Category: Henna Artist

The Art of SELF-WORTH PROGRAM

5/15/2020

EMBRACE your
DIVINE POWER
through ART.

In celebration of working inwards, I have put together a series of workshops that you can take weekly to implement self-compassion, self-care, and attain greater power from your divine power (the light within). Many of us have become prone to understanding the world tangibly. In doing so, we have become distant from our spiritual power and emotional well being. The Holistic Henna Workshop will allow you to discover your truth and encourage your vulnerabilities to surface through your beautiful ART.

My name is Saira Hussain and I am a Holistic Henna Practitioner, Art Director, Women's Stylist & Feminine Power advocate. I do quite a bit on my own and have worked long hours through the art, wedding, women and now wellness community to grow my field of work as not just a Henna Artist but an Art Therapist & Healer (some titles I have been gifted by encouraging loved ones and magical wanderers). Some of my greatest connections have developed through the consultation period of speaking to Brides, new Henna Artists and energy seekers. I am grateful to the multinational publications that have featured my work and my flourishing communities who have given me a platform to share my learnings and experiences.

For this workshop, please bring yourself.

WHY CHOOSE THIS WORKSHOP?

Art is our greatest tool in voicing our emotions and providing them a platform to breathe freely. It is important to build a passion or have a creative outlet (writing, drawing, painting, dancing, poetry) to help declutter our minds and decrease the burden on our bodies. If you are feeling weighed down and are unable to channel your happiness and find joy while facing a mind block in your day, this workshop is for you. If you are someone who used to walk freely and is facing a creative block or feelings of discouragement from your inner voice, this workshop is for you. You do not need an artistic talent to take this workshop; you being human is your best form of creative expression.

Please answer the following questions in your JOUNRAL:

How are you doing today?

In your day, how do you care for your mind, body & soul?

Are you taking care of your mind, body and soul?

How is your mental health?

Are you sleeping well?

Are you finding it hard to voice your emotions?
=

Are you reacting to the noise in your mind? Are you ready to take control of your life?

Are you ready to use your divine light (your powers) to see your true reflection?

CROWN

PILLAR

DESTINY

THE COMPONENTS:

Self-love: The gift of wellbeing, which is delivered to the vessel, spirit and mind by the owner her/himself. You are the owner of your own body, mind and spirit (the Universe has a lot to do with this). Self-love associates with rest, nurturing oneself with empathy and encouragement. Allow yourself to reflect on moments of joy, celebration, the feelings of a loving embrace (even if that was from a stranger).

Self-compassion: The ability to extract self-esteem and the ego so that we are able to connect with our heart and womb space. One of my mentors Dr. Darmoni speaks about the Divine Dance with the self. Encourage yourself to channel your Divine Light by first releasing your day's tasks, simply be here; be with your own breath. When you connect with empathy, you begin to evolve with your heart and your mind begins to propel positive thoughts. In my Holistic Henna workshops, I will be teaching you ways to shift your pain, grief through the creative form of expression. Now pick up your medium (henna, pen, pencil) of choice and write down your words of beauty and fulfillment.

REGISTER NOW:

For more details on our 6 week program, join us for the SELF-WORTH Masterclass in November.

Grieving can be difficult when done alone, which is why Art is made to help you. You will also be learning about how to build your own unique style of work and connecting with your DIVINE LIGHT.

Once you have registered, we will send you a Love Letter to your Self-Worth and a worksheet

REGISTER FOR THE MASTERCLASS FOR FREE

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The Affair with friendship

12/15/2017

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THE FINAL EMBRACE

BRIDE: Mithu
GROOM: Sandeep
Photography: Arden Way
Bridal Henna: Breath of Henna
Jewelry: Banglez
Decor: Soiree

Having a life filled with the opportunity to create while being surrounded with the encouragement of marriage is blessing. While envisioning these bridal diaries, I escape to another world. A world of committed chapters and elevated vows which haze my present and share a flight into the future. I think of the laughter and days spent wandering through the rivers of melodic chaos; his voice and mine.

'these moments are of friendship's truest colour; the final embrace..'

As I float across this river, my body is no longer attached to the earth nor is it rising to the heavens. My soul is rejuvenated by his very words of sentiment and encouraging delight.

