We were lucky to catch up with Devanshi Patel recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Devanshi thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?
Honestly I am happy being an artist and business owner. I did have a regular 8-5 job and I do not want to go back to that. But this is now. Until last year I did think about going back, what if this doesn’t work. But that was all coming from outside or people around me because they thought of my henna art as hobby and not a carrier option and that made me doubt myself. From inside I knew this is what I want to do but didn’t have voice to say that.
While working on my business I was looking for regular job as well. I did get one and I had major anxiety before starting as if my gut feeling was telling me you don’t want to do this yet. I called them and turn down the job I told my husband and we did have disagreements. He thought I was panicking, but to my surprise I found my voice somehow and told him I want to be an artist I love doing what I do and it makes me happy. Henna is like meditation for me. And I’m able to balance work and home and my child.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I am henna artist. I learned the art as a kid practicing on my friend’s hands. My mom encouraged me by making me henna cones at home. After moving to USA I did many of my friends and family events for free. It wasn’t until 2 of my friends asked me to do their bridal henna and trusted me, and I thought about doing henna professionally. I was just a leap of faith I had no idea about the industry, market rate, running the business. I did have help and support from friends and family.
What’s unique about me is I don’t copy someone else’s work. I create my own designs, with my brides I do consultations about what they like what they don’t like design wise. If they want something that’s meaningful to them and I create my designs around their requirements. No one in the area is customizing the designs. I don’t take it lightly I do practice even today to make sure I keep improving. Besides bridal henna I also do events, festivals, birthday parties, baby shower, engagement, photoshoot, belly henna and more. I love being creative and making small designs on spot based on special requests (specially from kids). I do sell my henna cones as well that I make fresh as needed so they are chemical free, organic and natural. In wedding industry I also offer saree draping services as well.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I think my work quality really made the difference. People really loved what I had to offer (my designs, cleanliness, speed, and my ability to freehand Any idea they had) and more than marketing word of mouth has helped me a lot.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
I think in my business word of mouth is big. I do have clients who are not on social-media, but they found me through friend or family or other vendors. And second is instagram and facebook they have been very helpful with reaching out the larger audience.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hennadreamworkstennessee?igsh=a3JwdTVuanhuejR0
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hennaessencenashville?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
All pictures are taken by me on my phone