@ilonashennanstuff

Can you share a bit about yourself? 
My name is Ilona, and I live in Warsaw, Poland. I’m a lawyer by profession, though my background has never included formal art studies. In my free time, I enjoy traveling and reading. I am always eager to discover and learn something new.

Name: Ilona (33)
Country: Poland
Instagram: @ilonashennanstuff
Email: ilonashenna@gmail.com

How did your journey began?
I began my henna journey as a law student in 2014 after meeting a talented henna artist who introduced me to this beautiful art form. At first, I experimented on myself and close friends, refining my skills with each design. As my technique improved, I started receiving my first commercial offers, turning my passion into a growing venture.

If you weren’t an doing this, what do you think you’d be doing?
I would probably work as a lawyer or… a politician as I enjoy debates, I always try to find solutions and I like helping others.

What’s a random fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
I took chemistry as one of my IB subjects, which has definitely helped me better understand Lawsonia inermis and its properties.

What’s the best piece of life advice you’ve ever received?
Let it go. If it’s meant for you, it will always find you. It applies to both: things and people.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in your journey, and how did you overcome them?
My biggest challenge was learning how to mix my own henna paste and roll my own henna cones. When I started doing henna in Poland, there were very few professional artists, so I had to teach myself everything. I relied primarily on English websites, researching and experimenting until I perfected my technique.

What are your dreams or goals?
I dream of owning my own henna shop and helping henna become more widely recognized in Poland.

Are there any upcoming projects you're excited about?
I plan to promote natural henna and share my knowledge about it through workshops and educational content. I’m also preparing for summer henna gigs to share my art and connect with more people.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting out?
Don’t give up and be patient as your progress may take time. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice.