Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Naik
Hi Megan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started doing henna in 2017 and from the moment I picked up my first cone, I was hooked. What began as a fun hobby quickly became an obsession. I am self taught and spent countless hours practicing and refining the art. Over the years, I’ve grown from a beginner to an internationally certified artist through the ICNHA.
This past March 2024, I married the love of my life and had the incredible experience of doing my own wedding henna on both hands. It was a deeply meaningful moment that brought my passion full circle.
Today, I’m proud to say that I’ve turned my passion into something much bigger. I own Rani Henna STL and opened my shop on Cherokee St. in June of 2024. It’s a dream come true to have my own space where I can share this beautiful art with the community. I can do most styles of henna such as Indian, Pakistani, Moroccan, Arabic, etc. I have had the opportunity to participate in Schlafly Arts Outside in 2024 and Schlafly Arts Inside this winter, 2025. I do everything from bridal mehndi and pregnancy henna to henna parties, festivals, and even free henna crowns for women who have lost their hair due to illness, like cancer. Those crowns hold a special place in my heart—they allow me to use my art to bring joy and comfort to others.
In addition to running my shop, I write and sell henna design books, teach henna classes, and create my own line of henna products, including handmade cones and aftercare balms. I love that my work allows me to blend creativity with entrepreneurship—it’s the best of both worlds.
Balancing all of this with being a full-time elementary music teacher and a mom of three is no small feat, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I also just graduated with my masters in Curriculum and Instruction. Music, teaching, and family are just as much a part of my life as henna, and they all fuel my creativity in different ways.
When I’m not working, I’m usually painting, drawing, or writing books. I also own my own music business creating curriculum resources for elementary music teachers. Creativity is my happy place.
Henna has given me a world of opportunities I never imagined. It’s not just about the art—it’s about the connections, the stories, and the joy it brings. I feel incredibly lucky to do what I love every single day.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting as a self-taught henna artist in 2017, I faced the challenge of learning everything from scratch—perfecting techniques, mastering cone rolling, and creating the perfect paste through countless hours of trial and error. Building confidence in my skills and establishing myself in a competitive market required persistence and a strong belief in my craft. Opening Rani Henna STL was a dream come true, but it came with its own set of struggles, from setting up the shop and marketing my services to balancing the business with my other responsibilities as a teacher and a mom. Educating clients about natural henna and discouraging the use of black/chemical henna has been a constant effort. Despite these challenges, my love for henna has only grown, pushing me to overcome every obstacle and turn my passion into a thriving career.
As you know, we’re big fans of Rani Henna STL. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am a professional henna artist with over seven years of experience, specializing in bridal henna (mehndi) while offering henna for all occasions, races, religions, holidays, and cultures. What sets me apart from other henna artists in the St. Louis area is my international certification through the ICNHA (International Certificate for Natural Henna Artists). This certification ensures that I use only natural, chemical-free henna and have a deep understanding of the cultural and traditional significance of henna.
I take great pride in the henna crowns I offer at my shop, as well as the intricate bridal henna designs I create. In addition to custom henna services, I also offer henna classes, design books, and a line of safe, high-quality henna products. My goal is to provide a comprehensive range of henna services and products, ensuring that every client receives an exceptional and culturally respectful experience.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5-10 years, I plan to expand my business by increasing my presence at events, festivals, and art shows in the St. Louis area, serving more brides, creating more henna crowns, and offering even more henna services. My goal is to continue growing and reaching a wider audience, while maintaining the quality and personal touch that my clients have come to love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ranihennastl.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annies_magpie/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaniHenna23/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-naik-77217a27b/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RaniHennaSTL/featured
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rani-henna-stl-saint-louis
