The talented Somatologist and Henna artist who has
given us the opportunity to tell us more about her passion, including the
journey of starting her own business
called “A Touch Of Henna SA “ and
what Henna & Mehndi Art is really all about.
For Tineesha, coming from an Indian
South African family, henna has always been a part of many family
celebrations and wedding traditions. She was always intrigued on how something
so beautiful can be done by simply using a paste made from the leaves of a
plant. After years of daily practice she then began doing henna on
others, “from there on her love and passion for the skill has grown till today.”
“I am a professional henna artist and
qualified Somatologist. I have been doing henna for the last 12 years in Durban
and Johannesburg. I have also travelled to Zambia for events doing henna art. I
started learning about henna as a little girl who fell in love with this
beautiful form of art .”
“I then started “A
touch of Henna SA” 2 years ago when I moved to Johannesburg
from Durban, whilst practicing as a Somatologist at a skin clinic. The demand
and love for henna art grew so rapidly that I realised I had to make
a choice. Even though I loved my job and loved being in a health science
profession, there was something about henna that always tugged at my
heart. Art was always my first love and passion so I decided to follow my heart and
take a leap of faith, and go for it.”
Henna or Mehndi is a paste
derived from crushed leaves of the henna plant. It is then applied
into the skin similar to the technique used to apply icing on a cake. It is
a form of art that takes years of constant daily practice and most of all
love. Henna is used for most celebrations in Indian culture. It is a
form of adornment for both hands and feet. Designs vary from simple
designs to intricate bridal. The tradition of applying henna on the
hands and feet of brides started in India when young brides who couldn't afford
jewellery would adorn themselves in henna instead. From being a
traditional , it has now grown into a popular fashion trend.
“As a henna artist, I have
learned that there was a stigma attached to it. This is because, many years ago
in India, the job of being a henna artist was done by young girls who
weren't highly educated. Thankfully in today's day and age, things have changed
drastically. Henna art is now appreciated and admired as an art
form and henna artists are looked to as artists who are blessed with
a gift. When I began practicing professionally as a henna artist,
I did wonder what people would think of me leaving my career in a health science
profession and deciding to be an artist instead. I then realised that life
isn't about that. Life is about doing what you truly love and looking forward
to each day because of it.”
“I always believed that we all have a reason to be
here and God has blessed us each with incredible and unique gifts, and this was
certainly mine.”
Moving forward, she wants to focus on
growing her business over the next five years. “I plan to merge my skills as a
Somatologist and a henna artist and introduce a form of henna nail art. I think
making women feel beautiful about themselves and their bodies, is one of the
best parts of being a Somatologist and a henna artist and I would love to
continue to do that.”
Her advice to young women is simple,
“follow your heart. I know it sounds cliché but it's true. Life is way too
short to do a job for the sake of it or for pleasing society. Do what YOU love
no matter how unusual or out of the box it may be. Nothing in this world is more
rewarding than having that joy. Make your first priority a love for what you do
and the success and monetary gain will follow.”
"Art and love are the same thing, it's the process of seeing
yourself in things that are not you" - Chuck Klosterman
Instagram : atouchofhenna_sa
Email : info@atouchofhenna.co.za
TheLegacyOfTrueBeauty
Features
Writer
Malebo
Moloto
