Today we’d like to introduce you to Taylor Ladner.
Hi Taylor, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
From Curiosity to Henna Hollows
How a simple creative curiosity became a journey of connection, community, and healing
In 2023, I was introduced to henna through someone who was apprenticing and learning the art. It immediately sparked my curiosity. I found a reputable henna artist online, purchased my first cone, and began experimenting on myself and my friends.
It didn’t take long before I wanted to learn how to make my own henna. I knew I was going to enjoy the process, but at the time, I had absolutely no intention of turning it into a business. I simply wanted to create, practice, and have fun.
When the weather warmed up, I began taking my henna practice outdoors at Lester Park in Duluth, Minnesota. It was the perfect setting—not only because I loved being surrounded by nature, but because my dog and I are essentially a package deal. My mom had also given me a chalkboard after my first farmers market in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, and it became part of my early setup.
I had recently moved to Duluth, so spending time at the park became much more than practicing henna. It gave me an opportunity to meet people, connect with strangers, and become part of a new community. I would regularly sit in the park and offer henna to people who were willing to let me practice.
Then, a friend who has always been one of my biggest supporters sent me a post about the St. Louis County Fair looking for vendors. Her message was simple: “You should do it!”
I had never participated in an event like that before, and I wasn’t particularly confident that I was ready. But with so much encouragement behind me, I decided to take the chance.
I had exactly two weeks to prepare while working full-time night shifts. Because I had already learned how to make henna, I produced more than 30 cones in preparation for the event. I also created 50 original designs on index cards and organized them into a binder for customers to choose from.
From the beginning, I knew I didn’t want to copy other artists’ work. I wanted Henna Hollows to have its own identity—something creative, personal, and completely my own.
For my first event, my roommate joined me as what I jokingly call my “booth babe,” helping greet people and become the face of the booth. Somehow, despite it being my first event, I don’t think anyone realized how new I actually was.
That first event taught me something I hadn’t anticipated: the power of networking.
At the St. Louis County Fair, I connected with a food truck owner who asked me to write the name of their business in cursive with henna. That interaction led to another opportunity. They invited me to participate in Mines and Pines in Hibbing, Minnesota, the following weekend because they knew there wouldn’t be another henna artist there.
From that point forward, the bookings began coming consistently.
I started doing birthday parties, private events, and celebrations. One of my first private events was a bachelorette party, where I created henna designs inspired by garters for the brides and their friends.
The Meaning Behind Henna Hollows
One of the most memorable parts of those early days was choosing a name.
My friend asked me a simple question while I was trying to come up with one: “What do you like to do?”
I immediately started talking about nature, the woods, and being surrounded by trees. Then I thought about a hollow in a tree—a small, sheltered space where I imagined animals might rest and feel safe.
That idea stayed with me.
I began thinking of my 10-by-10 canopy as a modern-day hollow: a welcoming, comfortable space where anyone could step inside, feel accepted, and simply be themselves.
And so, Henna Hollows was born.
More Than Henna
What started as a creative hobby quickly changed my life in ways I never expected.
Henna helped me become more comfortable socializing, pushed me to become more creative, and gave me countless opportunities to spread positivity. I think of it as “helping hands”—being there for people in moments when they may need connection, encouragement, or simply someone willing to listen.
My day job is as a mental health practitioner, where I teach DBT, or Dialectical Behavior Therapy, coping skills. Over time, I began bringing some of that same philosophy into my henna booth.
You never really know what someone is carrying when they walk up to your table.
Sometimes a person needs a beautiful design. Sometimes they need a distraction. Sometimes they need a hand to hold or a safe space where they can talk freely without judgment.
Henna has given me the opportunity to provide all of those things in small but meaningful ways.
For me, the art has become about much more than what is drawn on someone’s skin. It’s about the experience surrounding it—the conversation, the connection, the creativity, and the feeling someone takes with them when they leave.
Growing Beyond the Summer
My summers have become incredibly busy, and I’m grateful for every opportunity that has come my way. I’ve attended retreats, pursued certification, and traveled across state lines to meet other artists and new communities.
One of my most memorable experiences was doing henna in San Francisco, California.
