We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Wardah Halim a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Wardah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I started doing henna in the early 90s when I was about 12 years old. I was deeply in love with the fragrance, the designs, and the color of the henna on the skin. So I would draw the most terrible designs obviously, all over my hand and arm in henna even though I did not know how to do it. I did not take any formal training to learn how to do henna. It was a case of intense passion for the artform, and dedication to practice.
Could I have sped up the learning process? I do not believe so.
Any skill you want to get good at, just requires consistency. 10 minutes of practice every day is better than 2 hours of practice only on a Sunday.

I think it also helped that I was always more inclined towards art in school, like some kids are drawn to History, or to Math… arts and crafts have always held a close spot in my heart so I think the love of henna, combined with dedication and consistency were the keys to improving on my skill every day as a henna artist.

I do not believe in obstacles. On my part, I have always given it my best. Can I get better at my henna skills? Definitely yes. Is there anything getting in the way of improvement? Absolutely not!

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.

My name is Wardah Halim and I am a professional henna artist based in San Diego, California. I am the lead henna artist at HennaTrendz with over 15 years of experience in doing henna.

I am the go-to henna artist in San Diego for numerous event planners, for when they are planning Corporate events, weddings or private parties. Not only do I cater to bridal henna, private and corporate events, but I also have a little home studio in South San Diego where I take individual and small group appointments for henna.
Besides doing henna on clients, I also sell all-natural, artisan crafted henna paste, I prepare personally in my studio. My henna is available for purchase on my website for anyone who would like to try the art themselves.

Henna is a centuries old art form of adorning the body with intricate designs. It is a very soothing, and relaxing experience for the client when they get their henna done. I have had many meaningful conversations with all the wonderful people I have had the honor to do henna for.

I deeply cherish all my bridal henna clients as I consider it a great honor when they choose me and my style for the most important day of their lives. It makes me very happy to see the joy I am able to bring to my clients’ faces when they walk away with a beautiful design on their hand/body. Doing henna definitely provides a sense of fulfillment, because not only does it satisfy my inner need to create art, but I am also making other people happy when they are wearing my art.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Peace, Harmony, Justice, Tolerance, Understanding. These are all big words and very important concepts I wish everyone on the face of this Earth could understand and abide by.
I am just a tiny drop in this large ocean of human beings and all I wish for is justice and freedom for all. The times we are living in right now, with so much oppression, injustice, and propaganda, that my only goal driving my creative journey is to spread smiles on the faces of people, one person at a time.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The personal sense of fulfillment and inner contentment when I create is the most rewarding aspect of being an artist. Even when I do not have a client to do henna on, I can just draw henna designs on paper and be at peace.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.HennaTrendz.com
• Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/HennaTrendz
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hennabywardah
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HennaTrendz
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/henna-trendz-san-diego