'As you are in the midst of the most sublime delay; the time it takes for him to appear upon the horizon of your love's very purpose.'

I take a step into the infinite bath of blossoms,
Gravity has no hierarchy.
Their composure enchant my thoughts.
The warmth of the stars bask my skin
To caste an illuminating array of gratitude.

When a flower blossoms here, the smallest chambers of the heart mould together. A melodious union of written textures embed its texture with ambient rays of light. This is the warmest embrace. A feeling of obtained and most rewarded fruition. Love blossoms from the heart. Devote yourself to find love in your best of friend.

Congratulations to Mith & Sandeep

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WHITE HENNA - Editorial feature

11/20/2017

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“Allow the light in that moment to kiss your skin.
   Allow the abundance of colour to soak into the mix of your pigment.
   Allow movement to penetrate deep within your soul.
   As you celebrate the shapes of the shadows that dance around you
   Remember they are all of your own.
   Allow the scent to take you back.
   Allow tradition to merge with faith.”

Welcoming new age
Welcoming modern day
An editorial feature on white henna x Banglez

Now seen on http://zardozimagazine.com/white-magic/

As women, traditionally, we have a lot on our minds. Generations before us passed down their teachings onto our mothers who we are inspired by. Having a wedding in North America today involves mindless circulation of digital research and remnants of history (photographs of jewelry and collections of sarees). We dress up discretely in our mother’s closets for these moments, which instigate a rush of colour through our mind’s nomadic ventures. Yes! We are forever travellers in our time and the generations that come after us; are constantly reassuring their values with their feelings.

Weddings are the perfect time to revisit our ancestors and we dance passionately to celebrate their traditions; a time that can be overwhelming with friends and family. These are the stories involving many south asian families. Planning your wedding is where we acknowledge disorientation on merging trends with customs.

One thing that considerably intrigued my imagination was the pattern work that was done on my mother’s hands during her wedding. What was this tradition and why was I not familiar with this art form? I was looking through her wedding photographs and I could never find a perfect image of just the pattern work on her hands. Her hands were dyed of a ravishing paste of scarlet and ruby; a bright highlight in the sky’s sunset on a painting I created. I remember my heart yearning for that colour, but times are changing.

Today, I am here planning my wedding with a Pakistani-Bohemian theme (something tribal yet trendy). Classical embroidery and silkened, sensational fabrics with thread counts I cannot begin to pick a part while weighing a feather as my veil. My waist will be my pillar of support and I will be adorned in jewels from my wrists till my chakra.

My hands.., the only bare accessory belonging to my wrists a part of my body.
The time has come for me to paint them red. As a Bridal Henna Artist myself, I always wanted an intricate and lavish diary adorning my arms till my elbows and my feet till my calves. The sensation of rosewater along the soles of my feet, pressed many at a time as a I danced in my Henna..this was my dream.

I cannot even begin to tell you the stories that are versed along the palms of Brides all over the world. Henna is a beautiful rendition of a story passed down through our cultures (bedouin, Spain, Middle East, Russia, Iran, Pakistan, Indonesia, Morocco, India). There are so many areas of the world that practice Henna and Brides of all faiths wish to have it done (not just Muslims, Hindu and Sikh). At Breath of Henna, Brides are provided a complimentary consultation where they can have their Diaries rendered to those of their dreams. Henna is a significant part of a Bride’s transitioning period from being independent to being independent and married. Not just women, but men are also included in the festivities; all genders and races. As long as natural Henna (lawsonia, essential oils, sugar and water) is used, no one can ever have a bad experience. The joyful celebrations of a Mehndi party, Sangeet (musical celebration) or even a Bridal Shower can bring your dearest together while experiencing Henna.

Fashion is always chasing Fine Art and a generous adaptation to the world of Henna has accepted a new calling. Those who do not enjoy the scent of the lush colour of natural Henna, can use what is now called, ‘White Henna’. White Henna is a cosmetic application, which stays above the skin for up to four days after it dries. It can be accessorized with swarovski crystals and jewels if you wish for it to match even closer to your bridal gown. For those who are worried that they won’t have enough time for their traditional Henna application, they can have this done the day of the wedding or the day before.

