Meet Kiran Patel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiran Patel. 

Hi Kiran, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and brought up in India and lived in Mumbai India for most of my life. Since my childhood, I loved painting and drawing. I never took any professional training for drawing or painting. when I was in 10th grade started teaching drawing and painting to young kids in my neighborhood. One day my neighbor asked me to apply henna on her hand for some occasion and it turned out to be very good. After that day I started doing henna designs for my family and friends during different occasions. I got married at very young age and became mother within 1 year of my marriage. During this time, I was very busy with my young family and could not focus on any type of artwork but then tragedy struck, and needed to start supporting my husband financially. During this time of need one of my students’ mother came to rescue as she already had established henna service business. Since she already knew I was good at artwork. She started referring me to her overflow clients. Eventually, we became partners and grew our business. I always enjoyed teaching so started helping other women who were in need of money. I have taught henna art to several women over the last 20 years of my career as a henna artist. Henna art means a lot to me not only it has given me joy but due to henna art, I was able to survive when I got divorce from my first husband and had full responsibility of my son. I got married again in 2019 and was able to come to USA with my present husband. It took a while for me to get established as henna artist since I was new to country also Covid started in 2019. Finally, I got my first break in 2021 when our family friend’s daughter was getting married and was selected as henna artist. Everybody loved my bridal henna designs and started recommending me to others. My son taught me how to start posting my henna art on Instagram. My family is very supportive of my work. I want to continue my journey as henna artist and maybe as a mentor if I ever get a chance. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As stated above I recently moved to USA. Once I settled here Covid-19 started and lockdown begin. Finally, I got my first break in 2021 after almost 2 years. At first, it was very slow but with word of mouth, I started slowly getting some clients. Meanwhile, I contacted few henna artist through social media. One of the henna artist Vaidehi Merchant Parikh who was well-established in metro Detroit area. She gave me lot of ideas and told me to be part of Instagram and Facebook. I had no clue how to post pictures and stories on Instagram but thanks to my son he helped me set up Instagram and Facebook. Soon after Vaidehi had to move out of Detroit area and she gave lot of references of mine to her clients. I will never forget her help as USA is new country and I had no clue how things worked. It took almost six months for things to settle down in 2021 and ever since then I have been keeping busy with Henna Art. I also Had difficulty understanding accent (to begin with I was not proficient with English) at that time my husband helped me a lot to deal with client and made me understand what client needed. Also, what I found choice of henna design what my client want in USA is much different than what I used to do for my clients in India. So, I had slightly modify my style of henna art. Meeting new people and seeing happiness on their face after seeing my henna creation is what I enjoy the most. I also work full time at Amazon so scheduling my client around my work schedule can be challenging but so far, I am able to successfully manage my schedule. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a Henna artist. I create henna designs as per my clients liking. At times my client ask for particular design. I am proud that I am able to deliver satisfaction to my client through my art. With God’s grace, I am able to create or replicate designs my client ask for. 

We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I always get compliments about my intricate designs, good finishing, and speedy application. Also, I get lots of compliments about deep color of henna art.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/kiran_henna_artistry?igshid=vynp3xh0f4f2
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035762392881
• Other: TikTok – kiran_henna_artistry