Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Smith.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My husband and I have a cultural boutique in Little 5 Points called Luxor Couture. I was just literally sitting in the shop and reminiscing about a time when I received henna. I loved how it made me feel special and beautiful. I thought that it would be a great addition to Luxor Couture. I knew that I could draw a little. I thought that it can’t be that hard. I Googled and Googled and finally found a person to give me a lesson. I took one lesson and practiced and practiced. I eventually needed some bodies to practice on, so I did it out the shop free. Then I started doing it free with a purchase. As I started feeling more comfortable, I eventually started charging. My clientele started picking up, so as a result, we expanded. In the course of the expansion, the henna section became its own entity. That was how Atlanta’s House of Henna was born. In order to keep up with the latest techniques and practices, I go to conferences every year. It has been a wonderful journey.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
For the most part, there haven’t been any major challenges. Even though henna is an ancient art form, learning henna was new to me. Just because you know how to draw, doesn’t mean that you can automatically pick up a henna cone and be a henna artist. It takes a lot of practice and patience. When I first started doing henna, I used a bottle; it can be very taxing on the hand. I knew that using the cone was much better. I had to become familiar with using the cone and master how to roll cones. The hardest part of henna is making the paste. There isn’t just one formula for making a henna paste. You have to come up with the right formula that will work for you and your clients.
Please tell us about Atlanta’s House of Henna.
Atlanta’s House of Henna is located in the artist district of Atlanta. Little 5 Points is full of eclectic shops and local art. Atlanta’s House of Henna is proud to have made a mark. What sets us apart from others is that we just don’t do henna. We are a full-service henna salon, meaning we work in all mediums in henna. We only work with safe and natural henna. We offer sparkling glitter tattoos for children. Some clients want a black stain and since Black Henna is dangerous, we offer Jagua. Jagua is a South American fruit that leaves a black stain, It is safe and natural. We also work with what some people call “white henna”. This is an acrylic body paint adhesive that is applied to the body like henna. It can come in many colors. It is very popular for weddings, photo shoots and prom season.
We offer classes, workshops for schools and libraries. We also do events and parties. So as you can see, we have many options. We pride ourselves in offering a calm and soothing environment with excellent customer service.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would not have done anything differently. I believe that all mistakes are learning opportunities. When it comes to being an entrepreneur you may make mistakes, but you cannot let those mistakes break you. You have to keep on going. I try to minimize my mistakes by building a team, connecting with other artists and educating myself.
Pricing:
- Child Designs $5-$8
- Adult Designs $15 -$32
- Custom Designs $15 and up
Contact Info:
- Address: Atlanta’s House of Henna
1087 Euclid Ave. Ne
Atlanta, Ga. 30307 - Website: atlhenna.com
- Phone: 678-437-5632
- Email: atlhenna@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @atl_henna
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Atlhenna
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/atl_henna
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/atlantas-house-of-henna-atlanta
- Other: atlantahenna.acuityscheduling.com To Book an appointment
Image Credit:
all of the photo credits are from Monica Smith except for one. That photo credit is from Lita Malveaux ( picture saved as “fashionista diva” she is wearing a hat and her hand is over her face.
