We were lucky to catch up with Shivangi Chauhan recently and have shared our conversation below.
Shivangi , thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
I am always learning something new. There many things to take from around you. It’s about having the curiosity to explore, making observations, and letting ideas flow. You never know when you’ll come across a new idea, sometimes there will be moments when they just click.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a professional henna artist and the founder of hennabyshivangi , a studio dedicated to the beautiful art and tradition of henna body adornment.
What excites me most about my work is the blend of creativity and cultural heritage that henna embodies. Henna is more than just body art; it’s a celebration of beauty, tradition, and individuality. Each design tells a unique story, and being able to create personalized, intricate patterns for my clients freehand, without using any stencils or utensils, is incredibly rewarding. My skills extend beyond traditional bridal designs to include contemporary patterns, custom requests, intricate mandalas, temporary tattoos, and exquisite henna designs on the bellies of expectant mothers, allowing me to cater to a wide range of client preferences.
One of the most special aspects of my work is the connection I build with my clients. Whether it’s for weddings, festivals, personal milestones, or expectant mothers, henna plays a significant role in marking important life events. Recently, I introduced a new line of organic, all-natural henna products to ensure that my clients get the safest and most vibrant henna experience possible.
Looking ahead, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of a series of henna workshops and classes. These will cater to both beginners and those looking to improve their skills, creating a community of henna enthusiasts and artists. Additionally, I am expanding my services to include destination henna for special events, allowing clients to enjoy the beauty of henna wherever they are.
I am incredibly proud of the artistry and cultural richness that henna represents, and I am excited to share this passion with more people. For anyone interested in the intricate and expressive world of henna, I invite you to join us at HennaByShivangi and experience the transformative power of this ancient art form. Thank you for your interest in my work and my journey.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I can identify three key qualities and skills that have been most impactful in my journey as a henna artist: freehand drawing, an eye for detail, and immense practice. These elements have not only shaped my artistic style but also contributed to the success and growth of HennaByShivangi. For those who are early in their journey, here is some advice on how to develop and improve these crucial skills.
1. Freehand Drawing and an Eye for Detail
Importance: Freehand drawing is the cornerstone of henna artistry. The ability to create intricate designs without relying on stencils or templates allows for a unique, personal touch in each piece of art. An eye for detail ensures that every line and curve is precise, contributing to the overall beauty and intricacy of the design.
2. Immense Practice
Importance: Like any art form, mastering henna requires consistent and dedicated practice. Regular practice not only hones your technical skills but also helps in developing your unique style and improving speed and efficiency.
3. Artistic Vision and Creativity
Importance: Having a clear artistic vision and the creativity to bring it to life are essential for standing out as a henna artist. Creativity allows you to design unique and personalized patterns that resonate with your clients.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed and stressed as a henna artist, I practice mindfulness through meditation and deep breathing exercises to stay grounded. Organizing my tasks with a clear schedule and breaking down large projects into smaller, manageable steps helps me manage my workload effectively. I focus on being efficient under pressure by staying calm, thinking quickly on my feet, and coming up with creative solutions on the spot. My inclination towards spiritual thinking also helps me find inner peace and clarity during stressful times. Connecting with friends, family, and fellow artists provides emotional support and new perspectives, while engaging in other creative outlets, like painting or attending workshops, refreshes my mind and inspires new ideas. These strategies collectively help me maintain my well-being, efficiency, and creativity.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hennabyshivangi.com
- Instagram: @hennabyshivangi
- Facebook: Henna by shivangi
- Other: Threads: @hennabyshivangi Pinterest: hennabyshivangi
Image Credits
Photo credit: @Hennabyshivangi One person team 😊
