About Henna by Holly
My Mandate
"My mandate is to introduce henna to the masses. This isn't some art for the elite, it is a completely obtainable skill! Anyone who is keen to learn the benefits and beauty of henna should be able to do so, regardless of race, gender, etc."
The history of Henna by Holly, the business
What started as a hobby has blossomed into a part-time home-based business!
In mid-2002, Holly had been importing fresh henna powder for personal use. Soon afterwards, other Canadians were asking if they could buy henna powder from her. In early 2003, she opened her online henna supply-selling business.
Nearly overwhelmed by the response over the years, she found it difficult to provide a high-level of time & commitment to the business. In January 2006, she reluctantly closed the online supply-selling business, but will continue to provide services such as appointments, parties and workshops.
Who is Holly anyways?
Holly is self-employed artist / designer in Toronto, Ontario.
She is best described as friendly, outgoing, honest and hardworking. She absolutely loves to learn new things. She's currently learning to tattoo. Her passions include reiki (energy healing), dancing, painting, jewelry-making, traveling, music and photography. She gets a lot of inspiration from her husband, her friends & her family!
"For westerners, the tattoo has always been a metaphor of difference." - M. DeMello
How she got into henna...
Holly has been fascinated with art of self expression since her teenage years. It started with dramatic hair colours & styles (of the "Queen West fashion") and has since moved into the realm of tattoos and piercings. Perhaps it is the influence of living in the largest multicultural city in the world, but the craving to learn about other cultures led her to experiment with mehendi.
Her first henna application was done by an Indian woman at a small festival over 8 years ago. Asking a zillion questions and patiently awaiting the english translation from the artist's daughter, Holly learned the basics of henna (where it came from, how it was made, what it does to your skin & why it was done). Holly went home that day, admiring the temporary stains on her skin and documenting the effects over the next 3 weeks. She began to gather information on this ancient form of body adornment from books, the internet, more festivals and occasional trips to Little India.
Over the past five years, Holly became very comfortable within applying henna, frequently decorating herself and her friends. The idea of providing this skill as a service had yet to occur, because it seemed too easy. She eventually realized that what came easily to her, didn't necessarily for others.
Her technique refined, she began to experiment with henna varieties from Yemen, Egypt, Iran, Morocco, Pakistan and India. She enhanced her first recipe to incorporate essential oils and fresh henna powders. This site came about when the time was right to share this talent with others.
Holly is proud to hold a certification with ICNHA:
Notable experiences...
Body painting for a fashion photoshoot
In June 2008, Holly was contacted to apply a temporary "tattoo" on a model using Temptu body paint:
The photos will be used for Toronto fashion designer Sodaliscious' presskit for the 2008 Montreal Fashion Week.
Belly blessing on musician Tara MacLean
In early 2008, musician and mother Tara MacLean requested a belly blessing to welcome in her new babe:
Stage visuals for U2's worldwide Vertigo tour
In 2005, Holly was contacted to provide henna artistry on models to be used for the song "Mysterious Ways." Watch videos from Mexico City, Honalulu, Australia, Japan, Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Las Vegas, Chicago...
Hennaeing actress Zoe Saldana
During the Toronto International Film Festival in 2004, Holly hennaed actress Zoe Saldana hands for the press conference and world premiere of her movie, Haven:
