We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Zohra Chunawala. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Zohra below.
Alright, Zohra thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Folks often look at a successful business and imagine it was an overnight success, but from what we’ve seen this is often far from the truth. We’d love to hear your scaling up story – walk us through how you grew over time – what were some of the big things you had to do to grow and what was that scaling up journey like?
I started my henna business with very limited means and zero plans for expansion. My goal was to have something I could call my own and which celebrated my roots. I was just happy to be able to meet like-minded people and share my artistic abilities. Little did I know that 6 years down the line, I will have my own website and a little community of people that loved my work. I took my sweet time to establish it, and it definitely wasn’t a quick process. After gaining enough experience and learning from my mistakes I learned the tricks to managing a successful business. I cannot deny the fact that my business is fairly volatile and isn’t reliable enough to put food on our table by any means. But it makes me happy and a little side income won’t hurt anyone.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hi, my name is Zohra and I am a henna artist based in St. Louis. I own ‘Henna by Zoey’ a henna business that provides henna/mehndi services in St. Louis and surrounding areas. I have had the pleasure to adorn countless brides’ arms with henna for their traditional and fusion weddings, provided my henna services to various corporate parties and events, and also brought joy to innumerable kids at fairs and birthday parties by painting their hands with intricate henna designs. I also welcome any home appointments that are requested by my clients. I like to use my own henna cones that are chemical-free and organic. I absolutely love to interact with my clients and provide them with a fine henna experience.
Any fun sales or marketing stories?
When I started my business, I was afraid of accepting bridal appointments. They scared the living daylights out of me. I was comfortable with home appointments and parties. However, I realized soon enough that turning down prospects like these were hampering my business and reputation. The only reason I was turning down brides was my fear of not being able to complete such a mammoth task and how crucial the henna is for the bride on her wedding day. What if I messed up? What if the henna doesn’t stain properly? I was not ready to take on any such liability yet. But my first bride Ami Patel, changed that for me. I was honest with her that she will be my first bride and I will ensure that I don’t disappoint her. She trusted me and I felt confident in my work. In order to be completely confident, I practiced the same design on my friend’s arms a week before Ami’s mehndi event. Ami was so ecstatic with her henna, and I found my confidence in accepting bridal henna appointments from there on.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I had to unlearn the idea of seeing myself in a corporate job at least at that period of time in my life. I was in my early 20’s, freshly graduated, newlywed, baby on the way. I certainly did not envision myself being able to fit into a corporate culture with my life situation. I was very hesitant about what people will think of me, being first in class and excelling at studies, to finally end up being a henna artist. I had reservations about pursuing this business. But I let that worry go and continued to work on my henna business. After all, I made good money, and I did not have to accept appointments if I wasn’t up for it. I had full freedom to choose my hours. I understood that this works for me, and my family and I did just that, regardless of any judgments passed on me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://zohrachunawala15.wixsite.com/hennabyzoey
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hennabyzoey/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hennabyzoey/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/henna-by-zoey-saint-louis-3?osq=henna
Image Credits
Henna By Zoey