We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Binal Naik. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Binal below.
Binal, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Almost every entrepreneur we know has considered donating a portion of their sales to an organization or cause – how did you make the decision of whether to donate? We’d love to hear the backstory if you’re open to sharing the details.
Yes, indeed. My belief is that giving can take many forms: volunteering, prayer, or financial contributions. I’ve come to realize that sharing my talent for henna art can effectively raise funds for noble causes. My mother always emphasized the importance of giving back, even if financial resources are limited, by volunteering our time and skills whenever possible. Last year, in response to the Turkey Earthquake, I began offering henna services at Valentine’s events, giving clients the option to donate. The positive response was gratifying, knowing that my henna art was contributing to a worthy cause. I chose to donate the entire proceeds from these services to ‘Embrace Relief’ for the Turkey Earthquake Relief Fund.
I’ve also supported the Hindu Vedic Mandir of Orange County, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting Indian culture and Sanatan Dharma values. Participating in their beach picnics, I provided henna art and encouraged guests to donate according to their means. I’ve found that giving people the freedom to choose their donation amount often leads to more generous contributions.
Additionally, I make annual donations to OICW (Orange County of Indian Women), a nonprofit that has been assisted the H4H Foundation and families in need of domestic support.
Recently, I donated 50% of my henna fees to Sahaas for Cause, a nonprofit organization dedicated to Mental Health Awareness Month. Henna symbolizes healing, relaxation, and tranquility, which aligns perfectly with the mission of raising awareness for mental health. I chose to support this cause because of the meditative relaxation henna brings, which can aid in mental well-being.
Overall, I am committed to using my henna art and resources to make a positive impact on various causes that resonate with me.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hello, My name is Binal – coming from India , my new chapter in life started when I moved to United States in 2004 after getting married.
Sharing my talent for eyebrow threading and henna, I landed a part-time gig, which reignited a sense of purpose within me.
Driven by a desire for independence, I pursued an Esthetician License, despite the daunting prospect of building a clientele in a new city. Starting from scratch, I offered threading services at a salon, gradually expanding to include skincare, eyelash extensions, massage therapy, and bridal henna.
Through dedication and networking, I honed my skills in hairstyling and makeup, particularly specializing in bridal services. My business, “By Binal,” reflects my commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
What sets me apart is my unwavering focus on client well-being. I prioritize their satisfaction above all else, refusing appointments if it compromises service quality. My journey taught me the value of humility and hard work. My brother, parents and loved ones were my biggest supporters throughout this journey, providing unwavering encouragement and belief in my abilities. With their love and support, I found the strength to overcome obstacles and pursue my dreams.
I find fulfillment in my work and cherish the satisfaction of my clients. Their reviews motivate me to continually improve and grow in my field. “By Binal” is more than a brand; it’s a commitment to delivering happiness and value for every penny spent.
I reside with my family in Cypress and my 14 year old Son – Aum continues to be the joy of my life. Thank you for your love and support, which fuel my passion to exceed expectations. Remember, consistent hard work and dedication pave the path to success. Keep striving, and success will inevitably follow. Thank you.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The most effective method of acquiring new clients for my business is through word of mouth referrals. I attribute this success largely to my loyal regular clients who enthusiastically share their positive experiences with friends and family. Additionally, I’ve actively engaged with the Orange County Indian Women group in my work cities of Tustin and Irvine, reaching over 2000 members who are gradually being aware of small-scale business-like mine and more. Utilizing online platforms such as Google listings, Yelp, and local Facebook groups has also been instrumental in expanding my client base. Furthermore, my involvement in wedding ceremonies, where I provide services for henna, hairstyle, and makeup, has allowed me to establish connections with various vendors such as wedding decorators, coordinators, photographers, videographers, and caterers. These connections often lead to valuable referrals for future projects.
Instagram has emerged as a significant platform for my business, as I showcase my work, offering inspiration for prospective clients interested in wedding hairstyles, henna designs, and makeup ideas.
Reflecting on my ten years in the industry, I’ve come to understand the abundance of opportunities available. Seizing these opportunities and consistently delivering exceptional service has been pivotal in my growth. I am grateful for the support of my clients and remain committed to providing the best service possible. Thank you.”
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 small business owner, it’s easy to fall into the mindset that serving more clients equates to greater growth. However, over my ten years in this career, I’ve come to realize that quality over quantity is key. Instead of focusing solely on quantity, prioritizing personal touch has proven to be more beneficial for business growth. By taking the time to provide each client with personalized attention, I can deliver better results and showcase my creativity more effectively. This not only fosters stronger client relationships but also attracts more valuable clients in the long run.”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loveaum.henna?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr, https://www.instagram.com/bridalbybinal?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loveaumhennacreationandthreading?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/binal-naik-8236a8264?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/love-aum-henna-creation-and-threading-tustin-ca?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
Image Credits
Some of the picture Image credit : https://www.instagram.com/greycardphotography?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== https://www.instagram.com/deepickamehtaphotography?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==