I had the pleasure of meeting beautiful and talented Henna Artist, Arneet Dua at a North Vancouver coffee shop opening party via Instagram. I was following the coffee shop on the social media platform and tickets were free on Event Brite.
But the biggest draw for me was having my hands decorated with henna. I always wanted to have it done and I was excited that I was getting my chance. Arneet was one of the Henna Artists there and she did my hands and my Mom’s.
She was so fast! And she did a beautiful job on both of our hands. Also, what stood out for me was Arneet’s charming personality –So grounded, sincere and personable. We exchanged business cards, Instagram handles and kept in touch. Fast forward 2 years and here I am interviewing her!
MY MISSION: To motivate and inspire Boss Babes in the making. To uplift, encourage, and promote male & female entrepreneurs and to share aspirations, goals and dreams with them and you, my subscribers.
To build and provide a warm, loving, and supportive community of CREATORS. Creators of art, a business, or a NEW YOU …
M: What’s your story? Where were you born, where were you raised? What was your childhood, growing up years like?
A: I was born and raised in Punjab, India in a relatively open-minded family. Growing up, I was very creative and always into Arts & Crafts. My mother supported me to pursue my passion for Art and would sign me up for any Creative Art classes she could find.
I was raised in a huge family with 9 family members living under the same roof. My family was very supportive and encouraged me to be where I am today.
M: Did you go to college or university? If so, what did you study?
A: Yes, I actually have studied in various fields, I did my high school with a Commerce/Accounting specialization, then for Undergrad I studied Psychology as my major along with Home Economics to stay connected to my creative side. I did my Masters in English Literature followed by a Post Graduate Degree in Child Guidance/Family Counselling in India.
M: Did you move to Vancouver or did you grow up here? Why did you move to Vancouver?
A: I moved to Vancouver in December 2014 as an international student to pursue my Post Graduate Degree.
M: When did you start your business? What was your inspiration?
A: I always wanted to be my own boss, my husband encouraged me in 2016 to take my Henna Art to next level and start doing it professionally. I have been doing henna since I was 11 years old as a hobby.
In 2016 I shared with my husband that I wanted to start my own business but wasn’t sure what to do and how to begin. He suggested that since I love Art, this might be good opportunity to do it professionally.
We did some research in the current Lower Mainland market and saw there was huge potential in the wedding industry to make this business successful.
M: What do you love the most about being a Boss Babe?
A: I think the best part is to be able to share my Art with other Boss Babes and inspire my fellow men & women to believe in themselves, take a leap and follow their dreams.
M: What would your advice be for Boss Babes in the making? If they are contemplating leaving a secure 9-5 job with benefits – what would you say to them? Should they take the leap?
A: I think it’s great timing for me to answer this question. I just left my 9-5 job last Fall, I am now getting my Real Estate License and taking my Henna Arts business to the next level — full time.
It was a huge step and life changing decision. I feel I can offer so much more to my clients, give them the best customer service possible and follow my dream. It was bit scary, but totally worth it. I am happy be my own Boss now.
M: Any last words? What’s our favourite positive/motivational quote or book.
A: I recently came to the realization that life is too short to have any regrets, so now I try to follow my heart and try to fulfill all my realistic dreams (big or small) as much as I can. Life balance is the key.
We can do it, Boss Babes!
To see more of Arneet Dua’s Henna Artisty you can follow her Instagram and Facebook pages. And be sure to subscribe to Fashion INVESTIGATOR INC to read more from Arneet … She is our NEW Arts & Culture Contributor!