Hi there! My name is Naqiya and I'm the lead artist at Paisleys and Swirls. I launched this business on my own in 2011. I started applying henna with inspiration from my older sister, who used to decorate my hands my whole life. It started as a type of therapeutic hobby for me and an art style I was serious to learn. Out of the blue, I got my first opportunity to apply Mehndi at a family friends wedding, and the next thing I knew, my favourite pass time activity had turned into a source of income! I realized how much value there was in sharing people's joy and being able to contribute to their happiness. I am from Karachi, Pakistan and back home everyone applies Mehndi as a way to give a clear sign of celebration. I hope to be able to give people the ability to continue that tradition here, in North America.