Dubai's henna queen inspires over 1,000 students

Safa Munafer is known as Dubai's "henna queen." She turned her childhood love for art into a successful business. Munafer is the CEO of Dubai Henna and is the first internationally certified henna artist in the Middle East. Her journey began at age eight when she created art on walls and canvases. She discovered her talent for henna at a cousin's wedding, where she felt joy and accomplishment. Since then, henna has become a symbol of celebration and self-expression for her. Munafer finds henna to be therapeutic. She feels relaxed and calm when she designs intricate patterns, especially her signature curvy vines. Balancing client requests with her creativity can be challenging but makes the work exciting. Fifteen years ago, Munafer started teaching henna in Sri Lanka. She enjoys passing on her skills and has taught over 1,000 students. She has also created an online course so her students can learn at their own pace. Managing a budding business while raising two children is not easy. Munafer plans ahead and stays organized to balance her family life and her work. Since starting her business in Dubai in 2017, her husband has been her strong support. Munafer still finds peace in henna, even during busy times. She enjoys the calming scent of lavender oil while she works. To her, henna is more than just a job; it is a way of life. She believes anyone can learn henna in a month and hopes to inspire others to give it a try.