Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Avani Desai. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Avani thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

Growing up in the vibrant state of Gujarat, India, I was surrounded by the rich traditions of henna art and dance, which are integral to family gatherings. These cultural festivities sparked a deep passion within me for henna art. Little did I know, this passion would one day become my identity.
As a self-taught henna artist, I honed my skills through countless hours of practice and experimentation. When we moved to the USA, I found myself on a dependent visa, unable to work legally. To stay connected with my passion, I began volunteering at schools and libraries, offering my henna services at local community events. It was during these events that I realized I could turn my love for henna into a profession.
Determined to make it happen, I researched how to establish and register a home business in the USA. After navigating the necessary steps, I successfully registered my business with both the state of Washington and the city of Redmond. With my business officially recognized, I built a website and created social media pages to share my work with friends and family.
Participating in community events and fairs as a vendor gave me the visibility I needed to grow my business. Today, I am proud to have established a thriving henna art business. Not only has it given me an identity within the community, but it has also allowed me to connect deeply with the people around me. This journey has been incredibly fulfilling, and I am grateful for every opportunity it has brought my way.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My early life taught me valuable lessons about resilience and the importance of a kind heart, as I witnessed my parents striving to provide the best for their children despite financial challenges.
From my parents, I learned that making a difference in someone’s life doesn’t hinge on wealth but rather on compassion. This lesson has guided me throughout my life. Growing up in a community where folk dance and art were integral to joyful celebrations, I developed a deep passion for folk dances and henna art.
My educational journey led me to study Microbiology and earn a Diploma in Medical Technology. Upon graduation, I embraced an opportunity to work with the Red Cross Blood Bank, dedicating over five years to serving the community.
My passion for dance led me to Rhythms of India dance school, where I joined their dance classes with my three-year-old child. Enthusiastic about folk dance, I fell in love with the high-energy Bhangra dance and became an integral part of the team. What’s even more heartwarming is that our daughter joined me in the dance classes, and we performed together in numerous events. For the past decade, I have managed all administrative aspects of Rhythms of India while teaching and dancing alongside Miss Shub Chintan Kaur, who has been a guiding light and godmother figure in my journey. Our joint mission is to preserve and pass down the rich heritage of Indian folk dances to future generations.
down the rich heritage of Indian folk dances to future generations.
Dancing is my inherent talent, and it is through this talent that I derive immense pleasure from spreading joy to those around me. It acts as the most authentic conduit for conveying every emotion and establishing a deep spiritual connection with the world. My passion for dance led me to become a part of Ampowering, a wonderful nonprofit organization committed to creating a positive influence in the community.

I am eternally grateful to my parents, my siblings, my husband, my godmother and my wonderful children for their unwavering support throughout this journey.

I provide a professional and personalized henna service that helps clients enhance their special occasions with beautiful, custom designs. Whether it’s for a wedding, festival, or personal event, I solve the problem of finding skilled, reliable, and creative henna artistry that meets their unique style and preferences. My clients can relax and enjoy their events, knowing they’ll receive high-quality, lasting designs that add a touch of elegance to their celebrations.

I’m proud of my ability to create intricate and meaningful henna designs that reflect the beauty and individuality of each client. My attention to detail, passion for the art, and commitment to using high-quality, natural henna set my work apart. I take great joy in making my clients feel special and confident with designs that are not only beautiful but also long-lasting.

My clients should know that I offer a personalized and professional henna experience. I take the time to understand your vision and work with you to create designs that perfectly suit your occasion, whether it’s a wedding, festival, or personal celebration. I use only the finest, all-natural henna to ensure a safe and vibrant stain. You can expect a relaxed and enjoyable session, with results that exceed your expectations.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Understanding and meeting your customers’ needs is paramount for any business. My approach has always centered around strong customer service and clear, timely communication. This focus has been instrumental in building my reputation in the market.
Before each event, I ensure that I understand the client’s expectations and tailor my services accordingly. After the event, I always follow up to gather feedback and inputs. This not only shows clients that I value their opinions but also helps me continuously improve my services.
When a new client reaches out, I make it a point to ask if someone referred them to me. If they were referred, I send a thank-you note to the referrer, fostering strong relationships and encouraging word-of-mouth promotion.
My commitment to excellent customer service and consistent communication has been key to establishing a good reputation in the market. By valuing client feedback and nurturing relationships, I have built a trusted and respected business.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Word of mouth has been incredibly effective for me in attracting new clients. Personal recommendations from satisfied customers have played a crucial role in expanding my client base.
Maintaining an active presence on social media is another key strategy. Regularly updating my social media profiles with my latest work, client testimonials, and engaging content has helped me reach a wider audience.
Additionally, attending community events as a vendor has provided excellent visibility for my business. These events offer valuable opportunities to connect with potential clients and showcase my services to a broader market.
By leveraging word of mouth, staying active on social media, and participating in community events, I have successfully attracted new clients and grown my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.avanihenna.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/avanihenna_seattle
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AvaniHennaArtist/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/desai-avani
• Twitter: @avanihenna
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/avani-henna-artist-redmond?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
• Other: Google – https://g.co/kgs/SDDEC1Thumbtack – https://www.thumbtack.com/wa/redmond/henna-artists/avani-henna/service/350940631356080149?utm_medium=web&utm_source=txt&surface=sp

