We were lucky to catch up with Vaishali Bellad recently and have shared our conversation below.
Vaishali , so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
It all started as a hobby. This journey began with my love for henna art, which I initially pursued for the sheer joy it brought me. In India, my career started with a non-profit organization called Swaimsidha, where I taught handicrafts and art. We were able to empower economically challenged women to make their own living through arts. As I shared this joy with others, I realized its potential to make a meaningful impact. I volunteered with non-profits, teaching impoverished women the art of henna and inspiring them to pursue careers in such arts. This experience of using my talent to uplift others was profoundly fulfilling and boosted my confidence immensely. I extended this work to other non-profits focused on painting and job training for desperate individuals.My first henna work in the United States took place at a small fair in a countryside town. It was an impromptu setup; we had no booth or reserved space, just ourselves, a couple of henna cones, and a small coffee table. I vividly remember our first customers and many others who followed. The experience was a great success and ignited a passion that would grow into a lifelong pursuit. This initial venture provided me with tremendous encouragement and the motivation to embark on a new chapter in my career I continued working with similar organizations, always driven by my motto to do what brings me joy and share it with others. As a volunteer at large-scale fundraisers, such as Relay for Life, I used my henna art to raise money for cancer awareness, research, and prevention. Additionally, I participated in Hoag Hospital’s annual fundraiser, contributing my skills to support their cause. Witnessing the effectiveness of these efforts and the happiness my henna brought to people was profoundly fulfilling. This experience inspired me to continue spreading joy and making a positive impact through my art, motivating me to reach even more people with my work. The satisfaction I found in making others happy and the gratitude I felt for playing a part in their memorable moments further solidified my self-esteem. Over time, my passion and dedication turned into a successful business, and here we are, growing and thriving, fueled by the joy of helping others.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
In 2008, I started ArtzAppeal – a focus on the arts and its appeal to me. We teach art classes with a focus on drawing, acryilic and oil painting, pastels, crafts, and henna. As an artist I continue learning new folk arts such as Madhubani, Lippen Art, and Kalakhari Art, and grow myself to share these arts with others.
I am also professionally trained in traditional Indian, Arabic, and bridal henna designs. From weddings, baby showers, festivals, corporate events, birthday parties, to bat mitzvahs, quinceaneras, our henna services cover it all. I specialize in natural plant based henna, as well as modern jagua, white, and fluorescent hennas. And every day we are growing that list even more. We have also had many exciting experiences applying henna to celebrities from a variety of industries. Through my passions and business, I have been able to meet customers from different ages and ethnicities who all share my love for henna art.
Additionally, we have been to graduations, school and college events, and family celebrations. ArtzAppeal is an active participant in fundraising events across many schools in Southern California, as well as in many non-profit organizations – Soka International Festival, Relay for Life, National Charity League, RVMAC Memorial Art, Indian Culture Celebrations, and Orange County Indian Womens’ Group. to name a few.
Aside from services, ArtzAppeal is a brand that focuses on celebrating the fusion of art and fashion. Through inspiring creativity, we aim to inspire others to explore unique self-expression through artwork, apparel, accessories, designs, and more.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Throughout the ups and downs of running a business, I’ve found that hard work is a core value that has pushed me through every challenge. During the pandemic, I faced the difficulties of navigating lockdowns and the fear of illness while still needing to run my business. Despite these obstacles, I adapted by utilizing online teaching platforms, experimenting with different setups, and overcoming connection failures. In the end, I succeeded in continuing to spread the love of art and shared passion for it.
What sets me apart is my unwavering passion and dedication to my work. I am personally present at events, fully engaged and committed. When teaching art classes, working with children consistently brings out their imaginative skills and creativity, which is incredibly rewarding as an artist. I continue to draw, paint, and learn during my free time, firmly believing in staying connected to the arts that initially inspired me to start this business. This connection fuels my ability to passionately share my art and culture with those around me.
The foundational values on which I run ArtzAppeal constantly remind me of my purpose and mission. Staying true to myself and my clients is essential for my success. As someone once said, “It is nice to be important, but it is more important to be nice.” Being respectful and polite to customers is paramount. Listen to your customers and avoid imposing your ideas. While you can make suggestions, always prioritize listening first. The words you choose when interacting with seniors, adults, and children matter. Embrace your creativity and keep exploring.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
My biggest area of growth as an artist has been through the strategic use of social media. I used my curiosity to help me harness new video editing skills and learned how to create engaging Instagram reels. Through exploring this new art of short form content I explored creative filming styles capturing the processes of mixing my own henna paste, creating cones, and illustrating intricate designs.This allowed me to attract a broader, multicultural audience and significantly expand my reach. Through social media I was also able to find and connect with the local Orange County Indian Women Group (OCIW). As a leader within such a powerful group I worked to connect women with other women to support one another in their small business and entrepreneurial endeavors. I met other like-minded women focused on growing their own businesses, and sharing our experiences in order to work together and grow together. In addition, social media also enabled me to connect with artists from around the world and participate in forums discussing diverse art forms. This exploration helped me discover new branding strategies, grow my business, and deepen my understanding and passion for art and henna. Through these efforts, I have not only enhanced my skills but also enriched my artistic journey.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artzappeal?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Artzappeal/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/artzappeal-laguna-niguel
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