Meet London-based contemporary henna artist Moheeni Paul

Tell us about your business...
I am a highly recognised contemporary artist creating henna-inspired candles, canvases and décor products for weddings and at home. I teach henna art on various surfaces using mixed mediums, encouraging others to turn this timeless and ancient art into stylish designs.

I'm known for painting intricate and detailed candles to create elegant and classy centrepieces for weddings and for the home. There are many henna-inspired candles and tealights on the market, which make superb favours for weddings, but the type of design I apply to my products gives it a unique and chic feel to suit any type of wedding theme and style.

What's your background and why did you launch your business?
I was an award-winning teacher in secondary education and decided to take a leap of faith and leave my full-time job to work as a supply teacher. As a single woman, I understood the importance of companionship and after searching long and hard I met my partner online. I soon started designing my own wedding stationery and henna-inspired décor for my destination beach wedding in the Algarve, Portugal, as my designs were unique and original. From this point onwards, I developed the confidence to sell my designs online to which my love for henna-inspired candles grew and became a popular bestseller. My experience in teaching has also led to delivering candle-painting workshops in London.

What's your favourite product you offer for weddings?
My favourite product I offer are henna-inspired candles and tealights. Although these are a popular choice within Asian weddings, I enjoy being challenged to create unique patterns and styles to cater to various client requirements to push the boundaries. I have also commissioned a few henna-inspired fingerprint guestbook canvases, which are a unique way to have your guests place their fingerprint using an inkpad onto a canvas and sign it, so that the couple can hang it on their living room wall as a keepsake and memento.

What's your top tip for couples planning a wedding?
Spend a lot of time focusing on yourselves and your mindset; wedding planning can be stressful. However, I do believe focusing on what you both want from the very beginning and not listening to other people's opinions so much will lead to a happier couple. Keep a planner and delegate between you. Trust each other and set clear goals from the beginning. Most importantly, trust that it will all work out and find time for each other for date nights.

What's the most common question couples ask you?
Can designs be personalised according to their ideas. The answer is yes, products can be personalised as long as it works and looks right for the couple.

Moheeni Paul | Moheeni Paul Designs
www.moheenipauldesigns.com | www.instagram.com/moheenipauldesigns