The colour on your hands can actually add colour to your life. This is what the work and life of self-taught Mehendi artist, Aysha Mubasira, proves to us. At a young age of 22, this talented girl from Erode, Tamilnadu, has made a mark for herself running a successful business using the skill that she is passionate about. Adding colour to the lives of many, she marches ahead in her chosen path proving that if you have your heart set on something and are not afraid to work towards it, success will surely be yours. In conversation with Aysha Mubasira is Vandana Rajesh.

How did the choice of the field of Mehendi come about?

I started doing mehendi when I was nearly 10 years old. It all started at my cousin’s wedding and from then I have never left practicing it. In the beginning, I did it for my family and school friends. I was 16 years old, when I did my first client outside and I also published a book called ‘Indo-Arabic Mehendi Designs’ during that time. The idea of commercially venturing into this art was conceived when I was around 19 years old. Since then I am doing bridal mehendi, mehendi for Sangeet ceremonies, and have also conducted online classes for people in the USA and UK.

I also have a diploma in fashion and textiles and international make up course at Kryolan under Mr.Dominic Cruz from USA.

What are the different types of works that you specialize in?

I specialize in bridal mehendi and do different styles of mehendi including Indian traditional, Arabic, Indo-Moghlai, Gulf. Apart from bridal, I do mehendi for photoshoots, sangeet/mehendi party, corporate events etc.

What are the different aspects that one has to look into for adding a commercial angle to this creative craft?

Practise makes perfect is the key here. Once you have achieved a steady hand and neatness in work, you can do it commercially for Sangeet or mehendi parties. However, bridal work needs a lot more practice and experience. Apart from this, people also can draw designs and publish ebooks. I have done six ebooks myself titled Henna Party, Indo-Moghlai Designs, Bridal Collection, Festival Motifs, Festival Henna Part 1 and 2.