@Oum_hennaya
Can you share a bit about yourself?
I am a young Belgian-Moroccan mother, born and living in Belgium with my husband and our three wonderful children. Since my childhood, I have always been passionate about drawing and visual arts. I have been practicing henna for over ten years, and over time, I have refined my technique, becoming well-known in Western Europe.
Name:
Myriam Ait Brahim ou Ali (30)
Country:
Belgium
Instagram: @Oum_hennaya
Email: myriamaitbrahim@outlook.com
How did your journey began?
My journey began with a deep passion for art, which has been with me since my early childhood. Drawing and visual arts have always been my hobby, and henna, in particular, became a significant part of my life over a decade ago. I started by practicing on myself and my family, and as I refined my skills, I began sharing my work with others. Gradually, my name spread through word of mouth, and I gained recognition across Western Europe. It's been an exciting and fulfilling journey that combines my love for art and culture.
If you weren’t doing this, what do you think you’d be doing?
If I weren’t doing this, I think I’d probably be involved in something creative or artistic in another way. I’ve always been drawn to expressing myself through art, so I might have pursued a career in a related field, like illustration, design, or even teaching art. I could also see myself doing something connected to culture and heritage, perhaps working on projects that promote traditions like henna in a different way or helping to preserve artistic customs.
What’s a random fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
I started my work by chance. It all began during a school outing to a beauty fair. My friends and I came across an Indian stall where a vendor was selling pre-made henna cones. We decided to buy some cones and set up an impromptu stand where we started drawing on visitors' hands. The visitors were thrilled, and we ended up making quite a bit of money as students.
What’s the best piece of life advice you’ve ever received?
The best piece of life advice I’ve ever received is to trust the process and be patient with yourself. Life doesn’t always unfold the way we expect, but every step, even the difficult ones, teaches us something valuable. It's important to stay true to your path, keep learning, and believe that things will fall into place in due time.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in your journey, and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I faced was starting out with very little knowledge of the business side of things. At first, I was just passionate about the art, but managing my work, handling clients, and promoting myself were new territories for me. I overcame this by learning as much as I could, whether through online resources, networking with others in similar fields, or seeking advice from mentors. Another challenge was balancing my passion with family life, especially with three kids to care for. But I learned to prioritize and set boundaries, making sure I carved out time for both my family and my work. Over time, these challenges helped me grow stronger and more confident in my journey.
What are your dreams or goals?
My goal is to become a well-known and recognized henna artist, while improving and growing my henna decoration business. My objective is to keep perfecting my skills, reach a wider audience, and make my work known internationally. I also want to diversify my services and offer more creative henna designs, while staying true to my roots and the henna culture.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting out?
