance, I’ve not only developed a strong work ethic but also the resilience to navigate the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship. They showed me that hard work, determination, and never losing sight of the bigger picture are the keys to success.
So, here I am, armed with the lessons of my immigrant parents, ready to tackle any obstacle that comes my way and make my business dreams a reality.
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?
I’m Arusa, a passionate Orlando and DFW based henna artist, and I’m thrilled to introduce myself to those who may not be familiar with my work. Let me share a bit about my journey into the world of henna, the services I provide, and what sets me apart from others in the industry.
My love for henna started many years ago during my final year of high school. I had a profound experience that sparked my love for henna. It was during that time when I reconnected with my Pakistani heritage and was instantly captivated by the mesmerizing intricacy and cultural significance of henna. This enchanting art form, with its rich traditions and deep symbolism, inspired me to embark on an incredible journey of exploration and dedicated practice, honing my skills as a henna artist.
I offer a range of services tailored to suit various occasions and preferences. From bridal henna for weddings to intricate designs for festivals and events, I strive to create unique and personalized henna artwork that captures the essence of each client’s vision.
What sets me apart from others is my commitment to both quality and creativity. I pay meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every line, curve, and pattern in my henna designs is executed with precision and artistry. I take pride in using only the finest quality natural Rajasthani henna paste, which not only ensures beautiful, long-lasting stains but also prioritizes the safety and well-being of my clients.
Beyond the art itself, my goal is to create an experience that is memorable and enjoyable for each and every client. I strive to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment, where clients can relax and indulge in the transformative power of henna. Whether it’s a small gathering or a large-scale event, I bring professionalism, enthusiasm, and a personal touch to every project.
What I’m most proud of is the joy and happiness that my henna art brings to people’s lives. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see the smiles on my clients’ faces when they see their henna designs come to life. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of their special moments, celebrations, and milestones.
To potential clients and those interested in my work, I want you to know that I’m dedicated to providing a one-of-a-kind henna experience that surpasses expectations. I’m committed to delivering exceptional artistry, top-notch customer service, and a genuine passion for henna. Your satisfaction and happiness are my utmost priority.
If you’re in the Orlando or DFW area and seeking beautifully intricate henna designs that reflect your unique style, I would be honored to be a part of your journey. Let’s create henna art that tells your story and makes memories to cherish for a lifetime. Get in touch and let’s bring your henna dreams to life!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
As a henna artist, the most rewarding aspect is witnessing the joy and happiness that my art brings to people’s lives. There’s something truly magical about seeing a client’s face light up when they catch their first glimpse of their adorned hands or feet. The transformation that takes place as henna adorns their skin is truly special.
The connection I establish with my clients during the henna application process is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a time when they can relax, unwind, and allow themselves to be pampered. The positive energy and shared moments create a sense of intimacy and trust, fostering a deep connection that goes beyond the art itself.
Knowing that my henna art plays a small role in making someone’s special moments even more memorable is truly rewarding. It’s an honor to be part of weddings, festivals, and other significant events, witnessing the joy, excitement, and confidence that henna brings to individuals.
Moreover, henna art allows me to preserve and promote the cultural heritage and traditions that I hold dear. Through my work, I have the opportunity to share the beauty and symbolism of henna with a broader audience, fostering an appreciation for this ancient art form.
Ultimately, the most rewarding aspect of being a henna artist is the genuine happiness and gratitude expressed by my clients. Knowing that I’ve made a positive impact in their lives, even if it’s through a temporary art form, is truly fulfilling and keeps my passion for henna alive.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
As a henna artist, one lesson I had to unlearn is the pressure to strictly conform to traditional design styles. Initially, I felt compelled to adhere closely to specific motifs and techniques out of respect for henna’s cultural heritage. However, I realized the importance of embracing my own creativity and unique style.
I have this vivid memory of a post I made when I was just starting out in my career. It was a real “out of the box” moment for me. I decided to use a bright blue paint instead of traditional henna. To my surprise, the post gained a lot of attention and became somewhat viral. I received a mix of comments, with most of them being supportive and loving the creativity, but there were also quite a few who just didn’t get it. They thought it was weird and even went as far as saying they hated it.
I have to admit, those negative comments got to me at first. I pondered over them for days, questioning my techniques and whether I should stick to the conventional path. But then it hit me—why should I let the opinions of a few hold me back? It was a turning point for me when I realized that my creativity and artistic expression should never be limited by the judgments of others.
Now, when I look back on that moment, I can’t help but chuckle. It’s funny how something that caused such a stir at the time has now become a humorous memory. It taught me to embrace my unique approach, take risks, and not take myself too seriously. After all, art is subjective, and it’s the diversity of styles and techniques that keeps things interesting.
So, I continue to push boundaries, experiment with different ideas, and create henna art that reflects my individuality. I’ve learned to appreciate both the support and the criticism, using them as fuel to grow as an artist and stay true to myself.
By unlearning this pressure, I have been able to explore new design elements, experiment with innovative techniques, and infuse my personal artistic flair into my henna art. It has empowered me to stand out, offer clients a fresh and distinctive henna experience, and evolve as an artist.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hennabyarusa/
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HennabyArusaArt?fbclid=PAAaZrlDoJvlnOr1nh1moRfjz2HISRNJFC2bgajxqw7vbTcyPvrxmfkmseah8