Around The World: Aysha Badat
This is an extension of Mitch Cohen’s art column, Art Valet, from The Leader Newspaper. Read the column here. The theme was “Around the World.” Mitch invited artists from his mailing list to tell him their stories and where they are from.
Aysha Badat
Where are you from and how long have you been in the U.S./Houston
I am Pakistani/Indian and South African, I was born and raised in Houston Texas
What kind of artist are you?
I am a henna, makeup and lash artist.
Has living in the states, changed your art? How?
Although I was born and raised here, my art work has definitely changed because I live here. I learned henna when I was 15 and Pakistan didn’t have the concept of natural, vegan, and harmful chemical knowledge or concerns. If it worked it worked if it didn’t and caused harm there were hospitals to fix it was kind of their policy. However meeting different American artist through social media, I learned about natural, vegan and cruelty free henna and makeup products. Which changed my designs out come, the health of my clients skin and overall the quality of service I provided to my customers.
What would you recommend a visitor to your country try doing/seeing or tasting in your country?
If you ever visit India, South Africa or even Pakistan always try the local foods they are the best.
Advice i leaned from my grandfather what ever foreign country you travel to, eat a piece of raw onion. it will settle your stomach for the water and foods of that country since your immune system would not be used to that region.
