Today we’d like to introduce you to NIRU.
NIRU, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in India, and some of my earliest memories are wrapped in the magic of henna. I was just four when I saw my older sisters picking henna leaves and grinding them on a stone grinder. I was so curious, I dipped my tiny palm into the paste—only for my mom to wash it off quickly. But I remember that beautiful orange stain that stayed behind. It felt like more than just color. Even then, something about it stayed with me.
Later on, life took me down a more practical path. I studied computer science, got my MBA, and built a career in tech and marketing. But there was always this creative side of me that wanted to come out. After moving to the US with my husband, I faced an unexpected emotional crossroads. I felt lost, overwhelmed by uncertainty and far from the cultural richness I had grown up with.
Motherhood shifted things for me. It made me want to reconnect with who I really was. I tried all sorts of creative things—photography, art projects—but nothing stuck. And then, one day, I picked up a henna cone again and drew a design on my hand. My husband looked at it and said, “You should keep going.” That tiny bit of encouragement meant everything. It helped rebuild my confidence when I was feeling lost.
Henna slowly became my happy place. It gave me joy, peace, and a sense of purpose. I started offering henna at small gatherings, and people loved it. Their reactions made me realize this was something special. Each compliment and smile made me realize I was building something real. And with my husband cheering me on, I decided to take a leap of faith.
That’s how Hollywood Henna came to life—built on creativity, culture, and community. What started in my living room has grown into a beautiful studio in the heart of Santa Clarita. In the beginning, it was local moms in LA who cheered me on. They helped spread the word, and slowly, things grew. Today, we offer everything from traditional henna to natural henna-based hair color products. You can even find us online through Amazon and Etsy.
Being a mom and a business owner isn’t always easy. It’s a constant juggle, but every challenge has made me stronger. My goal has always been to celebrate the art of henna and help people feel confident and connected—whether it’s through a small design or a big event.
Hollywood Henna isn’t just a business to me. It’s a reminder of where I come from, what I’ve overcome, and how powerful art can be. The road hasn’t been straight, but every twist brought me closer to my purpose. I’m proud of what I’ve built and so thankful for everyone who’s been a part of the journey.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all—but every bump has shaped the journey in meaningful ways.
When I started out, I quickly realized that henna in the U.S. was nothing like what I’d grown up with back in India. The stuff on grocery shelves felt off—no richness, no aroma, hard dry paste and honestly, I didn’t even trust the ingredients. I wouldn’t put it on myself, let alone offering it to others.
So, I went back to basics. I reached out to people I knew and trusted in India, did a bunch of research, and just kept experimenting with mixing my own paste. It took loads of trial and error—messy hands, lots of waiting, and even more hoping. But eventually, I found a formula that felt right. It reminded me of home. That alone was worth the hassle.
Then comes the challenge of clearing up confusion. Social media is overflowing with misleading hacks—like people using chemical henna on their lips and eyelids and calling it henna hack. It is honestly heartbreaking to see. Henna is beautiful, but when it’s not pure, it can be dangerous especially when applied to sensitive areas. So we’ve leaned into advocacy, creating content that empowers consumers to choose organic, safe henna that protects their skin health.
When I decided to start selling handmade cones on Amazon, the uphill climb became steeper. Competing with mass-produced imports is tough, especially when algorithms don’t account for freshness or ingredient quality. Unlike warehouse-stored cones that sit for weeks, each of my cones is made fresh to order —literally by me—and I tell every customer to freeze them right away to preserve quality. It’s extra work, but I believe quality is worth protecting.
And being a small business? Whew. Everything costs—ads, packaging, time. Advertising is expensive, and visibility can feel elusive. we’ try to be strategic with every dollar. Our focus has always been on always prioritizing our product and customer experience, trusting that word-of-mouth and authenticity will carry us forward. It’s a slow burn—but it’s fueled by purpose.
