Today we’d like to introduce you to Samreen Liaqat.
Hi Samreen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
First of all, I started my business at the age of 17 (Senior in John A Ferguson senior high school) and now I am 18 and it is my first semester at Miami Dade College.
My sister gave me the idea to start the Henna business. So, I called my aunt who sell South Asian clothes in Kendall, and I told her that I am thinking to start a henna business. After few weeks, she called me that she is going on an event and that I should go with her so I went but I was doing Henna for free that time because my hand was shivering and I was shy to ask for money and it was really messy but I got a hot response from people even though my henna designs were not that great. However, I mainly started my henna business in February of this year. The second event I went to was an Asian festival at Tropical Park and that weekend shifted everything for me. There were so many people waiting in the line to get henna from me and I got so overwhelmed because I didn’t expected that. That weekend (March 2022) took me out of my comfort zone because I didn’t even got time to think that “Ohh, sorry I can’t do this design.” because of the crowd. I started to see my Instagram following growing. After few months of research and talking to people, I found out that I can be a vendor at farmers’ markets and there are people who make events to support small businesses. So, I started becoming vendor and met so many female-owned businesses. Not only that, I have gotten to 5 South Asian weddings, did my first bride in October 2022, and my first pregnant belly on the same week of the bridal henna. Moreover, I get many customers from Instagram now. People text me to make individual appointments and they come to my home to get henna. This business has allowed me to do what I absolutely love and support my family after my father passed away last year in January.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road.
– People underestimate my work all the time because of my age
– I had hard time finding markets that I could afford and were local
– Since I wear hijab, I get many questions regarding that
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
– I am currently studying Pre-Medicine at MDC
What do I do and what do I specialize in? I do Henna on other people meaning temporary tattoos (they last around 1-2 weeks) and that I am specialized in.
What are you known for? I am known as a Kendall Henna Artist (there are not many Henna Artists locally, so it is rare to find one)
What are you most proud of? I am proud to be a Muslim hijabi Henna Artist in Kendall because not only I am showing my talent but also answering people misconceptions about Hijab.
What sets you apart from others? My prices are affordable meaning anyone who likes to do Henna can get henna. Based on what people say to me, I make people days and they never leave my booth without a smile on their faces.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
My family matters most to me because they are the one who define me. If someone says that I am good happy person that’s because what my parents have taught me which is to be kind and give back to others.
However, using the Natural products also matters. I only use natural products which are chemical free such as Natural henna which is homemade and Jagua which is made from fruits.
Pricing:
- My pricing starts from $5 so everyone has a chance to experience the South Asian Culture
Contact Info:
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/artbysam070
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Artbysam070
