Niyathi Srinivasan : Founder, Accounting Manager, & Head Henna Artist

Hi! I’m a junior at Lexington High School (LHS) and the founder of Henna for Humanity. I’m passionate about the arts and wanted to find a way to stay connected with others; something I believe is sorely needed in a pandemic era. Aside from working on improving and improvising Henna designs, I am a student of Indian classical music. I have been taking Carnatic (south Indian classical music) vocal and instrumental (veena) lessons from Dr. Revathi Ramaswamy since I was 6 years old. I’m also passionate about swimming and am a part of the LHS swim team.

I first learned about Henna around 3 years ago and realized that it is a common practice to decorate a bride’s hands in intricate patterns in Hindu tradition. I felt that there could be so many more ways Henna could be used on a daily basis, as a temporary tattoo. I work closely with my friends, Saadhana, Adivka, and Vinaya, to keep this art form alive, accessible, and affordable to everyone.

Saadhana V : Website and Promotions Manager, Henna Artist

Hi, I’m Saadhana, an freshman at Lexington High School. My sister and I have been friends with Niyathi since we moved to Lexington 9 years ago. I’ve been part of Henna for Humanity for the last 3 years, and soon after I joined, I met Advika. We’ve stayed friends throughout, and continue to enjoy working together in spreading our message to more, and more people through what we do.

A few years ago, Niyathi told us she was going to start an initiative and needed help. Since henna is a an incredible part of our culture, once she described the idea, I absolutely loved it and jumped on board right away. I was really excited to become part of Henna For Humanity, and I still continue to be thrilled by every brand new experience we come across.

I support Henna for Humanity, by keeping our website and online logs up to date, including creating new event posts on our blog. I recently started drawing my own henna designs a few weeks ago, looking to add to my contribution to our initiative, and my friends here at Henna for Humanity have been nothing but supportive. I really enjoy working at this incredible initiative, and I’m looking forward to watching our efforts reach new heights.

Vinaya V: Lead Henna Artist

Hi, I’m Vinaya, a 6th grader at Jonas Clarke Middle School. I have been in Henna for Humanity for more than 3 years, and regardless of my age, I have had years of experience with the amazing art of henna.

Over the past few years at Henna for Humanity, I have tried countless types of henna designs, henna cones, and techniques. Learning all of these variations in style, and presentation has helped me grow as a henna artist. My variety is what makes me the henna artist that I am.

I support Henna for Humanity by being a henna artist that pays attention to detail, and puts new henna ideas on the table. The rest of our team, have all helped me grow as a artist, and me become a important part of the initiative. Niyathi and I have been friends for years now, she has helped pull this all together. My sister, Saadhana, has also been really supportive of the group by managing the website, starting out doing henna, and communicating with the team. My fellow artist, Advika, has helped push me to make better designs. Overall, the support my team gives me only increases my skill and contribution to Henna for Humanity.