Rising Stars: Meet Mehak Minhas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mehak Minhas. 

Mehak, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I moved to New Bern, NC, 11 years ago and shortly after had my first child. I always knew I wanted to do something but found it so difficult to find a career path that would allow me to give my children full-time care and foster a successful career at the same time. 

The first time I set up a small table with a handwritten “Henna Tattoos” sign was when my son was around 18 months old. I was in downtown New Bern (on the sidewalk) for an arts event, and I couldn’t believe how much people loved it! 

I continued to set up at events, and at my first festival we bought the cheapest tent we could find, a table and two chairs… the wind started to blow our tent away, and the customers in line helped hold it down as I did the Henna Tattoos! 

The success (and Chaos) of that event made me realize I needed to invest in the business. I bought heavy-duty items to set up at festivals with and also started making my own Henna paste and cones, using only USDA organic ingredients. 

Soon I had many customers requesting private bookings, I then started to accept those. Taking appointments in my home and traveling for them too. 

Now, after my kids are in school, I feel I can devote my full energy to my business and can see my hard work paying off. I have a great mix of new and returning clients and partnerships with local businesses as well! 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In the midst of trying to start up a successful business, I had three children. Each time I felt like I had to take a step back and then take an extra three to get up and running again! There was a constant struggle in devoting enough time to the business and giving meaningful time to the children as well. 

When you are starting your own business, you truly understand how many different aspects can go overlooked that you do on your own. For example, scheduling appointments, scouting and applying for Festivals, Production of Henna Cones and checking Inventory, keeping a detailed record of every expense and profit… and it was all a one-man show 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a freelance Artist, and I specialize in Henna Tattoos. I make my own Henna cones and freestyle designs. During appointments with my clients, we go through design elements they would like to incorporate, and I ensure they gets those in their Henna Tattoo! 

As I started off my Artistic Career with painting and drawing, I love it when I have clients who ask for design elements that are out of the norm. I think my favorite one of those so far has to be a client that wanted an elephant incorporated in her tattoo after her wonderful experience with the animals in Thailand. 

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I love to sketch and paint! I started drawing portraits when I was in High school, and every now and then love to make a new sketch 

Contact Info:

• Website: Etsy.com/mehakartistryhenna
• Instagram: Instagram.com/mehakminhasartist
• Facebook: Facebook.com/mehakminhasartist