By Haneen Bany-Mohammed, Staff Writer
Fountain Valley High School (FVHS) senior Sarah Alquraini challenges and expresses herself by practicing the art of henna. Three years ago, Alquraini applied her self-taught skills to opening a business “Sarah’s Henna” and operated henna booths at numerous places.
Alquraini started henna at a young age when she was inspired to make her own henna at a more affordable price. After ordering henna online, Alquraini would watch people draw henna, explore YouTube tutorials and practice designs on a sheet of paper or on one of her sisters’ hands. Even though henna tattooing is a serious business and requires artistic skill, then-freshman Alquraini persisted and believed she could do it, not giving up on creating her business.
As a freshman, Alquraini gained publicity by posting on several social media platforms to advertise her business. Alquraini made business cards, applied to work at festivals and created a banner, titled “Sarah’s Henna” with a logo for she designed herself.
Alquraini has been invited to do henna at numerous events in southern California, such as Culture Day at Cal State LA, Eid at the Beach, the Eid Festival, the MAS Convention, Fountain Valley Fall Fest, MSA West conference and various picnics and weddings.
“I really want to travel to places for my business,” said Alquraini. “Not only in the United States, I want to do it in Jordan, Turkey, like a lot of places. I want it to grow bigger.”
Alquraini insists that if anyone want to start a business, it does not have to start out big. Start with a seed, then keep planting new features for your business which will make it grow bigger.
“Keep practicing and don’t give up. If you give up it’s not going to work.”
Find her on Instagram @sarah.henna1 and on Facebook @Sarah’s Henna for more information.
