We were lucky to catch up with Avani Desai recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Avani, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
Resilience, for me, stems from the unwavering lessons and values instilled by my parents, who faced financial struggles with remarkable strength and an unshakable positive outlook. Growing up as the eldest of five siblings in Gujarat, India, I watched my parents transform adversity into opportunity, teaching me that challenges are not roadblocks but pathways to growth.
This foundation of resilience was truly tested in 2006 when I moved to the USA with my husband on his H1B visa, leaving behind a fulfilling career as a medical technologist at the Red Cross in India. On an H4 visa with a 4-month-old baby, I found myself unable to work legally. It was a moment that felt like walking through a dark tunnel, yet I drew strength from my parents’ examples. Their resilience reminded me that giving up was not an option.
Rather than succumbing to my circumstances, I sought ways to remain active and purposeful. I volunteered at schools, libraries, and blood banks, determined to contribute in whatever capacity I could. Life, however, had its own plans. I discovered my passion for henna art—a skill that connected me to my roots and gave me a creative purpose. Once we secured our green card, I transformed this passion into a licensed business, marking the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey in a foreign land.
Through this period, I also found a supportive community at Rhythms of India dance school, where I embraced my love for dance alongside my son. Miss Shub, a mentor and godmother figure, played a pivotal role in encouraging my growth. This phase not only refined my artistic and dance talents but also helped me carve out a unique identity within my community.
The resilience that carried me through these transitions—motherhood, immigration, and rediscovery of purpose—originated from my upbringing. I am forever grateful for the guiding hands of my parents, the support of my family, and the faith in a higher power that has always nudged me to keep moving forward.
To every woman, I share this lesson: Your unique skills are a gift. Embrace them, nurture them, and pass them on to future generations. My journey is a testament that resilience, determination, and the support of loved ones can transform life’s unexpected detours into opportunities for growth and fulfillment.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Raised in India, a country deeply rooted in cultural significance, my journey to the United States in 2006 introduced me to a new world of diversity and opportunity. Accompanying my husband with our four-month-old son, I initially faced the challenges of being on a dependent visa, which restricted me from working legally. The transition from a working professional in India to a stay-at-home mom in the U.S. was far from easy, but it became a transformative period that shaped my perspective on resilience and growth.
Determined to contribute despite my circumstances, I pursued certification as a Medical Technologist and sought sponsorship for an H1B visa. While destiny led me in a different direction, I embraced the opportunity to volunteer at local schools, the Puget Sound Blood Bank, and the library. These experiences not only allowed me to remain engaged with my community but also helped me forge meaningful relationships and learn from people of diverse cultural backgrounds.
During this time, I reconnected with my passions for art and dance. What began as offering henna designs to friends for fun gradually evolved into a purposeful venture. After obtaining our green cards, I took the bold step of registering my henna art business as a home-based enterprise. Through hard work, dedication, and the support of my clients, I became one of Seattle’s top-rated henna artists on Google. In 2019, I was honored with the Washington Heritage Arts Award and had the privilege of serving as a judge at the henna competition during Ananda Mela.
My passion for inclusivity and cross-cultural exchange has also been a consistent thread throughout my journey. As a volunteer at local schools, I have shared insights into my own culture while learning about others, reinforcing the power of diversity in fostering unity. In my professional role, I proudly serve as the Chapter Leader of the Asia Pacific Employee Resource Group, where I promote awareness and appreciation for the diverse cultures and histories of Asia. This role allows me to contribute to creating a more inclusive and informed workplace environment.
For over a decade, I have been an active contributor to a nonprofit organization, collaborating on various initiatives that have honed my ability to work within multicultural teams and strengthened my commitment to community service.
In summary, my journey—from navigating cultural transitions to building a thriving artistic business and promoting cross-cultural understanding—reflects my dedication to resilience, creativity, and inclusivity. I believe these experiences have shaped me both professionally and personally, equipping me to make meaningful contributions in any environment I am a part of.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Resilience and Adaptability
Leadership
Positive attitude
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents and uncle did for me was to show unwavering determination, resilience, and the power of family. Born into a lower-middle-class family where finances were a constant challenge, I witnessed their relentless efforts to provide for us. My father and his brother (who is like a second father to me) shared a deep bond and a vision for success, but limited resources often made their entrepreneurial journey incredibly difficult.
Despite the financial struggles, they always found a way to prioritize our education and provide a lifestyle that gave us opportunities to grow and thrive. Their spouses stood by them, offering unwavering support through every high and low, exemplifying the strength of partnership and teamwork.
From them, I learned the most valuable lessons in life: the importance of family, perseverance, and the belief that no dream is out of reach when you have the support of loved ones. Their sacrifices and unwavering belief in us taught me that even in the face of adversity, unity and hard work can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Their journey inspires me every day to value relationships, face challenges head-on, and strive for excellence in everything I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.avanihenna.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/avanihenna_seattle
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AvaniHennaArtist/
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