about the henna artist

Publications, Special Appearances and Credentials

*Kim's patterns have been seen in Mera Desh Magazine, which is Canada wide.
*The only certified henna artist in Manitoba at this time.
*Patterns in Asian Bride UK as interpreted by the talented professional Riffat Bahar.
*Interview on Global TV with Eva Kovacs for my pregnancy henna during her "First Baby" series.
*Her pattern books 'Ganesha's Henna Garden' and 'Mehndi Masala' have been sold worldwide through
TapDancingLizard Publications and Amazon.com.
*March 2007 edition of 'Cool Connoisseur, your guide to the finer things in life' presented by the
Winnipeg Free Press and Cool FM.
* Twice in the Spring 2007 addition of 'Illusion, The Magazine for Today's Face and BodyArtist' has
photos of Kim's work presented by Erika Harrison of Amerikan Body Art with her article
titled,"Glamour Mehndi" and a pattern from Mehndi Masala done by Riffat Bahar for her article,
"Mehndi by Riffat" in the same issue.
*Pattern in the Indo-Canadian Telegram newspaper published for the Indian community of Manitoba
and surrounding provinces.
* Teaching step-by-step mehndi classes in Las Vegas, Ohio and London, England at henna conferences
supported by the HennaPage, the largest henna community and most accurate henna site on the
internet. Kim sees education about this artform as very vital and has also taught at many
schools, such as U of M and Ecole Luis Reil, for both culturalawareness and introduction to mehndi as
well as family fun nights.
*Breakfast TV interview with Erin Selby. See the 2 part video on YouTube!
Click here to go to the video / media page to view the whole interview.

Artist Biography

I've been doing henna off and on for about 20 years. I started at the age of 9
when my father brought home a book about Krishna. At first my 'henna'
consisted of magic markers. But eventually with a little help, I figured it out.

During my teenage years I abandoned the art form almost completely. Boys
and fun seemed more important and other artistic endeavors caught my
attention. It didn't help that no one really understood henna or what I was
doing. The confused looks and constant questions were an unwelcome
annoyance.

Then about 4 years ago a friend had a 'toothpaste tube' of henna that was
about to expire and no talent for art. She asked me to henna her feet. When
all was said and done, her feet looked wonderful, my hands were cramped
and painfully throbbing but my passion was again ignited! The next day a
sweet Indian lady had asked her how much I charge for weddings after
seeing my friend's feet. I was truly back in the saddle again!

I strive to be the best henna artist / mehndiwalli that I can be. My passion for mehndi is almost an
obsession! I've worked and studied hard to educate others and myself and to spread public awareness
of the dangers of 'Black henna'. To reach these goals I became certified by the ICNHA, which is an
organization dedicated to ensuring quality standards among henna artists. Examination consists of
hygiene, safety, botany, biology, culture and traditions, and the fundamental principles of henna
including submission of a small portfolio with your working henna paste recipe.

I'm very proud to be able to put my 'henna dreams' on paper and share them with others in the form of
my books. They have been so well received and I have to thank all of those who have supported me
emotionally as well as those that have supported my work by purchasing my patterns.