Sunday Times 2
Lanka’s Mizra wins Asia’s Innovative Henna Artist award
View(s):By Tissa Kotinkaduwa, Jaela correspondent
A Sri Lankan has won Asia’s Innovative Thinker in Henna Artistry award for 2023.
Mizra Sarap, 28, received her award at the Asia Leadership Awards 2023 ceremony held recently at Breeze Hotel in Tiruchi, Tamil Nadu.
An old pupil of Wattala Lyceum, Mizra is a commerce graduate with a post-graduate qualification in marketing.
“My born talent in art and my education in commerce have made wonders in my career as a henna artist,” she says.
Mizra Sarap
Her entry into the world of henna was unexpected. It all started 10 years ago. “I was doing my business and since I’m a Muslim; One of my clients requested me to apply henna on her for a dancing programme she had to attend. I was reluctant because that was not my profession.
“But my mom forced me to do so. My client was highly satisfied with it. She paid me Rs 500, which was my first income from henna. I was so delighted. I decided to make it a career.”
Her clients are not only Sri Lankans, but also tourists who visit Sri Lanka. “They love my work a lot, because I don’t only do traditional henna art. I think out of the box. Some time ago, I drew a realistic tattoo type henna arts on my client’s body. This soon became a trend and people started loving my work. The demand for my work increased.”
She says her dedication and hard work received global recognition when she won the prestigious Asia’s Innovative Thinker in Henna Artistry award at the Asia Awards powered by the World Research Congress.
In September, she received the Excellency Award for professional henna tattoo artist from Indian actress Sneha Prasanna at a ceremony held at Galle Face Hotel.
She says the recognition and accolades she receives motivate her to continue her journey of discovery and impact. “I’m looking forward to opening an academy and imparting my knowledge to others as part of my responsibility towards the country.”