@galerie_henna
Can you share a bit about yourself?
I'm Khadija a professional henna artist from Morocco, henna is a part of moroccan women life journey, a symbol of our identity
Name: Khadija Maitat (42)
Country: Morocco
Instagram: @galerie_henna
Email: hennadija@gmail.com
How did your journey began?
My journey with henna began many years ago, when i was teenager, I was fascinated by the intricate designs, henna stain and patterns I saw on people's hands and feet. As a curious and creative person, I decided to try henna myself. I bought a henna kit (syringe and henna powder)and started practicing on my own skin. It wasn't easy at first - my lines were wobbly, and my designs were simple, just flowers. But I was determined to improve. I started to do henna for my mom, cousins and many neighbours and young girls in my community, during happy occasions like weddings and Eid celebrations. I stopped for many years, but In 2016, I made the decision to revive my passion for henna, after a long hiatus. I had missed the creative outlet, the connection with my heritage, and the joy of sharing my art with others. But this time, I was determined to take my skills to the next level. I wanted to improve my techniques, learn from other artists, and become a professional henna artist. I dedicated myself to intense practice, experimenting with new designs, patterns, and techniques. connected with other henna artists to learn from their experiences. I embarked on a self-taught journey, spending countless hours on social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. I analyzed photos and videos, studying the techniques, designs, and patterns of experienced henna artists. I observed how different artists achieved specific effects, from intricate florals to bold geometric patterns. I noted the varying line widths, shading techniques, and color combinations. Through trial and error, I practiced and experimented with different techniques, gradually refining my skills. I made mistakes, learned from them, and persevered. Social media became my classroom, and the henna community my teachers. I connected with other artists, asked questions, and received valuable feedback. My self-taught journey was long and winding, but it allowed me to develop a unique style and voice. I'm proud of the artist I've become and grateful for the online resources that made it possible." It wasn't easy, but I persevered, driven by my passion and determination. And slowly but surely, I started to see progress. My designs became more intricate, my lines more precise, and my confidence grew. As I progressed, I started to receive compliments from friends and family. They loved my designs and asked me to do henna for them. That's when I realized that henna was not just a hobby, but a way to connect with others and bring joy to their lives. I continued to hone my skills, learning style, and learning from experienced henna artists. I started to develop my own unique style, blending traditional techniques with modern designs. Today, I'm proud to say that I've achieved my goal. I'm a professional henna artist, known for my unique style and attention to detail. I've had the privilege of working with clients from all over the world, and sharing my art with people from diverse backgrounds.
If you weren’t doing this, what do you think you’d be doing?
Painting or doctor
What’s a random fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
I'm a good cook
What’s the best piece of life advice you’ve ever received?
'Be like the lotus flower, which blooms in the muddy waters yet remains unsoiled.'
It reminds me to stay grounded, resilient, and true to myself, even in turbulent times."
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in your journey, and how did you overcome them?
As a henna artist, I faced challenges like mastering intricate designs, understanding skin types, and navigating cultural sensitivities. To overcome these, I:
1. Practiced relentlessly to refine my skills.
2. Researched and learned about different skin types and conditions.
3. Engaged with diverse communities to deepen my cultural understanding.
Through persistence, self-education, and community engagement, I overcame these challenges and continued growing as an artist.
What are your dreams or goals?
As a henna artist, my dreams are:
1. Cultural Preservation: To help preserve traditional henna art and its cultural significance for future generations.
2. Global Connection: To share henna's beauty and symbolism with people worldwide, bridging cultural gaps and fostering connection.
3. As a henna artist, my dream is to have my own henna studio or "House of Henna". It would be a serene and inspiring space that reflects the beauty and richness of Moroccan culture. I envision a cozy, intimate setting with traditional Moroccan furniture, colorful textiles, and intricate tile work.
My "House of Henna" would be a haven where people from all walks of life can come together to experience the beauty and significance of henna art. It would be a space where I can share my passion, creativity, and cultural heritage with others, and where we can all connect, inspire, and uplift each other.
Are there any upcoming projects you're excited about?
Travel to indian to learn more about indian mehndi style
What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting out?
Learn, practice, create your own style and be unique and keep learning
