This month, we have the pleasure of featuring a truly unique artform mastered by the talented Rebecca Solis-Wanous. As a henna and jagua artist, Rebecca creates intentional, body-based work that invites presence and appreciation – redefining what it means to wear art, even if only for a moment.
Rebecca Solis-Wanous | Henna & Jagua Artist
How would you describe your work?
My art is a mix of modern henna and traditional mehndi with whimsical elements. For Jagua tattoos, I love being inspired by permanent tattoos for a similar look without the commitment. I love that henna is an ephemeral art which means it has to be intentionally appreciated in the present moment before it fades.
What was your journey to becoming a henna artist like?
It all started because my mother lived in Nairobi, Kenya as a teenager and she took me to visit family friends when I was 16. Trying henna for the first time changed the way I saw my body as the canvas to the art and without it, there would be no art. I practiced my henna from high school into college slowly but consistently. I explored other types of entrepreneurship that gave me a wide range of skills until I felt confident enough to go full time into henna four years ago. This year will be my 10th anniversary!
How have you grown, personally, as an artist?
My growth has been with the help of other small businesses in the Winston Salem community. Being able to take appointments at D.O.S.E Artist Collective and pop-ups at Art Crush really helped. I felt so supported by my community that it helped me in my confidence. Over the past two years, I finally overcame imposter syndrome and can call myself a full time artist in a variety of mediums. Support from family and friends has encouraged me to boldly follow my dreams.
What is your secret for carving out time to truly be creative?
My career is creative in different ways that helps fuel my creativity. I also offer wedding and portrait photography, web design, as well as lead paint and sip classes. Burnout is the killer of creativity, so carving out rest is essential. I take off December and January to refuel and set intentions for the next season.
Do you have a favorite story behind one of your projects/clients/workshops and why?
This last year was the first time having a henna workshop at Dabble Art Bar that allowed me to step into the role of teacher, which is something that I hadn’t done before. I helped facilitate others’ experience of their own joy and calm while applying henna. Henna puts you in a meditative state of being present in the moment, and I enjoyed seeing the class quietly focus on their own art. In the age of AI and phone addiction, I’m proud to offer community spaces where people can gather to be creative!
What are you working on that excites you right now?
In 2025, I was a vendor at Shakori Hills and Leaf Global Arts, and this year’s goal is to continue offering workshops and vending at larger festivals. I want to start doing thrifted one of a kind merch with bleached henna designs that allow the art to live longer. A big dream of mine would be to road trip across the U.S. doing henna pop-ups as I go!
What is one piece of advice you’d like to share with fellow artists?
Make 1% progress every day! That can be as little as making a post, reaching out to a connection or practicing your craft. For women, I also recommend cycle syncing your business. Rest is just as important as progress because it allows you the energy to grind when you need to. My motto is “done is better than perfection” because consistency is what matters the most!
If you are interested in learning more about this month’s artist, you can find their work online at buenahenna.com or follow them on Instagram at @buenahenna.
