Every artist has a unique journey that shapes their craft and allows them to express their creativity in extraordinary ways. One such artist is Azzah, whose passion for Henna Art ignited at a young age. In this storytelling blog post, we will delve into Azzah's inspiring journey, from her humble beginnings to becoming an innovative henna artist known for her exceptional work with Jagua gels.
A Promising Start Azzah's fascination with Henna Art began when she was just 12 years old. Disappointed by the henna artist at a local bazaar who fell short of her expectations, she decided to take matters into her own hands. Azzah courageously attempted to create her own Henna designs, starting a journey that would shape her future.
A Bold Move With four years of dedicated practice, Azzah's craft continued to flourish. By the time she reached Secondary 4, she made a daring decision to provide Henna designs at a bazaar booth in Clarke Quay. Her creations attracted tourists and even adventurous patrons seeking unique experiences. This leap of faith not only expanded her portfolio but also exposed her to new opportunities.
Embracing Inspiration From 2017 to 2021, Azzah worked as a freelance henna artist with Syraskins, where she found her biggest inspiration. Assisting in henna workshops, preparing henna cones, and providing services to clients, Azzah realized that Henna Art was more than just drawing on someone's hand. It was about the love and dedication poured into the preparation of cones, the connections formed with clients, and the joy of meeting new people along the way.
Evolving the Craft Driven by her love for the arts, Azzah established her own venture called "Hennaflair." In 2020, she introduced Jagua gels to her artistic repertoire, aiming to enhance the ease of application for her designs. Azzah's innovative breakthrough came in the form of stencils inspired by permanent tattoo stencils. Through meticulous hand-drawing and designing, she created unique stencils to elevate her henna artistry to new heights.
The Essence of Jagua Gels Jagua gels brought a new dimension to Azzah's work, although they presented their own set of challenges. Unlike natural henna, Jagua gels have a gel-like texture and stain immediately upon application. In contrast, natural henna is smooth, creamy, and takes time to develop its rich color. Azzah's mastery of both mediums allowed her to offer diverse options to her clients, catering to their preferences and artistic visions.
Navigating Challenges and Inspiring Others The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges for Azzah's small craft business. With physical restrictions in place, she could no longer provide Henna services during the Hari Raya celebration. However, Azzah's resilience and adaptability shone through. She seized this opportunity to expand Hennaflair's services by crafting her own henna cones. The overwhelming demand for these products encouraged her to explore Jagua Gel further, as they were less time-consuming and easier to prepare.
Preserving Traditional Crafts in a Technological Age In today's fast-paced world, traditional crafts often face the risk of becoming obsolete. Azzah recognizes this challenge and emphasizes the importance of exposing children to traditional crafts. By showcasing the joy and beauty of Henna Art, children can develop an appreciation for traditional crafts and carry them forward into the future.