Today we’d like to introduce you to Insha Surani.
Hi Insha, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I began my henna journey when I found my passion for art. I was 11 years old when I took some art classes and began painting, my dream was to become a artist. As the years went on I painted and practiced henna side by side. Through the years I improved in my skill and soon I turned 14 and decided to start my henna business, Simply Henna by Insha. I put acrylics to the side and picked up my henna cone. I created art to make others feel beautiful and confident in their bodies. At the time it was right after Covid and I started advertising in community groups never knowing I would come this far. Instagram was like my portfolio in the beginning no aesthetic photos just average pictures with bad lighting lol. But soon enough I discovered TikTok and began posting on there a year later, I got my first full sleeve order, and that’s when I knew there’s so much more to henna and I was able to incorporate detailed art to my floral designs! Henna became a part of me apart of my personality, I learned many new things about myself and the world around me through my skill. It helped me get out of my shell, speak to others and learn their story. Seeing the joy on peoples faces when I create a beautiful intricate pattern helping them feel comfortable in their own bodies made me feel so proud of what I do.
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?
Throughout the years it has definitely been an eye opening experience, there’s a lot you don’t realize about running your own business until you are really put in the spotlight, doing everything on your own. I learned how to be patient and accommodating, I learned that everyone is different, and understanding their background is important, along with respecting their space. I love to be able to provide comfort to each of my clients, sometimes things may get a bit hectic, but it is always nice to be understanding and kind.
When I lost my father in December 2025, it was one of the most difficult times in my life. He was my biggest supporter and always believed in me. My Mom and Dad are the reason why I am where I am, they always supported me in my art journey, pushed me to be the best. My parents spent countless hours driving me to appointments, events, and opportunities, giving up their own time so I could pursue my passion for henna. They never complained and always supported me every step of the way. When we first moved into a house after 15 years they made sure to give me my own space, my own studio where I could express my creativity and share it with the world. After losing my dad, I went through a lot of pain and took some time away from my business. During that period, I realized just how proud he was of me. At work, he would tell everyone about my henna business and all that I had accomplished. Even now, my business card is still in his wallet. Knowing how much he believed in me has motivated me to keep going and continue building the dream he was always so proud of. At this time I realized that my goal was to make him proud, make both of my parents proud because I know he would be so happy to see how far I’ve come, and how far I will go with their support, and encouragement along the way. In honor of my father, I recently created Henna for Hope, a community based initiative focused on healing through art. My goal was to use henna as a form of quiet expression. Sharing my art with recovery communities to provide a peaceful expression to uplift someone struggling with addiction.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As an artist I enjoy a lot of different forms of art besides henna. I began painting canvases mainly focusing on realistic floral designs. Over the years I have began painting murals, banners, and recently houses. Oh you may think legit painting a house, but not quite! I partnered up with my cousin in D.C. and I started sketching and painting the homes he sells to share with the clients who buy the house, creating a keepsake for them as they start their new chapter in a new home. It feels amazing seeing clients face light up as they see their custom art pieces, or henna designs. It feels as though I was able to create something special, and uniquely dedicated only for them.
I am mainly known for henna, but what I would say sets me apart is my goal in the henna field. I want to share henna to be a diverse art, bringing cultures together, admiring different designs from different places in the form of one art. I love combining art, and realistic designs in my work. I’m most proud of custom designs, ones that are inspired from tattoos. It help me bring out my artistic side, putting the traditional henna designs to the side. I feel as though there is so much you can do with henna, for weddings we have the tradition to get detailed henna up to our elbows, but then you also have others who are indecisive on getting a tattoo so they try it out with henna first! There is so much diversity in this art and that’s what I love, I started off with flowers, and now I love working on realistic designs! Being able to find a balance in cultural traditions, and art now is amazing! Something that sets me apart form other artists, is my goal to be able to do a lot more with henna, sketching dragons, real flowers, faces, words, animals, and any realistic design is my main goal all while free handing, no pencils no pens, just me and my henna cone!
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
One lesson I’ve learned through my henna journey would be, “the wait is worth it.” Patience is the key to success, it may sound cliche, but it’s true. When you work hard for something, you realize and understand the time and effort, that makes you want to push yourself. I learned that 14 year old Insha never knew how far she’d come with a henna cone at 20 years old! That is why I realized being patient and trusting in God’s plan is rewarding. Working hard on achieving my goal while balancing school, and work became tough at times, but everyday when I put 30 minutes aside to post my art is what helped me get so far, and be able to find clients who I created a bond with as they understood and appreciated my talent. Starting a business form scratch sounds tough, but once you put in that time, and showcase your talent, people will respect it and come to support, which turns into your biggest motivation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://simplyhennabyinsha.squarespace.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplyhennabyinsha/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplyhennabyinsha
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/insha-surani-9b63092ab
