Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Avani Desai. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Avani thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

Growing up in the vibrant state of Gujarat, India, I was surrounded by the rich traditions of henna art and dance, which are integral to family gatherings. These cultural festivities sparked a deep passion within me for henna art. Little did I know, this passion would one day become my identity.
As a self-taught henna artist, I honed my skills through countless hours of practice and experimentation. When we moved to the USA, I found myself on a dependent visa, unable to work legally. To stay connected with my passion, I began volunteering at schools and libraries, offering my henna services at local community events. It was during these events that I realized I could turn my love for henna into a profession.
Determined to make it happen, I researched how to establish and register a home business in the USA. After navigating the necessary steps, I successfully registered my business with both the state of Washington and the city of Redmond. With my business officially recognized, I built a website and created social media pages to share my work with friends and family.
Participating in community events and fairs as a vendor gave me the visibility I needed to grow my business. Today, I am proud to have established a thriving henna art business. Not only has it given me an identity within the community, but it has also allowed me to connect deeply with the people around me. This journey has been incredibly fulfilling, and I am grateful for every opportunity it has brought my way.

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?

My early life taught me valuable lessons about resilience and the importance of a kind heart, as I witnessed my parents striving to provide the best for their children despite financial challenges.
From my parents, I learned that making a difference in someone’s life doesn’t hinge on wealth but rather on compassion. This lesson has guided me throughout my life. Growing up in a community where folk dance and art were integral to joyful celebrations, I developed a deep passion for folk dances and henna art.
My educational journey led me to study Microbiology and earn a Diploma in Medical Technology. Upon graduation, I embraced an opportunity to work with the Red Cross Blood Bank, dedicating over five years to serving the community.
My passion for dance led me to Rhythms of India dance school, where I joined their dance classes with my three-year-old child. Enthusiastic about folk dance, I fell in love with the high-energy Bhangra dance and became an integral part of the team. What’s even more heartwarming is that our daughter joined me in the dance classes, and we performed together in numerous events. For the past decade, I have managed all administrative aspects of Rhythms of India while teaching and dancing alongside Miss Shub Chintan Kaur, who has been a guiding light and godmother figure in my journey. Our joint mission is to preserve and pass down the rich heritage of Indian folk dances to future generations.
down the rich heritage of Indian folk dances to future generations.
Dancing is my inherent talent, and it is through this talent that I derive immense pleasure from spreading joy to those around me. It acts as the most authentic conduit for conveying every emotion and establishing a deep spiritual connection with the world. My passion for dance led me to become a part of Ampowering, a wonderful nonprofit organization committed to creating a positive influence in the community.

I am eternally grateful to my parents, my siblings, my husband, my godmother and my wonderful children for their unwavering support throughout this journey.

I provide a professional and personalized henna service that helps clients enhance their special occasions with beautiful, custom designs. Whether it’s for a wedding, festival, or personal event, I solve the problem of finding skilled, reliable, and creative henna artistry that meets their unique style and preferences. My clients can relax and enjoy their events, knowing they’ll receive high-quality, lasting designs that add a touch of elegance to their celebrations.

I’m proud of my ability to create intricate and meaningful henna designs that reflect the beauty and individuality of each client. My attention to detail, passion for the art, and commitment to using high-quality, natural henna set my work apart. I take great joy in making my clients feel special and confident with designs that are not only beautiful but also long-lasting.

My clients should know that I offer a personalized and professional henna experience. I take the time to understand your vision and work with you to create designs that perfectly suit your occasion, whether it’s a wedding, festival, or personal celebration. I use only the finest, all-natural henna to ensure a safe and vibrant stain. You can expect a relaxed and enjoyable session, with results that exceed your expectations.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Understanding and meeting your customers’ needs is paramount for any business. My approach has always centered around strong customer service and clear, timely communication. This focus has been instrumental in building my reputation in the market.
Before each event, I ensure that I understand the client’s expectations and tailor my services accordingly. After the event, I always follow up to gather feedback and inputs. This not only shows clients that I value their opinions but also helps me continuously improve my services.
When a new client reaches out, I make it a point to ask if someone referred them to me. If they were referred, I send a thank-you note to the referrer, fostering strong relationships and encouraging word-of-mouth promotion.
My commitment to excellent customer service and consistent communication has been key to establishing a good reputation in the market. By valuing client feedback and nurturing relationships, I have built a trusted and respected business.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Word of mouth has been incredibly effective for me in attracting new clients. Personal recommendations from satisfied customers have played a crucial role in expanding my client base.
Maintaining an active presence on social media is another key strategy. Regularly updating my social media profiles with my latest work, client testimonials, and engaging content has helped me reach a wider audience.
Additionally, attending community events as a vendor has provided excellent visibility for my business. These events offer valuable opportunities to connect with potential clients and showcase my services to a broader market.
By leveraging word of mouth, staying active on social media, and participating in community events, I have successfully attracted new clients and grown my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.avanihenna.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/avanihenna_seattle
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AvaniHennaArtist/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/desai-avani
• Twitter: @avanihenna
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/avani-henna-artist-redmond?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
• Other: Google – https://g.co/kgs/SDDEC1Thumbtack – https://www.thumbtack.com/wa/redmond/henna-artists/avani-henna/service/350940631356080149?utm_medium=web&utm_source=txt&surface=sp

Image Credits

Not applicable