Have you ever gotten henna? Until recently, it was something I’d never tried. But I always wanted to try it, even as a kid. I’d see pictures of henna’s intricate designs and think of how elegant it makes someone look. And I wanted to experience that. 

So, that’s what I did.

I went to Winston-Salem’s Alley of the Arts, which is an art market held every Saturday downtown. One Saturday, I visited the colorful and quaint alley with the intention of getting henna, since I’d seen that Rebecca from Buena Henna would be there. 

Before even looking at other tables, I walked to Rebecca’s and started the conversation. I knew what I wanted, it was just a matter of doing it – of trying the new thing I’d wanted to try for years.

I asked Rebecca how henna works, if I chose designs from templates and what colors she uses. Rebecca answered my questions saying she uses true henna, a brown paste from the Lawsonia inermis plant that includes essential oils like eucalyptus and that she takes an intuitive approach and free hands her tattoos. 

So, I shared the general theme I wanted for my tattoo – a lotus with celestial elements, and I left the rest for Rebecca to decide. She first sketched on my hand in white gel pen, but once we’d gotten a sense of direction for the tattoo, she got out the piping bag and began.

I’ll be honest. I was nervous. 

I knew the design would stay on my hand for a week or two, so I wanted to like it. 

But I also wanted henna to be a fun experience, not a worrisome one. It’s temporary, not a life-altering decision.

I grounded myself by focusing on each mark as Rebecca drew them. It was meditative watching my tattoo come to life and seeing my hand change. I could feel the slightly cool paste on my skin, the fine lines of the design coming together. And I realized, I didn’t have a reason to worry.

I didn’t know the full design, and it turned out beautiful anyway. 

The experience shocked me. It showed me just how much I feel like I have to know the unknown, and quite frankly, what can’t be known, before a commitment. 

But I trusted Rebecca to do what she does – to make art that makes you feel beautiful. 

And I did. I felt beautiful.

It was beautiful to not be in control of every little detail, to not know every little design. It was beautiful looking at myself and seeing art.

For a long time, I’ve wanted tattoos, but I’ve always gotten in my head about it wondering if I’ll like whatever I choose two years later, even two days later. Have you ever felt like this? Wanted something but never let yourself have it for fear it’d be a mistake?

Henna has shown me I would like tattoos, maybe even some that look like henna. The plant’s stain is a good steppingstone for something more permanent. 

Because whatever makes me feel like art, how could that ever be a mistake?