Today we’d like to introduce you to Jess Johnsen.
Hi Jess, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My henna journey began in 2017 when searching for bridal henna in my area. I could not find anyone local and decided to try henna myself. I instantly fell in love with the ancient art form and dove into the history and culture of henna. I spent 2 years studying, going to henna conferences, and practicing on anyone willing to let me draw on them. When I felt confident enough in my skill and education, I slowly started doing henna on strangers for money! Not only do I love the art form, but the connections I make with the people in my community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I started up my business right before Covid so it’s obviously been a super smooth road haha. Aside from that, the biggest struggle for me is the lack of other henna artists in my area. My first-year learning about henna was completely self-taught. Thank you Instagram & YouTube! I made a lot of mistakes and had to learn the hard way before meeting my henna family.
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?
The greatest thing about my job is the places it takes me. Henna is used in so many different celebrations by many diverse cultures. Doing henna at festivals is so much fun, but I especially enjoy the blessing of being there to share in major life events. From blessing a mamma’s belly and sharing the experience of her babe hiccupping for the first time to adorning gorgeous luxurious brides in deeply symbolic, and meaningful henna designs.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Most people don’t know that I grew up on a specialty cut flower farm. The love I cultivated for plants during my younger years on my parent’s farm developed my curiosity for science and art. To this day I still have a garden & find inspiration in nature to create my henna designs.
Pricing:
- Individual Henna sessions start at $90/hour.
- Bridal packages available. See pricing on my website.
- Henna parties are $100/hour.
- Boudoir sessions start at $80/hour.
- Belly Blessings start at $80/hour.
Contact Info:
- Email: upstatehenna@gmail.com
- Website: upstatehenna.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upstatehenna/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upstatehenna/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpxWC3sPdk0FWBZ6NHh30SQ
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/upstate-henna-greenville
Image Credits
Molly Childress
@within.the.wild
