About the Artist.

Naqiya Lokhandwala, the artist behind Paisleys & Swirls, is a self-taught, talented and a professional Henna Artist. She is extremely passionate about her art. While she is experienced in the traditional forms of Henna, she is highly inspired by the modern place of Henna Art and that drives her creativity when planning new designs.

“I believe every person and living soul is beautiful. With our thoughts, joys and everyday kindnesses, we continually add light to ourselves. I find Henna Art to be as intricate and beautiful as us; with both, we must analyze the fine details in order to truly appreciate its beauty.

I learned that I was drawn to Henna designs when I was quite young. I was a constant doodler in school and I found that connecting the phenomenal elements of paisleys, lines, fills, flowers, and more, allowed me not only to concentrate better, but helped me find clarity in my own thoughts. Despite my attraction to this beautiful art, I sadly could not handle a henna cone and I definitely could not produce neat designs. For most things, my older sister was my biggest inspiration. While she had a many artistic talents, henna was always one that I enjoyed most (probably because I reaped the benefits of her talent). When I was in my final year of University, I found myself spiraling into the vortex of Netflix ‘binge watching’. For a few years, the idea to launch a business in henna had been tapping on my brain but the obvious, daunting, reality remained: I did not have the talent behind the dream! So, I challenged myself (to stop watching so much TV), and to use every study break to pursue my passion. Every time I practiced, it was my meditation and path to growth. It took me a whole year to say ‘Okay, I think I’m semi decent at this’.

10 years later, here we are. “