“When I was 32 week pregnant I decided that I wanted to do a photo shoot of my pregnancy and include henna in some way. I found Akiyo by simply surfing the web. On the day of our appointment I felt a natural connection and once she was finished designing my belly I was extremely happy with the results. She was clean and professional and definitely a master of her trade. A wonderful artist. She was polite and easy to talk to – the hour went by so fast, I was having so much fun I didn’t want her to leave. The pictures of my belly were on display at my baby shower and everyone was just amazed at the work and how beautiful it was. I recommend Akiyo to the world.” Prisca Salazar-Rodriguez

mother blessing.   Mary has a site called treelifecoaching where she offers customized spiritual ceremonies, she does many wedding ceremonies and mother blessings as well as other ceremonies, so  I was quite thrilled when I spoke to her on the phone since I felt that I was such an honor to be a part of her own mother blessing!   She really like the tree designs I had done earlier this year ( which happens to be her friend she got my info from! ),  and this is what I came up with.  She had a beautiful music playing and close family around to help her to other preparation, she was so relaxed and baby was quite excited about this experience ( the Baby was kicking strong!) She fell alseep a bit    I felt quite blessed to be around such beautiful energy and performing am important role for her blessing ( kinda…  i’m sure there was a lot more going on, haha..).   Thank you for letting me part of this!

It’s been at least 3 weeks since the last entry.  My henna work was been a bit slow this month until last weekend plus I started working in my old industry- Fashion textile design (full time freelance) so my week goes really fast..

Anyways, I have a friend who does Calgel nail so i figured if I have Luxe Glow on her maybe her client would be interested in getting it done.  Sure enough (or maybe she pushed it for me.. not sure) I had a chance to meet the owner of Excy Laser who is totally in love with Luxe Glow ( along with my angle heart with wings + crown design which I used to draw at lot when i was working in textile design), even though this was for her daughter’s birthday i think us adults were more into this than kids.  Unfortunately, I didn’t  have my camera but you can see them on her blog (sorry it’s in Japanese but you can see the photos).

And another Maternity henna for Amber who somehow heard about me and Timothi (awesome photographer).  I went to her Upper East Side apartment on Sat, she had a friend over to take some photos with paste on then they are having another shoot this week in Central park!  I can’t wait to see the photos.

so far this is what I have..

I really wish I had more talent was a photographer….

on the way home I was walking on Lexington Ave. I found these..   so pretty.. ah, spring is here (well, they are candles but they bring the spring feel) .

” Blissful Belly” is what my photographer Timothi came up with, since we are offering the package service for henna and maternity portrait we wanted some groovy name for it. we have a postcard made and just arrived yesterday.  Henna on pregnant belly is a new idea but still incorporating the idea of henna as a protection (from evil spirits) and good luck for the healthy labor.  I also believe it brings a chance to embrace the pregnancy specially for those who had a difficult pregnancy and weren’t able to enjoy it so much.  So I had this client who had a hard time throughout her pregnancy so she decided to do something nice and start fresh to welcome the baby.  It always is a touching moment every time I meet a woman who is or has gone through a tough time but still stay to be positive.

Akiyo was a pleasure to work with and bring into the last month of my pregnancy.  Giving her carte blanche in design, I asked her to henna my 8 month pregnant belly with whatever inspired her.  What she created was far beyond a work of art, but also incredibly personal and inspirational at such a special time in my life.  Aside from emblazoning my belly with her art, she joined us for my baby shower and created beautiful artwork on the hands and feet of my family and friends allowing them to share in such a special part of what I created.  Akiyo was professional in all interactions coupled with a wonderful sense of creativity.  I highly recommend bringing her and her henna art into your next special occasion.

Beth