We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Hina Farooq. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Hina below.
Hina , appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
I learned henna artistry through a combination of tradition, passion, and dedicated practice. Growing up, henna was an integral part of celebrations, and I was drawn to how it brought people together. What began as a simple hobby soon evolved into a deep passion—I devoted countless hours practicing on myself, friends, and family, experimenting with various elements and styles, and continuously refining my technique. Over time, I developed my own signature style, which now defines Henna Styles.
Looking back, I could have accelerated my learning by seeking mentorship earlier. While self-teaching was rewarding, having guidance from experienced artists would have helped me refine my skills and build confidence much faster. Fortunately, I’ve had the privilege of learning from and taking classes with some of my favorite artists in the industry, who generously share their techniques and insights. Being an artist is a continuous journey, and the key to growth is to never stop learning. In hindsight, investing in professional courses sooner would have also helped me better understand the technical aspects of henna mixing, stain longevity, and design composition.
The most essential skills in my journey have been precision, creativity, and patience. Henna artistry requires a steady hand and an eye for detail, but beyond that, adaptability is crucial—every client has a unique vision, and bringing that vision to life is what makes this craft so rewarding. Strong communication and customer service skills have also been invaluable, as the experience I provide is just as important as the artwork itself.
One of the biggest obstacles I faced early on was balancing my passion for henna with other responsibilities. Finding time to practice while managing everything else in life wasn’t always easy. Another challenge was developing confidence in my work and not second-guessing myself. Like many artists, I was my own worst critic, constantly wondering if my designs were “good enough.” Having supportive friends—and even other henna artists—trust in me helped push me past that self-doubt and motivated me to keep improving. Over time, I learned that confidence grows with experience, and embracing my own unique style instead of comparing myself to others made all the difference.
Another challenge was navigating the world of henna pastes—there was so much trial and error before I found the perfect formula for a deep, long-lasting stain. It’s not widely known that not all henna is safe to use; many pastes on the market contain harmful chemicals that can be damaging to the skin and overall health. A few ways to tell if your henna is all-natural: it should have a pleasant, essential oil-like scent, the stain should take time to develop—starting as an orange hue and darkening over a day—and it should be perishable, meaning it needs to be frozen when not in use. Through this experience, I became committed to using only all-natural henna and eventually developed my own paste, which is now tried and tested for optimal results. I know how difficult it can be for new artists to find high-quality paste, so I’m excited to offer mine for sale, giving others a strong starting point without the guesswork.
Beyond henna, I’ve been actively involved in the wedding planning industry, working closely with the incredible team at Wed by Riti Riwaz. Throughout 2024, we’ve successfully planned and executed beautiful weddings and events, and in 2025, we’re excited to expand into wedding décor and design. There’s a natural connection between henna artistry and wedding planning—both require creativity, precision, and the ability to bring a vision to life. My experience in wedding planning has given me a deep understanding of the intricate details that make a wedding truly special, from coordinating timelines and managing vendors to ensuring a seamless, stress-free experience for couples. Whether it’s full-scale event planning, day-of coordination, or designing a breathtaking setup, I love turning a couple’s dream wedding into reality. No matter the medium—artistry, planning, or creating the perfect ambiance—my passion remains the same: to help people celebrate life’s most meaningful moments in a way that feels deeply personal and unforgettable.
Hina , 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?
I’m Hina Farooq, the founder of Henna Styles, a business dedicated to creating beautiful henna designs for special moments. My journey into the world of henna started out as a personal hobby, a way to express myself and connect with my cultural roots, and eventually grew into a thriving business.
Henna is an ancient art form, and I’ve always been drawn to its rich cultural significance and beauty. Over the years, I have refined my skills and broadened the range of services I offer, specializing in bridal henna, pregnancy belly henna, custom candles and designs for special occasions. I’m proud of the variety of designs I can create, from intricate traditional patterns to modern, creative takes that reflect my clients’ personal styles.
What sets Henna Styles apart is my commitment to clean, precise work and a high level of professionalism. I believe that attention to detail and delivering top-notch quality are essential in creating a lasting impact. I pride myself on providing not just beautiful art, but a seamless, stress-free experience for every client. I also understand the importance of timely communication, so I make it a priority to respond quickly to inquiries and ensure everything is handled efficiently. Whether clients are booking an appointment or have questions about designs, I make sure they always feel heard and supported every step of the way.
In addition to my work as a henna artist, I am also a business partner at Wed by Riti Riwaz, a wedding design company dedicated to helping couples bring their dream weddings to life. My role in event and wedding planning allows me to merge my creative talents with my attention to detail, providing a comprehensive and seamless experience for my clients. Whether it’s designing a beautiful setup, coordinating the finer details of the day, or creating a stunning atmosphere, I’m deeply involved in ensuring every occasion is personalized and memorable.
I take great pride in the lasting relationships I’ve cultivated through my business. It is truly rewarding when clients return to celebrate future milestones or refer me to others—these gestures are the highest compliment I could receive. Being part of their special moments and helping to create memories that will last a lifetime is both an honor and a privilege.
For prospective clients, I want them to know that my passion for what I do is at the core of my work. Whether through henna artistry or wedding planning, my goal is to deliver a personalized and thoughtful experience that ensures every event is unforgettable. I am committed to bringing their vision to life with creativity, care, and an unwavering dedication to excellence.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a henna artist is the entire creative process—from conceptualizing a design to seeing it come to life for my client. There’s something special about knowing that the stain will last for days, serving as a lasting reminder of that moment. I love elevating traditional henna with clean, crisp work and sharing my culture through each design. Equally fulfilling is bringing professionalism to the industry, educating people about henna’s rich history, and providing them with a piece of art they can cherish.
In addition to henna art, I’m also passionate about wedding planning. I find immense joy in bringing a couple’s vision to life, ensuring every detail is thoughtfully curated for their special day. Whether it’s coordinating timelines, designing decor, or creating a memorable atmosphere, the most rewarding part is knowing I’ve contributed to a day they’ll remember forever.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been a combination of showcasing my high-quality, crisp henna designs on social media and providing a professional, yet welcoming experience for each client. I take my business seriously, respect my clients’ time, and appreciate when that’s reciprocated. Clear communication and transparency make it easy for clients to book me and build trust in me as a reliable vendor for their special events. I’ve found that kindness goes a long way—offering a warm, welcoming experience makes a lasting impression. Word-of-mouth has also been a big factor; when clients love their henna and the experience, they naturally share it with others.
In addition to henna, my experience in wedding planning has also been crucial in growing my clientele. I’m able to offer a more holistic service, from designing henna to coordinating and planning the perfect wedding or celebration. With Wed by Riti Riwaz, we are doing everything in-house, making it a one-stop shop for all your wedding needs. Clients trust me to bring their visions to life in a way that feels cohesive and thoughtful, whether it’s henna artistry or the full event planning experience.
Educating clients about natural henna further sets me apart, while staying active on Instagram and maintaining a strong, consistent brand presence continues to attract new clients. At the end of the day, delivering beautiful, long-lasting henna with professionalism, a welcoming touch, and an eye for design and planning has been the key to growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wedbyritiriwaz.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hennastyles
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063371431351
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/henna-styles-fairfield-2
Image Credits
Hina Farooq