Today we’d like to introduce you to Samira Ali.
Samira, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I first started doing henna 4 years ago when a henna artist canceled on our family party 2 days prior the event. Since my family knew I can draw and more artistically inclined than the rest of my family, they voted on me to figure it out in two days’ time. I practiced for 5 hours straight each day for 2 days. When it came time for the party, I was able to do the simple designs that the original henna artist does.
I thought if I can learn how to do simple designs in two days, I wonder what I could do in one month of practicing. I got significantly better than what I first started out with and decided to keep practicing.
Through the years, I looked at all my clients more than just an appointment to bring in an income. I was blessed to be able to have time to perfect and grow with each appointment I have. Every appointment whether is a private appointment or a party, I make sure to give it my all and more because that is the only way I will break into a higher/more skilled level of work.
Since I started, I won 1st place in an international henna competition that was held by Maharani Weddings Magazine and Blog.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Some people might think it was a smooth road for me because they might see I excelled skill and business wise in a short period of time. There are artists that have been doing henna here for 15-20 years. But, I have to say it was not easy. It was very hard. It’s hard to give something your all when you are not a native to Dallas and no one knows you. Sometime I was afraid of giving my all (financially and time wise) into something that might not give back. Everyone already had an artist who they refer. It’s not a welcoming environment when you feel like your work does not matter regardless of the progress you made since everyone has ties already with certain artists.
I told myself, I don’t want to be referred only on the basis of my ties to people (ex; my best friend, my cousin is a henna artist, you should go to her…). I didn’t care to be known by name. I will try to give 200% into my work, so my work can one day speak for itself. Every hurdle I got, I was thankful for because it made me work so much harder. Now, I have people from around the country nationally and internationally inquiring on my artistic services.
I’m really thankful for my journey and all the people who gave me a chance.
So, let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Samira’s Henna Designs story. Tell us more about the business.
When I first started doing henna artistry, I quickly found out traditional bridal henna artistry was the absolute hardest. My mind was not wired to think as ornate as the Traditional Bridal Henna Art requires.
My fears then became my goals. I worked really hard to specialize in Traditional South Asian Bridal Art. This is something that use to scare me but now I have other artists inquiring if I can teach it since they say I mastered it. I don’t ever tell myself I mastered something anyways because I have witnessed my favorite artists around the world be the best but they always manage to wow you and get better. I aspire to hold a life of student to keep my mind open to learning new things.
I feel like I’m comfortable with all styles even though I specialize in Bridal. I love to do fusion styles from different styles around the globe. I love doing contemporary jewelry styles that are so popular with the western culture. I am able to recreate pictures of certain things that have a more of a realism look since my first art was sketching.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’m very lucky and blessed to have my husband supporting me. I started out with nothing but an idea that made me happy and that could possibly turn into a business. I was not at all as skilled as I am now. I had no idea if I could grow in skill. My husband stood by me and my journey on following my passion without calling me crazy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.samirashennadesigns.com
- Email: samiras.henna.designs@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/samiras_henna_designs
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/SamirasHennaDesigns
Image Credit:
VEK PHOT (Professional Wedding Photographer )
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