Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Welch.
Victoria, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was introduced to the art of henna in 1996, fell in love and have been practicing it since then. I’ve been offering family entertainment with henna, facepaint, and glitter tattoos since 2006 with a focus on traditional henna and bridal henna since 2009 through my business, Blurberrybuzz Body Art. I’ve dedicated my life to this art form. It’s provided so much, friendships and connections, community, respect for other cultures, travel, teaching opportunities and the ability to provide my clients with the mehndi of their dreams.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Long journeys are never smooth. As with any endeavor, commitment and tenacity go a long way in ensuring success. From struggling to source quality henna powder in the 90s, to struggling with preconceived notions on art and accessibility, to just mastering an art form, challenges pop up with regularity. I choose to encounter and embrace them as growth opportunities.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As an artist in the henna community, I’m known for my high standards, attention to detail and design customizations, commitment to a growing community, championing equity, and facilitating learning opportunities for professional development. I’ve been a host of a local Minneapolis-based henna conference since 2008. This conference builds professional skills, and community and allows us to stretch our artistic abilities. The most important goal in reaching is community work. Henna is a special plant and art form that unites people and brings connection. Being able to facilitate and participate in those connections is so rewarding.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Henna is for everybody! It’s a celebration of many cultures spanning 3 continents and 5500-plus years. It’s rich, diverse, steeped in history, and an excellent way to open a door to learning more about our friends and neighbors, connecting with family and ancestry and expressing ourselves with body art! I always caution about imitation henna, instant mehndi, colored henna and black henna. Henna itself is a plant, Lawsonia inermis, whose leaves contain a red-brown dye molecule. Pure, natural henna is safe while the aforementioned items contain harmful chemicals and dyes that can cause both short term health issues such as a rash, blisters or chemical burns, and long-term health issues, such as autoimmune disorders, bladder cancer and permanent scars.
Pricing:
- Festival henna generally ranges from $10-$50 for a piece. Ensure your artist is using pure natural henna
- Bridal henna/mehndi packages typically range from $100-$1,000 depending on the artist and their level of experience/technical abilities and the coverage and details required.
- Home parties are a great way to experience henna and are often $100-$165 per hour for an artist to come to you.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.blurberrybuzz.com
- Instagram: @blurberrybuzz
- Facebook: @blurberrybuzzbodyart
- Twitter: @blurberrybuzz
- Youtube: @blurberrybuzz
Image Credits
Victoria Welch
