We were lucky to catch up with Ena Rodriguez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ena , thanks for joining us today. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.

My background and experience in tourism and hospitality provided me with the knowledge and know-how that I now use as an independent service provider and owner of The Henna Studio which has been in business for nearly 20yrs. This allows me to pamper and hone in on my client’s needs and desires. Whether it is a private appt at my studio, where they are welcomed to a private, soothing and comfortable space for their nails or henna needs… or an event for thousands! Earlier this year, I was hired by PopTarts parent company for Florida’s Citrus Bowl, an event that brings thousands of tourists to Central Florida. After a few questions, I was able to determine that their needs were more than just henna artistry, they were also looking for nail technicians and were having no luck. I was able to bring a team of henna artists and nail technicians to work Florida’s Citrus Bowl 2024. They were truly pleased that I delivered, met and exceeded their expectations

Ena , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi! My name is Ena (it’s like henna but with a silent H). I am the owner of The Henna Studio, Central Florida’s Choice for quality henna art and nail services! I’ve been a henna artist for nearly 20yrs and have learned from some amazing local artists. Thru the years I have perfected my henna paste, with a recipe that is natural and safe for my clients, as well my artistry, having served thousands of clients, including tourists, brides and various events. I truly love connecting with my clients and dishing out henna love on them! It is such a joy to see them get their henna and marvel how beautiful it looks on their skin.

As a licensed nail specialist with over 13yrs of experience, I pride myself with providing a nail experience for my clients that surpasses their expectations. I have trained with international master educators for the past 10yrs, and currently work with two nail companies providing education and product demonstrations throughout the United States. Although my specialty is Acrylic enhancements, I have mastered other nail systems such as hard gel, gel extensions, hybrid/polygel, structured manicures as well as pedicures.

Recently The Henna Studio returned to being a private space where I can focus on my client and my client can focus on relaxing and enjoying their “me time”. Clients can enjoy soothing background music or watch curated movies and shows. They can enjoy snacks and hot or cold beverages while being serviced. When it comes to pedicures, this truly is their opportunity to wind down! Cool temperatures, dimmed lights, calming music and quality natural vegan products are used for a wonderful inmersive experience!

I find it to be a privilege and an honor to service each and everyone that comes thru my door!

Currently product lines used for nail services are: The Imperial Room, My Beauty Innovations, Medusa, Cuccio, Voesh.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Lets start by saying that The Henna Studio was born as a side hustle concept, an artistic outlet that began nearly 20yrs ago.. I was a single mother and had a wonderful nearly 20yr career in the hospitality industry. In 2010, there were massive layoffs and unfortunately I was one of the hundreds that were laid off. In my search to find a job that would allow me to be present in my child’s life, I realized that I would need at least 2 jobs to match what I made and this would force me to sacrifice time with my child. So I, instead, sacrificed any chances for a career. I decided to focus on my henna side business and see if I could make it work, as this would allow me to be present in his life. Shortly after, I was encouraged to pursue my licensing as a nail specialist. Once I did that I started working at a salon, but I couldn’t get used to the salon environment, truth be told. I had been in a corporate setting for too long.
At a time when the notion of private beauty suites/rooms was unheard of, I opened The Henna Studio in a small commercial unit, I welcomed visiting henna artists, held workshops, serviced both henna and nail clients and it truly became a safe and nurturing place for my clients. A home away from home for many. Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond my control, after 2yrs I was forced to close. I worked from my home studio, not realizing back then the dangers of the fumes in my living environment. After repeatedly getting sick, I decided to go back to a salon environment. Each salon I went to… I tried to recreate the atmosphere and ambiance I so missed. Right before CoVid I moved into a semiprivate suite where I once again was able to provide this for my clients. Shortly after I became the manager for the salon and moved to the front so I could support the team better, but this meant that once again my dream went on pause.

This past year has been one of a lot of growth as I partnered with 2 nail companies to travel and represent them. Now that my child entered his college career, I felt I could now really focus on my business and acquiring/retaining new clients. All of these new experiences and challenges made me realize that this was the time to once again open The Henna Studio independently and privately! So I looked and researched and found the perfect home for my studio, conveniently located and super accesible to everyone!!

Life is not a straight road, and it’s not just an up and down. Sometimes it is like riding a horse. In the end it’s not how many times you fall off of it. But how many times you get up. Hold on to your dream, make it your North and don’t give up.

Have you ever had to pivot?

If there’s one thing that life has taught me is that change is always constant and truly it is the only thing you can count on. Because of this I have learned to see changes as adventures and when I see it’s coming my way, instead of allowing it to affect me, I take control of it so at least I am in control of it, I pivot.
Thru my life, as a single mom, as a soloprenour, naturally changes were not only constant but frequent. I lost my home, but before I lost it, I secured a 2car garaga which I converted to a studio home for my child and I. To lessen the stress of losing everything but our clothes and beds, I embarked on this portion of my life as an adventure, we named it The PK Pod, short for the pancake pod (now you know what my kid loved back then!). I’ve had to pivot so many times, I’ve had to reinvent myself so many times I’ve lost count. My sister says that I’m like a butterfly and each version is better than the previous. She’s been my biggest cheerleader and her unwavering faith in my has been indeed the wind beneath my wings. Recently the salon I managed started on a decline. While that happened doors opened for me to travel, demo and teach. Add that to the yearning of once again opening The Henna Studio. I was left with two choices…. Let the change happen…. The salon would close and then I would be left scrambling for a new work area…. Or PIVOT (!!) and make the necessary changes to make things happen. Within a few weeks I found the perfect location. I talked to my clients, and a few stepped in and helped my financially to secure the location.
Pivot… as many times as you need, take charge of your dreams and pivot. Sometimes you need to take a step and others your steps will push forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thehennastudio.com
• Instagram: @thehennastudio
• Facebook: @thehennastudio
• Linkedin: @thehennastudo
• Twitter: @thehennastudio
• Youtube: @thehennastudio
• Yelp: https://Yelp.com/the-henna-studio
• Other: https://Tiktok.com/thehennastudio_

Image Credits

I took all the pictures