Image Credits

Not applicable

We were lucky to catch up with Avani Desai recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Avani, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

Resilience, for me, stems from the unwavering lessons and values instilled by my parents, who faced financial struggles with remarkable strength and an unshakable positive outlook. Growing up as the eldest of five siblings in Gujarat, India, I watched my parents transform adversity into opportunity, teaching me that challenges are not roadblocks but pathways to growth.
This foundation of resilience was truly tested in 2006 when I moved to the USA with my husband on his H1B visa, leaving behind a fulfilling career as a medical technologist at the Red Cross in India. On an H4 visa with a 4-month-old baby, I found myself unable to work legally. It was a moment that felt like walking through a dark tunnel, yet I drew strength from my parents’ examples. Their resilience reminded me that giving up was not an option.
Rather than succumbing to my circumstances, I sought ways to remain active and purposeful. I volunteered at schools, libraries, and blood banks, determined to contribute in whatever capacity I could. Life, however, had its own plans. I discovered my passion for henna art—a skill that connected me to my roots and gave me a creative purpose. Once we secured our green card, I transformed this passion into a licensed business, marking the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey in a foreign land.
Through this period, I also found a supportive community at Rhythms of India dance school, where I embraced my love for dance alongside my son. Miss Shub, a mentor and godmother figure, played a pivotal role in encouraging my growth. This phase not only refined my artistic and dance talents but also helped me carve out a unique identity within my community.
The resilience that carried me through these transitions—motherhood, immigration, and rediscovery of purpose—originated from my upbringing. I am forever grateful for the guiding hands of my parents, the support of my family, and the faith in a higher power that has always nudged me to keep moving forward.
To every woman, I share this lesson: Your unique skills are a gift. Embrace them, nurture them, and pass them on to future generations. My journey is a testament that resilience, determination, and the support of loved ones can transform life’s unexpected detours into opportunities for growth and fulfillment.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Raised in India, a country deeply rooted in cultural significance, my journey to the United States in 2006 introduced me to a new world of diversity and opportunity. Accompanying my husband with our four-month-old son, I initially faced the challenges of being on a dependent visa, which restricted me from working legally. The transition from a working professional in India to a stay-at-home mom in the U.S. was far from easy, but it became a transformative period that shaped my perspective on resilience and growth.

Determined to contribute despite my circumstances, I pursued certification as a Medical Technologist and sought sponsorship for an H1B visa. While destiny led me in a different direction, I embraced the opportunity to volunteer at local schools, the Puget Sound Blood Bank, and the library. These experiences not only allowed me to remain engaged with my community but also helped me forge meaningful relationships and learn from people of diverse cultural backgrounds.

During this time, I reconnected with my passions for art and dance. What began as offering henna designs to friends for fun gradually evolved into a purposeful venture. After obtaining our green cards, I took the bold step of registering my henna art business as a home-based enterprise. Through hard work, dedication, and the support of my clients, I became one of Seattle’s top-rated henna artists on Google. In 2019, I was honored with the Washington Heritage Arts Award and had the privilege of serving as a judge at the henna competition during Ananda Mela.

My passion for inclusivity and cross-cultural exchange has also been a consistent thread throughout my journey. As a volunteer at local schools, I have shared insights into my own culture while learning about others, reinforcing the power of diversity in fostering unity. In my professional role, I proudly serve as the Chapter Leader of the Asia Pacific Employee Resource Group, where I promote awareness and appreciation for the diverse cultures and histories of Asia. This role allows me to contribute to creating a more inclusive and informed workplace environment.

For over a decade, I have been an active contributor to a nonprofit organization, collaborating on various initiatives that have honed my ability to work within multicultural teams and strengthened my commitment to community service.

In summary, my journey—from navigating cultural transitions to building a thriving artistic business and promoting cross-cultural understanding—reflects my dedication to resilience, creativity, and inclusivity. I believe these experiences have shaped me both professionally and personally, equipping me to make meaningful contributions in any environment I am a part of.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Resilience and Adaptability

Leadership

Positive attitude

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents and uncle did for me was to show unwavering determination, resilience, and the power of family. Born into a lower-middle-class family where finances were a constant challenge, I witnessed their relentless efforts to provide for us. My father and his brother (who is like a second father to me) shared a deep bond and a vision for success, but limited resources often made their entrepreneurial journey incredibly difficult.

Despite the financial struggles, they always found a way to prioritize our education and provide a lifestyle that gave us opportunities to grow and thrive. Their spouses stood by them, offering unwavering support through every high and low, exemplifying the strength of partnership and teamwork.

From them, I learned the most valuable lessons in life: the importance of family, perseverance, and the belief that no dream is out of reach when you have the support of loved ones. Their sacrifices and unwavering belief in us taught me that even in the face of adversity, unity and hard work can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Their journey inspires me every day to value relationships, face challenges head-on, and strive for excellence in everything I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.avanihenna.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/avanihenna_seattle
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AvaniHennaArtist/

Learn about the tradition and significance of design. Happy Diwali!