Henna Crowns of Courage is a non profit that works directly with cancer patients and survivors. We empower women to choose love over fear during a time that impacts them on a physical, emotional, mental, and psychological level. We do this by creating a special day for them. Henna artists adorn their head and hands, a make-up artist adorns them as well. Then we have a photo shoot for them with some family to remember this time. All while learning about their lives, loves, and passions. Helping them to feel beautiful in bald, knowing it is only temporary and helping them find more strength and confidence within themselves. Your thoughts are the beginning of your healing process. We encourage women to speak love over their body.
How did you get involved with Henna Crowns of Courage?
I met the founder of Henna Crowns of Courage, Amanda Joy, through a women’s empowerment circle I was involved with in Grand Rapids, Michigan! I fell in love with the art of henna and have been working alongside of her ever since!
How long have you been practicing henna and can you explain what henna means to you as an art form?
I have been practicing henna now for almost 2 years! This art form has assisted me tremendously in moving through anxiety; in order to tap into that flow state when doing henna, one is forced to slow down and connect with their breath. Calming the nervous system, centering the self, reversing any negative thought patterns and transmuting them into positivity. Henna is a great tool for empowerment as every time you see the design for the next few weeks you will be reminded of those positive affirmations. It is a very relaxing experience to give and to receive henna…it is quite therapeutic.
Where do you find inspiration for your henna pieces?
I find inspiration for henna designs through connections and experiences. The word henna, also known as mehndi, translates to inner light. I believe the henna plant brings forth the inner light onto the skin. Sometimes I will meet someone and I will start envisioning different shapes, symbols, and scenery’s that are specifically coded to them. Other times I pick up inspirations from nature and all the patterns she holds. I love connecting with other artists as well and being inspired through their art.
What is the experience of a henna tattoo like?
To prepare to receive your temporary organic henna tattoo all you need to do is relax and get comfortable. I will ask you a few questions about yourself and what you are focusing on right now. Then we begin! I do a lot of intuitive work, but I also love to do designs from the ideas of the receiver. Depending on the size and detail of the design it can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour to create. During this process you may notice your breath has also slowed down, maybe even synced with mine. You should feel relaxed as you receive. In this quiet space within yourself there is peace, one that is always within you, all you have to do is access it. After I have completed the design it should take about 15 minutes for the henna to completely dry. At this point you will have a hardened paste on your skin. You will want to avoid water while that is on, and ideally for 8 hours after you remove the paste. For the longest lasting, darkest stain it is recommended to leave the paste on your skin for 4-8 hours. It may naturally start to flake off in some spots, and that is okay - the stain is immediate. Sometimes I will just wrap it up in mefix tape or cover the area and go to sleep with the paste on, then flake it off in the morning. Once you have waited the time period, allowing the henna to stain your skin cells and flaking it off you will notice the stain is an orange color. Over the next couple of days as it oxidizes you will notice it turning a darker brown. From here, depending on aftercare and placement, your stain should last anywhere from 1-3 weeks. The henna has permanently stained your skin cells, yet you are always regenerating them, therefore it is temporary. A beautiful reminder that everything is temporary.
Favorite Downtown Havasu spot
My favorite thing to do in Downtown Havasu is to check out all the different events that seem to always be going on! I love seeing all the different vendors and artists' expressions. All the shops on Main Street are so cute too! I will say however, my most favorite thing to do here is henna in the sun! (:
Visit Emileigh’s Henna Pop Up inside YardCity on March 4 6-9PM
