Today we’d like to introduce you to Ena Rodriguez.
Hi Ena, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
17 yrs. ago I was introduced to the art of henna while working as a gypsy at one of our theme parks here in Orlando. I created The Henna Studio as something to do on the side but when I got laid off 11yrs ago I decided to go all in. As a single mom, I needed something that will give me the flexibility to be part of my children’s live. At the suggestion of my nail technician then, I decided to get my nail license. Thru the years The Henna Studio has taken many shapes. I was blessed to have my own storefront, I have run the studio in my home, I have worked inside nail salons and currently, I think I have the best of both, I have a semi-private room inside a Legacy Nails, a nail salon. In addition, I function as their salon Manager.
It wasn’t easy, as someone that has no ties to the various cultures (South Asian, Caribbean, Guyanese, Arabs, etc.) that use henna regularly, many times it was difficult to be taken seriously. I was truly blessed to have found local henna artists from said cultures who embraced me and, during those first years, showed me the ropes so I could find my way and ultimately develop and grow The Henna Studio to what it is today!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely! It’s been a roller coaster. My main challenge as a henna artist was to be taken seriously by prospective clients. It’s taken many years to build trust and confidence within these communities.
As a micro-business owner, often times it’s very much a lonely road as I continue on building my business. Learning who I can trust for advice because not all advice is good advice… trying to keep up with all the new social media trends! Oh, my goodness! Every time I think I have nailed it, something changes! 😂
Being a sole proprietor can be very overwhelming because of all of the hats I gotta wear: marketing, admin, customer service, social media mgr, service provider and keep up with the learning and growth of my skills. Then you add being a salon manager and all of the hats we normally wear as a wife, a mom, and head of household. off it can be daunting and very challenging.
However, I would not change it for the world.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My name is Ena, it’s pronounced like “henna” but with a silent “H”. This is something I’ve repeated thousands of times as I’ve introduced myself during the years. I but I never imagined that one day I would become a henna artist!
When I first started, I didn’t know much about the various cultures that henna is part of. I just wanted to make some extra money for myself and my child. So, I got called to work at my first wedding as an assistant. It was an Indian wedding. I was mesmerized by the colors, the sounds, and everything I saw! I felt like I was in a Bollywood movie, that is until I realized that my henna was disappearing. I was taking too long doing designs, so they took it upon themselves to do henna. And then an auntie (that’s usually a term of respect for older women in the family) didn’t like that I did one hand (she wanted both hands) and was unable to communicate. she wiped it off and left. At that moment, after that wedding 16yrs ago… I fell in love with henna, its people, its vibrancy. And I made it my mission to learn everything I could about henna; the art, the history, the designs, the. oh, so many cultures that use it. everything.
Nowadays I specialize in bridal work and other private events such as birthdays, celebrations, corporate and consumer events, etc. as well as private appointments at my studio.
I started as a nail tech back in 2011 as a secondary service in my studio. Within the nail world, I’m known as the nail tech that does henna as well as for the not-so-regular nail designs, I create for my clients. I love playing with colors and textures with the nail designs! So rarely will you ever see a regular set of French nails in my portfolio! Instead, you will see swirls of colors, encapsulated glitters, as well as lots of hand-drawn designs. I love to create 3D flowers inside and on top of the nails, just to make a few!
I gotta say that despite all the challenges and obstacles that have been thrown at me. I am proud that I’m still standing, and that my business is known both domestically and internationally. My henna designs have literally traveled the world and have been part of major events such as weddings, and NYC Fashion Week!
When I think about what sets me apart from others, I have to say it’s my customer service! After working for nearly 20yrs in the theme park industry, one thing that was truly ingrained was customer service and professionalism. So, I take pride in knowing that when a client comes to me, they will be taken care of.
In addition, of course, my art both in henna and nails, as it tends to be a fusion of sorts and I always strive for my clients to have something as unique as theirs.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Hmmm, I don’t think it’s a matter of luck, but more so how you choose to look at things both good and bad! I got laid off in 2011, I was a single mom of a 1st grader. In a matter of 1.5yrs, I lost everything and ended up living in someone’s converted garage for nearly 5 years! Some ppl might call that bad luck. for me, it was an opportunity to shed what no longer was needed and recreate myself. Thru the years I have learned to see changes not as a struggle or obstacles but as adventures and challenges to keep growing.
We don’t stop growing, we don’t stop learning, and we don’t stop evolving. It’s not a matter of luck, but how you choose to look at things.
Pricing:
- Individual henna designs start at $30
- The hourly rate for henna services is $125, 2 hr minimum
- Nail services start at $45 (acrylic, hard gel, gel ext)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thehennastudio.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/thehennastudio
- Facebook: Facebook.com/thehennastudio
- Twitter: Twitter.com/thehennastudio
