Muslimahs In Motion: Episode 3 - The Henna Entrepreneur’s Journey
Here are three key takeaways from Afnan’s story with Amarya Henna.
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Passion can be profitable. Afnan turned her love for henna into a thriving business, launching Amarya Henna in January 2020. It’s a testament to the power of following your heart (and your hands, in this case).
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Adversity breeds innovation. When the pandemic hit, Afnan didn’t just survive – she thrived. Her business grew exponentially, showcasing the power of resilience, community support, and adaptability. (Who knew Etsy would be a lifeline?)
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Faith can be a business strategy. For Afnan, her beliefs weren’t just personal – they were professional. She found strength in trusting divine timing and persevering through challenges. It’s like that Quranic ayat she loves: “With every hardship comes ease.”
Also in this episode: The evolution of a brand
Afnan’s journey from “Henna Heroin” to “Amarya Henna” isn’t just a name change – it’s a cultural shift. It reflects a deeper connection to her roots and identity, proving that sometimes, rebranding is really about remembering who you are.
Her story is a masterclass in balancing act:
- Growing a business 📈
- Hitting the books 📚
- Keeping the faith 🕌
It’s enough to make anyone’s head spin, but Afnan makes it look like a well-choreographed dance.
The Afnan Approach to Setbacks:
- View obstacles as opportunities (lemonade from lemons, anyone?)
- Take breaks to avoid burnout (yes, Netflix counts as self-care)
- Focus on small improvements (Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was Amarya Henna)
In the words of leadership coach Greg Satell, “Simple truths are rarely left out in the open, but obscured by the flotsam and jetsam of everyday life. It takes work to dig them out and that work requires focus.” Afnan’s story is a perfect example of uncovering these simple truths in entrepreneurship.
And for a bit of fun: Afnan reveals the three items she’d bring to a deserted island. (Spoiler alert: Henna might not be one of them.)
Don’t miss this episode of Muslimahs In Motion. It’s more than just a business success story – it’s a journey of faith, culture, and finding yourself in the most unexpected places. Who knows? It might just inspire your own entrepreneurial adventure. After all, as Dr. Nicole Janz would say, you can always “just spend at least 10 minutes on it.” That’s how all great businesses start, right?
Follow Amarya Henna here :
Instagram, Pinterest & TikTok: @ShopAmaryaHenna Website: https://amaryahenna.com/ Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AmaryaHenna
