Humans Of MoCo: Bhavna Naik

Before starting her Henna Business in MoCo, Naik had worked in an Indian catering business, a manager in a doctor’s office and started her own silver jewelry business which was shut down due to the recession. No matter how much Naik loved these jobs, she was most happy doing what she loved: being a henna artist.

It wasn’t until six years ago; Naik made a leap of faith in starting her own Henna business in Clarksburg, believing that Montgomery County will be good for entrepreneurs, with MoCo’s rich diversity, people are more open to trying different things from other cultures, said Naik.

“When my husband’s friend asked me, what is the one thing you would do and never regret I blurted henna without a second thought…that’s when my husband supported me and asked me to start my very own henna business,” said Naik.

With the help of word of mouth and an article by the Washington Post, Naik’s Henna artist business flourished into success.

“I do all occasions Bat-mitzvahs, Birthdays, Ladies Nights, Brides, Grooms Family, Sangeets, Baby Showers, Bridal Showers, Belly Blessings and Henna crowns for cancer patients and some private appointments,” said Naik.

As Henna artist, mother and beloved family member. Juggling life for Naik can be hard.
“This is a difficult thing to do, on some days you are just an artist and some days you are a parent or a wife. No human can truly do justice to all their roles in society every day. My family understands the needs of my profession and have adjusted to my crazy schedules,” said Naik.

However, despite juggling her life, Naik loves her profession as an artist, and her work has brought positive energy into many of her client’s lives.
“My favorite part of my job is to be able to bring joy, happiness, and good juju to so many people and connecting with them, at an artistic and almost spiritual level. As a henna artist, I feel at peace and always in a trancelike spiritual place. I also feel blessed that I get to be part of everyone’s happiest moments in life,” said Naik.

While Naik’s business had flourished these last few years, Naik offered some advice for those interested in pursuing the art of henna. ​“The best advice for newbies in henna is that, it is a journey and practice makes progress, never feel disappointed with your own work when you see another accomplished artist, it just means that they have been on this journey longer and given many hours of practice to get better and you will get there eventually. I feel I still have a long way to go as an artist too,” said Naik.

Check out Bhavna’s Henna & Arts on her website or on Instagram!