I am extremely excited to feature Lata from Lali Creations on our blog today! Her work is so incredible and I simply had to present her work to the SWB readers. I asked Lata a few questions so we could get to know the henna artist behind the henna.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Lata, I live in lovely London. From as far back as I can remember I have always loved art! Always drawing and painting on anything I can get my hands on.
I studied design at university and have been lucky enough to have worked in some of the best leading fashion companies as a Creative Artworker within the Creative team.
How did you get started?
I have been doing henna from a very young age. I would always be the first one to pick up a henna cone at a family wedding and start doodling random patterns on guest’s hands. Professionally, I have been applying henna for a couple of years now.
I have studied with two leading henna artists in that time and really enjoy apply henna! I find very therapeutic.
My wedding stationery collection came about when I got asked to design a friends wedding invite. It went down really well and now I get asked to do more and more! I think with my design background it made sense to start applying my henna designs to wedding stationery to create unique contemporary invites for the modern Asian bride, or anyone looking for a classic wedding invite with an ethnic twist.
What is the best part of your job?
I love meeting new people, and beautifying brides with henna! Henna is relaxing for the bride during the build up to the wedding day, and I find it just as relaxing applying it!
The creative aspect of both the henna and wedding stationery will always be my passion. All my wedding stationery is handcrafted by myself and I really enjoy using my hands and crafting.
It makes me so happy when it comes to handing over stationery that I have spent so long creating to the bride and groom and seeing their faces when they see their names on something so unique.
What are your goals for the future regarding your henna and wedding stationery?
My main aim at the moment is to create more henna inspired wedding stationery and build up my skills as a henna artist.
I believe henna is a skill that can be taught to those patient enough and willing to put in the time to practice. One of my biggest goals for the future is to help women (or men) who can’t afford to pay for the expensive courses learn this beautiful art form so that they can go on jobs and help look after their families. This idea came about from my latest trip to Marrakech and they have this already going there. A lovely little place called the Henna Café, they raise money by applying henna on tourists and then give back to the local community by providing them with food and also educating the women.
Some day soon, I also hope to own my own little shop where I can too apply henna and sell all my products. Who knows what the future has in store for me!
View Lata’s website on:- http://lalicreations.co.uk or find her on twitter and facebook!