My Senior Quote by Olivia

My Senior Quote by Olivia - November 2018 Scholarship Essay

My senior quote is “To have another language is to possess a second soul”. This quote, simple yet meaningful, has spoken truth to who I am as a person. But first I have to tell you a quick story. My name is Olivia Martino. A Puerto Rican girl with an Italian name. Although I don’t speak Italian I am proficient in Spanish and Urdu. Interesting right? Of all the 6,500 plus languages spoken around the world. Why Urdu? It all began with a small plant called Lawsonia Inermis, the henna plant.
My friend asked, ”Why can’t you think of anything; there’s so much to paint.”
“I’m so sick of painting. I think I’ve lost my touch,” I whined.
“Well, why don't you try some other kind of art, like henna.”
From that day forward I became so fascinated by henna that it consumed my entire summer. Henna was something I was aware of but I never thought to do it myself. From researching its origin, I discovered that henna was a temporary tattoo used in cultures for weddings and special occasions. Henna is a plant grown that is ground into a powder to create henna paste. I was blind to the intriguing history behind this ancient practice and why so many people do it. I’ve always been interested in ancient civilizations and their traditions since I was a little girl. Through henna I was able to fulfill my childhood dream of engaging with other cultures and learning from them.
After extensive research I learned a variety of facts about henna. Everything from making paste, drawing basic designs, and the differences between natural and chemical henna. When learning something new I’m always fully committed and eager to learn more.
As my interests in natural body art increased, I discovered the incredible henna community on Instagram. Without their help I don’t think I would’ve gained enough confidence to create henna on other people. Their guidance and support has showed me that I can believe in myself and my artistic abilities. Before talking with them, I was very shy and reserved. I never shared my art with anyone because I was afraid I wasn’t good enough. This ancient tradition changed my perspective. Its shown me the true meaning of friendship.
Several years after I began my journey, I finally felt I could create my designs on others. Slowly, this vision became a reality. After my first few clients, I realized that I needed an established business. I was continually asked if I had a website or a business name. I then started an Instagram page that featured my work. This was the beginning of my own business, Violet Mehndi, where I provide henna services for all occasions, big or small.
To gain more insight on expanding my business and further strengthen my henna skills, I attended a henna workshop. At the workshop friendships flourished and I learned everything I needed to know about developing my business. We spent so many hours talking, laughing, eating, exchanging phone numbers, and doing henna on each other that I completely lost track of time. It was hosted by my biggest inspiration, Monita, founder of ‘Henna for all NY’. She helped me from learning the intense chemistry of making henna paste all the way to structuring her most famous designs. I also learned that more people are likely to engage with your business if you’re on multiple social media platforms; I then created a website which has increased my new client percentage tenfold.
Henna, for me, is like another language, to communicate with a world in another realm. A realm where I can be myself and express myself freely through art. I realized that henna was my bridge. Without it, I don’t think I would be as social and outgoing as I am today.
My business was in full bloom was at my first henna party for Eid; a Muslim holiday that celebrates the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Through communicating with my clients, I learned some Urdu, a language in which I’m now moderately proficient. The women I met gathered around my work in awe. I saw the joy on their faces and this fueled my passion for henna.That was the day I finally felt that I not only got my touch back, but I also have become business savvy, gained new friends along the way, and learning a new language.