HANDMADE HEROINES 11- Basic Mehendi Course

The Basic Mehendi Course, held from March 9 to 11, 2025, at the Pullukadu Housing Unit, was designed to empower underprivileged women by equipping them with the artistic and entrepreneurial skills needed to turn their creativity into a livelihood. With five participants, this three-day workshop introduced the essentials of Mehendi art—beginning with organic cone making and progressing to Arabic, bridal, mandala, and event-specific designs. The training emphasized design composition, spacing, symmetry, and client-specific customization. Participants gained hands-on experience preparing natural henna paste using eco-friendly ingredients and learned the step-by-step process of creating intricate patterns. The workshop served as both a skill-development session and an entrepreneurial orientation, encouraging women to consider offering Mehendi services for weddings, festivals, and special occasions. The program also introduced concepts like product safety, color coordination, and market readiness, enabling participants to adapt their skills to real-world customer demands. Through guided practice and mentorship, the women gained speed, precision, and confidence in their designs. The course provided insight into how these skills could be monetized through local services, exhibitions, and online platforms. More than just an art class, the initiative aimed to nurture self-employment, financial independence, and a sense of personal achievement. By the end of the training, the participants were equipped not only with practical Mehendi techniques but also the motivation to pursue advanced learning and business opportunities in this craft. This initiative reinforced the belief that small-scale, home-based skill training can significantly contribute to economic empowerment and community development.