Thankfully, this medium is mixed of an FDA approved adhesive mixed with body paint.
As an Artist, it is so important to meet with your vendor either in person or setup an online consultation. You have the option of selecting your design or even creating a custom diary just like your natural Henna would be rendered. Enjoy this process as it’s important for you to feel your best. After all, you have been awaiting this day for so long and you may have too much to do later on as your date approaches. Have a look at your Artist’s portfolio (instagram, website, testimonials). Every part of your wedding is a memoir for eternity so cherish these intimate details as your most valued. The art of Henna has changed immensely since the Bedouins first adorned their wives with the henna paste using only their fingers. Now you can have it done so delicately and to your taste.
If you’re wearing a white gown with lace overlay, the white Henna adds a sensual and breath taking detailed accent of lace gloves or lace sleeves. Garters can also be created for your intimate moments customized for you. Adorn yourselves in Henna and welcome to the generations’ abyss of cultural fusion.

Art Director/Stylist/White Henna: Sarah Hussain. www.breathofhenna.com @breathofhenna
Photography: Tara Noelle. www.taranoelle.com @taranoellephoto
Creative Assistant: Chaileen Kim. www.chaileenkim.com @chaileenkim
Jewelry: Banglez. www.banglez.com @banglez_jewelry
Accessory Designer: Shirley Liang. www.xueliang.ca @xliangdesigns
Muse: Charmaine San Pedro. www.charsanpedro.com @sanpedrocharmaine
MUA/Hair Stylist: Danielle Schleese. @danielleschleese
Wardrobe: Breeyn McCarney. www.breeyn.com @breeynmccarney
Intimates: Irina Shad. https://lessisamor.com @lessimor

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BRIDAL CULTURE - Bride Hania Zaman

10/20/2016

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These stories are woven in between veins, hidden away; so deep beneath our corsets. Our souls, entrenched in words that are broadcasted only through our hearts surrounded in cages of bone and blood. Here you see Hania Zaman - our BRIDE in an exuberant arrangement of thread work and embellishment. Created by one of Pakistan's finest Bridal designers ELAN. When is marriage instilled in a young girl? Why do we dream of great romance or that marriage is eternal bliss? Culture to its finest craftsmanship. A great woman always says, right after sunset 'Never wish or feel ill about your future, especially when it comes to marriage. Hold true to your being and remain strong. A great man of your desires will come and keep you happy. This is my wish' - Mama.

love exists
in the realm of
culture.
DEFINE: BRIDE
BRIDE
OF THE
ERA

Quoting my dear Mama isn't to raise any form of bewilderment. She tells the truth. We work hard to maintain a balance between life, family, honour, respect, fitness, health, meditation and everything else you can possibly imagine. So why not wish for the best, the greatest; your greatest! This is how she was raised and millions of other young girls. To be calm and collect while the world is in turmoil. If your family ever needed you, you either complete your work in advance or you let your breath be your regime. Can you imagine how life would be if with every breath you breathed another thought, another movement. Every step you took was to build your home with love; fervidly contending to your children and significant other. We need several minutes to complete a task, how is this possible? As we grow, we acknowledge our mothers and run around aimlessly trying to build our own force in our homes. My tongue raging endlessly in English after coming back home from school, exhausted while she drinks her cup of tea. I didn't know she was relaxing. She never once needed to, or made it seem that way. MASHALLAH. She listens and till today she is there. A Bride is a woman defined by her upbringing; her mother, if not present, then her father, a sister, a guardian. What I love about this this photograph which was taken by the very talented Athena Blude is that this portrait evokes Hania's eternal elevated state as a BRIDE. Her memories extended in her long hair, woven up towards the sky and gracefully dressed by the heavenly veil. Her jewels are subtle as she wears her simplest all gold set. This is her moment and she remembers all that she was told, heard, read, wrote and folded in secrets close to her heart. Within one breath, she remembers it all.

