In Guyana, mehndi artists are widely sought after by Hindu brides who want to decorate their hands and feet with henna. As a result, Mohanie Persaud, popularly known as Mona, would sit for many hours as she explored the fine lines and shape of a bride’s hands, gently squeezing the tip of a henna cone and drawing designs.
Mohanie Persaud, popularly known as Mona
It is a task that requires precision and patience but tends to be more difficult for the brides than it is for Mona. Persaud was born on the 31st of May, 1998 at the Mibikuri Hospital to Neranjan (Raja) and Bhanmattie (Sunita) Persaud.
She grew up in Mibikuri North, Black Bush Polder – a small closely-knitted community with her three sisters. However, one of her sisters passed at the age of 7.
In my childhood days, I’ve always enjoyed drawing and writing (calligraphy), and I believe that is what gave me the vision to become a Henna Artist.
Persaud attended the Mibikuri Nursery and Primary, after which she secured a spot at St. Rose’s High – topping her school and all other primary schools in Black Bush Polder. However, she was transferred to the J. C. Chandisingh Secondary School since it was the most convenient means of transportation for her parents.
Whilst there, she graduated as the best student in 2015 with twelve (12) subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination. Soon after, she became a teacher at the same school and is presently an Assistant Mistress. She also attended the Cyril Potter College of Education in 2016 and distinguished her Associate Degree in Education: (Major- English, Minor- Science).
Mona’s journey as a mehndi artist began when she started designing her family members for various occasions. After recognising the outstanding and quality work she had been doing, her then-boyfriend, who is her husband now – took it up a notch and made a Facebook page, “Mona’s Henna Designs,” and started posting the work she did on family members.
I didn’t decide to become a henna artist; I believe this form of art chose me. It received so many likes, and people from Regions 5&6 started booking me for their henna, and so it started.
After two years of taking henna appointments, in 2019, Mona saw an opportunity to up her skills. Three world-renowned henna artists came together to teach bridal henna in Baltimore, Maryland. And Mona knew she had to be there.
Mona striking a pose with the three world-renowned henna artists in Baltimore, Maryland
She enrolled in the classes and became internationally certified, and is now in the process of teaching locals who wish to pursue a trade of henna.
“My first international-styled henna training platform known as HennaBloom is scheduled for July 24th & 25th, 2021, and will be held at the Little Rock Suites Conference Room in New Amsterdam, Berbice. It is one of the first events like this that will be taking place in Guyana. I hope to extend it next year to include international henna artists as tutors.”
She added, “HennaBloom, in this initial phase, plans on extending its invitation to all regions of Guyana. I personally hope to meet budding henna artists from across the country and help them to transform their henna art skills. At the training session, only natural henna will be used.”
Mona explained to this publication that she has tonnes of visions for her business, but the only issue is that only a few persons are willing to pay for detailed and high-quality design.
I really wish I could help, but at the same time, I don’t want to break the standard of my art to suit everyone’s needs. I take pride in what I do; I promise to make a bride smile when she sees her completed henna design. Also, it is my part-time job, and because it doesn’t consume my entire life like a full-time job, I give it my best shot at every henna appointment I have, even if it takes 6-9 hours. So, when it comes to this question, I want to see where the universe leads me next, with the visions I have in mind.
Among some other challenges Mona faces is the COVID-19 pandemic and meeting clients who are residing further away from Region Six.
“COVID-19 has really challenged me, as a henna artist, because weddings are either done small without the bride wanting to get her henna done or are cancelled/ postponed. Last year, COVID-19 also obstructed many great opportunities I had to extend my henna business internationally as two brides in the US had booked me to do their bridal henna this past summer. I trust it will be better this year.”
She added, “Due to the affordability of clients further away from Region 6 because I live in the countryside in Region 6, it’s sometimes difficult for me to travel to some regions due to the high cost of transportation, which at times doesn’t fit the client’s budget.”
The 22-year-old artist’s advice to persons interested in joining the Henna Art industry is to ensure that they are knowledgeable and skilled in the area before sitting to adorn someone’s hands/feet.
People will speak about your work after you leave; ensure they only compliment it.
Apart from art and teaching, Mona has a knack for counselling people with mental health issues.
Art- Art is my most passionate hobby. Creating new designs brings me so much tranquility and creativity, and it never drains my energy. I can never stop embracing this artistic skill. With that comes my passion for helping/counseling people with mental health issues. I have this really strong desire to help people who want to give up on life because I’ve been there many times, and I have felt what it was like. I defeated it, and my only wish is for someone else going through it to defeat it too.
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- Some of Mona’s work
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- Some of Mona’s work
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- Some of Mona’s work
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- Some of Mona’s work
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- Some of Mona’s work
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- Mohanie Persaud, popularly known as Mona
Persaud aspires to be Guyana’s First Professional Natural Henna Artist. She noted that in order to achieve this goal, she would need to move away from the cheap henna chemical that we use in Guyana and shift to more natural henna, which is only available overseas. She also hopes to open the market for natural henna later in 2021 as well.
For Mona’s upcoming Henna class, registration is open for anyone who wishes to join or be a part of it. You can sign up at https://forms.gle/wwiuXH7jq59gFnoc6. All details of the two-day classes can be found on the form.
Contact Information for Mohanie Persaud
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- Facebook Page: Mona’s Henna Designs
- Instagram: monapersaud_22
- Telephone #: +592- 688 – 6498
- Email: [email protected]
