More Henna Artists: More Henna!

Henna Trade: Mehndi Seasons & Created By Connie

I will be the first to admit that my fairly young business can feel threatened by competitors and perceived threats. But this week I took time out to meet a fellow professional henna artist, based a short way down the M62 from me, in Leeds. The experience was a wonderful eye opener.

Sunita has been a Mehndi Artist, since graduation so she’s been in the business for around 15 years. She made the switch to full-time Mehndi Professional at the beginning of this year and BOY did her Mehndi Game Level Up! Now that Sunita is a full time working henna professional, she has achieved her long-term dream of developing and really improving her skills and services. Many of us in the henna community have noticed and commented on the huge leap in skill level since the transition.

Now, this lady could easily have seen me as a rising competitive threat coming from seemingly nowhere in the neighbouring city. But instead, Sunita recently reached out to connect, asking to attend our #MonthlyMehndiMeet or at the very least to meet up and get to know each other.

It was a true revelation! As the very epitome of a driven and focused entrepreneur, you can feel the drive in every word Sunita speaks! Clear about her product, skill, service, and market placement, Sunita is not one to be fazed by perceived threats. She has built an established team under her Mehndi Seasons brand, plus runs regular quality workshops, so Sunita is well on the way to building a credible and successful Mehndi Empire. With a history of achieved success in her background with other health and beauty businesses, Sunita reminded me and impressed upon me that new competitors, new artists and new businesses are a HEALTHY development in our industry. More henna artists means more choice for the beloved customer, and that can only mean MORE HENNA (and I think we all know how I feel about that)!

I can envisage Sunita being a big motivational speaker in the Henna Community – I’ve even suggested she submit a class proposal for Henna Con 2017, so that she can inspire even more henna professionals. And I have to say, if more henna artists and more competitors means more meetings and connections with new friends like Sunita – then sign me up: I’m ready for us all to GROW!