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

Ceara, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I first started practicing the art of henna (also known as Mehndi) when I was around the age of 10. At first my henna designs did not look the best. I would get frustrated, and wipe it away if it wasn’t perfect. I have come a long way from when I picked up my first henna cone. After so much practice, practice, and more practice I started loving my work! I watched Youtube videos on henna drills, read articles about henna’s history, and asked a few other artists for their advice. This past year I have spent a lot of time working on my skills. I practiced almost everyday doing henna designs on my mom, sisters, and even on paper.

I struggle sometimes when making the henna paste. It’s like chemistry, every ingredient is there for a reason and a different temperature, or amount could change how it comes out. As I have a more, let’s say cooking mindset, I kind of just sprinkle some of that in, and throw in a scoop of that, which tends to make it turn out differently each time. Although after practice I am getting better. Practice makes progress seems to be my motto ! In my henna paste I put in organic henna powder, lemon juice, water, lavender essential oils, and sugar.

With henna you need to know about unsafe henna, design elements, how to roll the cones, mix the paste, henna’s history, the best aftercare, and more. It’s a lot, but if you put in the work you can learn all of these things, and maybe become a henna artist yourself!

Seeing as I am a bookworm I was a little upset to find that there weren’t many books on the subject, and there was not a whole lot of information online either. I feel like if I had found a henna artist mentor that could help me, I could have sped up my learning process. So I hope to be that person for other young artists wanting to learn!

Which leads me to some very exciting news, I will be teaching a henna class for teens at the Dunedin FL Public Library! Follow me on my social media or reach out if you want the details on the class to learn from me! There is a lot to learn, and I don’t even know everything about it! That’s what makes it so interesting, you will hear some new things about it from someone, whether it’s a new tradition or a different way to make it.

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?

Hola, my name is Ceara Rae. I am a 16 year old homeschooler, entrepreneur, and artist! I started my business, Sunset Henna, in January 2022. It is so crazy to think that I have been on this entrepreneur journey for almost a year now! Time really does fly fast when you’re having fun. I broke my leg at the beginning of 2022, and that was what kind of sparked my henna business to become a reality. I like to say that after I made the leap across the creek and broke my leg, I took another leap to start my business! I didn’t recover for months, so during that time I focused on practicing my henna art as well as attending markets.

I do a lot of local markets near Dunedin Florida as well as private henna sessions, and parties. I love doing private henna sessions, and hope to focus on that in the New Year. It’s just a more relaxing environment and I have more time to create intricate designs and get to know my client. We usually meet at local cafes and juice places. I love all kinds of art, so in addition to body art I started creating henna style canvases and murals.

Some of the things that are really important to me and my business are using safe products, giving back to the community, educating about the history of henna, as well as creating something beautiful for women!

Certain types of henna (which is not actually from the henna plant) are actually dangerous to use because they contain chemicals that could cause burns, allergic reactions and liver damage. That is why I only use natural, organic, clean, henna paste that I make myself. I also try to be as eco-friendly as possible.

Since turning 16 I have been donating 16% of my henna sales to organizations that are either local, environmental, or women focused non-profits. My local community has supported me being a business owner, so it feels so great to give back and help make a difference. I have donated to the Malala Fund, Hurricane Ian relief, the EmpowHERment women’s center, and the Hope Grove co-work so far.

Did you know that henna has been used for over 5,000 years? A lot of people are unaware of the amazing history and culture behind henna. Like that it’s made from a plant and traditionally used for weddings, religious holidays, and happy celebrations. I like to learn about henna’s history so that I am educated, and can educate others while doing their henna!

My mom and her henna teacher always emphasized how important it was for women to have something to come together over, something like henna. Henna forces you to slow down, connect with others, relax with the cooling effect of it, and (for me at least it) makes you feel beautiful. Sometimes women just need to take some time for themselves, for their self care, and wear this ancient art form.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Sharing the good vibes and happiness to other people through art is very rewarding. I get to create designs that are unique for that person, not every design is exactly the same which makes it more authentic. I love experiencing new things and I get to give others the new experience of this natural art. Henna has always been a symbol of joy, protection, beauty, and healing which I think should be shared!

Henna work is not the same as painting on a canvas. For me as a henna artist I get to interact and know my “canvas” . Some of the women I have met have been really great to get to know. I especially love doing henna for the people who sincerely love my work, who appreciate the time it took, and are so happy to wear my art. I get a good feeling when someone is excited to wear my henna designs.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My mission at the moment is to simply create art and share it with others around me! Although I should probably spend a little more time on my math studies, I love doing art!

I would like to start creating murals more since I have recently started getting into that form of art. I have only done four so far, but like my experience with henna I just need more practice. I got the chance to work with Art Fluent Creatives a few times. They are a group of local artists bringing their unique skills to work on murals together.

I also have a dream of possibly one day opening up my own henna shop! A place where women can come together to get their henna done, with art all along the walls and coffee or tea available. I was also thinking, what if I had a Volkswagen van where I did henna in and brought it to markets!

Eventually I would like to experience doing bridal henna and maternity baby belly henna designs! If you have seen bridal henna you know how intricate it is! Traditionally brides get the front and back of their hands up to their elbows, as well as on their feet.

I guess I have a lot of dreams and visions now that I think about it. We will see where life takes me, but I don’t plan on ending my journey with art anytime soon! I honestly could not have come this far without the many people behind me, cheering me on, giving advice, and supporting me. My family has been amazing, as well as the business owners I have met along the way.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @sunset_henna https://www.instagram.com/sunset_henna/
• Facebook: Sunset Henna – Dunedin https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082196735512

Image Credits
Ceara Rae