I just keep reminding myself, we’re not just selling henna—we’re building something meaningful. And that makes every bump along the way completely worth it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m Niru—founder of Hollywood Henna. What started as a childhood obsession with henna in India has grown into a vibrant, California-based brand rooted in creativity, culture, and real community. We’re nestled right in Santa Clarita, where our luxury henna studio is a cozy escape for art, celebration, and storytelling.
Today, we’re proud to be a celebrity-loved and trusted brand. Our henna has graced not only beautiful skin, but also guitars, perfume bottles, canvases, Birkenstocks, statues—you name it. We believe anything can be a canvas when the art is done with heart.
Our specialty? Bespoke, deeply personal henna experiences—especially for brides. We take the time to understand their stories, cultures, and style, then design pieces that feel timeless and symbolic. Every session is designed to feel intimate and meaningful.
And when it comes to quality—we don’t compromise. Every henna cone is handcrafted in-house with organic, chemical-free ingredients. From the texture to the fragrance, every detail is curated to feel luxurious, safe, and authentic.
We’ve also built incredible partnerships, like our ongoing collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana. For the past three years, we’ve been their go-to henna vendor, hand-painting and engraving bottles at luxury events. Today, we provide entire teams of henna artists to multiple store locations across LA during big promotional launches. It’s been surreal—and so meaningful to see our work alongside such an iconic brand.
Our henna-based hair color line is another extension of this journey—plant-based, chemical-free, and inspired by my mom’s care rituals when I was a child. It’s been beautiful to see our clients embracing these natural formulas as part of their wellness routine.
And Hollywood Henna isn’t just growing as a brand—it’s becoming part of the fabric of LA. We’ve had the joy of being part of cultural celebrations across schools and colleges like Sierra Canyon School, Harvard-Westlake, Santa Monica College, Plum Canyon Elementary, San Ramon Day School, Oak Hills Elementary, and many others. These events mean a lot to us—they’re how we connect and give back to the community.
We’ve brought henna to bridal showers, bat mitzvahs, brand activations, birthdays, graduations, Quinceanera—you name it. More and more, Hollywood Henna is becoming a household name, recognized not just for our designs, but for the love, intention, and joy we bring to every event.
At the heart of it all, Hollywood Henna is about people. It’s about honoring heritage, celebrating individuality, and using art to build connection. I’m so proud of this journey and deeply thankful for everyone who’s walked it with me.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Henna’s been around for over 5,000 years—and I truly believe it’ll be around for another 5,000 more. There’s something timeless and grounding about it that just keeps pulling people in. And honestly? I think we’re standing right at the edge of something big. The world is shifting—people want more natural, more meaningful, more soulfully-made things. And henna checks all those boxes.
More and more, people are choosing products that are kind to their skin and the planet. Henna is all of that—plant-based, biodegradable, non-toxic, and free of harsh chemicals. It’s not just beautiful, it’s also gentle and rooted in nature. And with social media playing such a huge role in how we share and celebrate ourselves, henna’s popularity is only growing. People want that “wow” moment—those intricate, Instagram-worthy designs that also feel personal and unique. That’s where artists like me come in.
What I love most is how henna lets me connect with people on such a personal level. I get to create designs that speak to who they are—whether it’s something cultural, whimsical, or just beautifully them. And that human connection, that feeling of being seen? AI can be helpful, sure, but it’ll never replace the magic of sitting with a real person who listens and designs just for you. That’s the part I think will keep henna alive and thriving.
Looking ahead, I see a future filled with growth. People are leaning into their individuality, and henna is such a beautiful way to express that. I see more studios, more professional artists, more community spaces, and more awareness about healthy, safe practices.
So yes, the road ahead looks exciting. Henna’s not just surviving—it’s evolving. And I feel lucky to be part of it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hollywoodhenna.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodhenna/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hollywoodhenna
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/hollywood-henna-tarzana?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/66F1DACE-7FCA-4F4E-B9B9-9E8AC2BB8FAB