Jun 22
I am absolutely in love with your work
and would be ecstatic if you could do my bridal henna!
My wedding is on
August 12-14
2016 in CT/RI.
Hania Zaman
Hand drawn by Sarah Hussain of BREATH OF HENNA. Now seen in ink on Bridal Henna Diaries. 2016

It was a blessed summer's afternoon in Toronto during Hania's consultation. Streams of sunlight were highlighting both of our faces while she was sitting in a cafe in Connecticut. While talking to her, all I could focus on was her smile, saturated in summer's eternal bliss. Was she ever so delighted to talk to me about her henna affairs. The smile channeled its way into discussing her appeals into the detailing of Bridal henna and that she adored intricacy. Why would she not? She had two beautifully crafted ELAN gowns for her wedding and reception day where labyrinths of embellishments and threads would talk history. ELAN ELAN ELAN. I was interrupted by a thought where all I could think of was, this was it! An explosion of cultural dialect and Pakistan's exquisite realm of art and design. Memories of my mother's valima (reception) gown flew into place as a flock of doves to a seeded temple. My mind started to tick and tock and then suddenly an assembly line formed into a very tight; inflexible area and I said YES! Within hours before I boarded my flight to LGA airport, Hania had received her Bridal rendering and was ecstatic. I am more than overjoyed with her Bridal Henna Diary as it's my most treasured artwork within Bridal Henna.
Dearest Athena, you have instilled beauty, memories of our childhood into these opulent wedding photographs for dearest Hania and Zahan. Traditions are evoked from the veiling of floral bangles and ornaments adorning her Mehndi (day 2) stain.

While creating art, our bodies sculpt and bend into unknown entities. When I work on a bride, I lose thorough sense of my surroundings. It is a state of complete bliss. The distance is only inches away from the form it begins to take. The being I adorn transforms from Bride to be to the BRIDE. I can hear her speak and we share a conversation which whirls alongside harmony. The florals here take the shape of wings and encompass air. The vines are paths we paved together, leaf by leaf; bulb by bulb to write her story (her world). This is not my first time adorning a Bride, each one is different; Hania's Bridal Diary began with the same root of every other Bride; earth, Mehndi. Why was this different? The elation seen in these photographs is illusory. Her aunt had brought in a delicious meal for the two of us but we were both unconscious as the BRIDE OF THE ERA fabricated herself in front of our eyes. It began to rain; the moment when a Bride is bathed as she is to be of her purest state at marriage. We sat in her backyard and moments passed as we were safely guarded inside by the swarm of bees surrounding our drinks of conversation. We went inside to get the work done as her friends were coming. Her best was definitely her sister.

Our moments are not to be accepted by others but they for us to accept. The waves will continue to rise and the sores will hereafter, wash away. Hania is a Bride of the Era because she was simple with fine taste. Gorgeous is an understatement. If a woman of culture approaches you in couture and her smile draws light towards your heart, consider yourself the luckiest. You have been touched by a spirited soul. If she is your Bride and keeps you smiling, reflect on your breath and say Mashallah.

Congratulations Zahan and Hania. May your love be your fairytale. Always and forever a love's dream.
Moments captured by: ATHENA BLUDE
Henna: BREATH OF HENNA
Bridal Couture: ELAN
MUA: Beauty by Amani
Hair: Aferdita
2016

7 Comments

The Art of SELF-WORTH PROGRAM

EMBRACE your
DIVINE POWER
through ART.

WHY CHOOSE THIS WORKSHOP?

CROWN

PILLAR

DESTINY

REGISTER for the ART OF SELF-WORTH MASTERCLASS
with Breath of Henna here:

The Affair with friendship

'these moments are of friendship's truest colour; the final embrace..'

Congratulations to Mith & Sandeep

WHITE HENNA - Editorial feature

BRIDAL CULTURE - Bride Hania Zaman

Saira Hussain

Archives

Categories

The Art of SELF-WORTH PROGRAM

​​EMBRACE your DIVINE POWERthrough ART.

WHY CHOOSE THIS WORKSHOP?​

​​CROWN​

​​PILLAR

​​DESTINY

REGISTER for the ART OF SELF-WORTH MASTERCLASS ​with Breath of Henna here:

The Affair with friendship

​​'these moments are of friendship's truest colour; the final embrace..'

Congratulations to Mith & Sandeep ​

WHITE HENNA - Editorial feature

BRIDAL CULTURE - Bride Hania Zaman

Saira Hussain

Archives

Categories

EMBRACE your
DIVINE POWER
through ART.

WHY CHOOSE THIS WORKSHOP?

CROWN

PILLAR

DESTINY

REGISTER for the ART OF SELF-WORTH MASTERCLASS
with Breath of Henna here:

'these moments are of friendship's truest colour; the final embrace..'

Congratulations to Mith & Sandeep