How did you manage to get the first few clients? Initially, I did mehndi work only for my family, close relations and friends. Gradually the word spread around and I started getting clients. Here your equation with your client matters the most. We had clients who not only kept coming back but also brought along their relations along as well. Besides literally, your work is on hand to be displayed to potential clients. Even today, I do not advertise in the papers or use any other form of publicity.
Can you take us through an average day? My day usually starts at around 9.00 a.m. I usually check the appointments for the day and then proceed to the client’s home. Once there, I sit down with my client and discuss as to the various patterns that one can choose from. I then prepare the mehndi pastes. Then begins the actual process of applying the mehndi. Depending on the intricate nature of the pattern and the amount of mehndi that need to be applied this might take anywhere between 20 minutes to up to four hours! On an average I do around three clients a day. This is however during the peak season usually from November to May. In the lean periods, I run mehndi classes and most of my time is spent instructing the students.
Tell us more about the classes that you run.
Well I usually don’t take more than five to seven students per batch. These classes run for around 2 hours a day three days a week. The total duration of the course is around one month. We teach students right from the basics such as making pastes to making intricate designs. What one can’t teach is the ability to conjure up designs from ones mind.
What is the best part about this job? I like it a lot when I’m admired for my work. The look of satisfaction on the faces of my clients when they see the Mehndi on their hands is a source of immense pleasure for me.
Is there anything that you do not like about this job? To get the Mehndi just right, it not only depends on the artist but on the client as well. The biggest irritant is a client who shakes his or her too much. It becomes difficult to do our job and the end result may not turn out as anticipated. Also there are no fixed hours of work. Mehndi sessions could stretch upto midnight and you just can’t get up and say " Lets do it tomorrow!" The work once started needs to be done and needs to be done to the client’s satisfaction.
What qualities are required to be a successful mehndi artist? You need to have steady hands. This job also involves a lot of concentration. You might be required to handle small kids too. Most important of all you must be able to regularly come up with new and innovative designs. I myself have created over 500 designs and even then I must come out with more!
What is your advice to aspirants in this field?
If you have the talent and are willing to work hard then nothing will be impossible for you!
- Siddhartha Roy