Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Austriaco.
Hi Alexis, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Love is Mehndi started as a deeply personal expression of art, love of the art, and connection. I’ve always been passionate about creativity and storytelling, and henna felt like the perfect medium—it’s ancient, sacred, and yet so alive and modern. I began doing henna designs for friends and small gatherings and quickly realized how powerful it was to be part of people’s most special moments—weddings, bridals, baby showers, festivals, and milestones. My father Alexander Austriaco was an artist and I’m just following in his footsteps.
What started with just a cone and a dream soon grew into a traveling henna company serving both St. Louis and Orlando. I built Love is Mehndi around inclusivity, cultural appreciation, and artistry—providing not just henna and jagua services, but an experience that brings beauty and intention to each design. Every client, whether a bride or someone getting their first henna design, receives something made with love, care, and custom attention.
It hasn’t always been easy—balancing business, relocation, and family responsibilities—but I kept showing up with purpose and passion. Today, Love is Mehndi continues to grow, expanding into events, collaborations, and creative partnerships, all while staying rooted in love and artistry.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many small business owners, especially in creative and service-based industries, there have been real challenges along the way. In the early days of Love is Mehndi, I had to figure everything out on my own—marketing, scheduling, pricing, client experience—all while working other jobs.
Relocating between cities like St. Louis and Orlando made consistency difficult at times, and building a new client base from the ground up in different places was a test of both patience and persistence. There were moments where I doubted if I could really make it sustainable, especially during slower seasons or economic downturns.
Every challenge taught me something—whether it was how to advocate for myself as an artist, how to build genuine client relationships, or how to keep going even when things were uncertain.
Love is Mehndi is built on resilience, culture, and passion—and the journey, while tough, has only made the brand stronger and more rooted in purpose.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Love is Mehndi is a traveling henna art business that specializes in custom, hand-drawn henna for weddings, private events, festivals, and personal appointments. I offer traditional and modern designs with a focus on detail, intention, and cultural respect. From intricate bridal mehndi to creative, minimalistic body art, every piece is created freehand using natural, skin-safe henna I personally prepare.
I’m most proud of the way Love is Mehndi has created space for deeper connection—between cultures, generations, and individuals. I’ve had the honor of working with brides from all backgrounds, customizing designs that reflect their story, their heritage, or their dreams. Whether it’s a large wedding or a small self-love appointment, I treat every session as sacred and personal.
What sets Love is Mehndi apart is not just the artistry, but the energy behind it. I bring a healing, grounding presence to every session. I also blend cultural knowledge with modern creativity, offering styles that range from pre-colonial Filipino and South Asian designs to celestial, floral, and character creation—each created with care and intention.
At the core of Love is Mehndi is a belief that henna and jagua is more than just body art—it’s a ritual, a celebration, and a love language. That’s what I aim to deliver every time.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Yes check us out on our new IG at loveismehndi1, our tik tok Love_is_mehndi, and text 636-375-4323 to book your next event!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.loveismehndi.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loveismehndi1