Every experience has continued to teach me something new, and I never take for granted how quickly this journey has grown. What began with a single cone of henna has turned into a creative path that has introduced me to people I never would have met otherwise.
Now, I’m looking toward the next chapter.
I’ve recently moved into a new home in Superior, Wisconsin, with a studio space where I can offer private henna appointments. I’m also interested in expanding into workshops where I can teach others the art of henna and share the skills that started this journey for me.
The best way to book an appointment, ask about an event, or purchase a henna cone is to reach out through Facebook or Instagram.
I still find myself saying out loud how grateful I am to be doing this.
I don’t know exactly where Henna Hollows will take me next. The future is unpredictable, and while the summers may be wildly busy, I’m excited to see what I can create during the winter and beyond.
What I do know is that a simple curiosity in 2023 became something much bigger than I ever imagined—and I can’t wait to see where it leads.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Honestly, the journey has been surprisingly smooth—from booking events and connecting with new clients to ensuring I have the right supplies to bring each experience to life.
One of my biggest challenges as someone who is neurodivergent has been finding balance and managing my time effectively.
Spending quality time with my family is incredibly important to me, but distance and the demands of what can sometimes feel like a seven-day workweek have made that more difficult.
I’ve definitely experienced FOMO, but I eventually realized I could bring the henna to wherever the party was. I started doing henna at EDM events where all of my friends were, and suddenly, I didn’t have to choose between pursuing my passion and being part of the experiences I loved. I brought the henna with me—and, in a way, I never had to miss out again
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve been practicing and exploring art for the majority of my life, and creativity has always been a meaningful part of how I express myself. I specialize in creating thoughtful, handmade pieces that feel personal, intentional, and meaningful.
For the past four years, I’ve made handmade Christmas gifts, changing the theme and medium each year. My gifts have included sun catchers, paintings, handmade goods, and even pieces made from materials I’ve foraged myself. I’ve never really connected with the idea of simply buying something for the sake of giving a gift. I enjoy creating something with my own hands because there’s a deeper sense of meaning behind it. To me, the time, creativity, and thought invested in making something special are often more valuable than the object itself.
I also incorporate henna into my art in ways that go beyond traditional body art. I use henna as a creative medium to create unique art pieces, including painting on ethically sourced animal skulls. One of my earliest and most memorable pieces was a female bull skull, which allowed me to combine my interest in natural materials with my love for intricate henna designs.
What makes my work different is the way I approach art as an experience rather than simply a finished product. I enjoy experimenting with unexpected materials, finding beauty in unconventional canvases, and creating pieces that carry a story and a personal connection. Whether I’m working with henna, something I’ve foraged, or a completely different medium, I want each piece to feel intentional and distinctly my own.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Before discovering henna, I never really thought too far ahead when it came to my creative career. I’ve always been someone who follows where life takes me and allows new experiences to shape my direction. In many ways, that mindset has become an important part of my artistic journey.
Since discovering my craft, however, I’ve started to envision a much bigger future for it. One of my biggest goals is to incorporate travel into my work. I’ve always loved traveling, and I can see myself spending winters on the road with my partner and our dog, bringing my art to new places and communities. I’m also drawn to the idea of participating in music festivals and other creative events where art, culture, and community intersect.
Over the past four years, I’ve continued to expand my craft, and what I’ve learned is that my goals tend to reveal themselves through the experiences I have along the way. I never would have been able to predict many of the opportunities or ideas that have ended up on my bucket list. Such as my henna being on tv, or doing henna in San Francisco. That’s what excites me most about the future of my work, I’m still discovering the possibilities.
I think the next five to ten years will be about continuing to expand beyond traditional spaces, creating more opportunities to travel, collaborate, and bring my art into unexpected environments. I’m less interested in following a predetermined path and more interested in allowing the work to evolve organically. If the last four years have taught me anything, it’s knowing what in your control and doing what feels right.
Pricing:
- Henna booth is $10-$45, and I don’t intend to increase my prices to be inclusive.
- Henna bridal $100 an hour
- Henna belly blessings $50 an hour
- Private appointments vary.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hennahollows?stkn=YjNxenp0cGFib2s%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19ZYCj6YQj/?mibextid=wwXIfr
