Story & Lesson Highlights with Nirali Schrader of Akron

We recently had the chance to connect with Nirali Schrader and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Nirali, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your customers?
One surprising thing I get to find out is if people have every tried, or thought about trying henna before. Almost half have tried it before, usually on vacation or at a touristy area. They enjoyed it so much they wanted to try it again. The other half say they have always wanted to try it or surprisingly, I’ll have folks with real tattoos who have never tried henna who want to see what it’s like or just try a new design before they commit to a new piece.

Also, in my field of henna, I was always surprised by the diversity of people that want to try it, including all ages! I also noticed most of the people get henna because it serves as self care. They make a little time to look after themselves or treat themselves to this body art. People have very busy lives and even though they may not have a lot of time, they take some time from the normal routine for themselves.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a full time artist, and my business is called Akron Henna Art, which is named after the city I live in. Although henna is widely known and enjoyed in the middle and my native India, it is unique in the U.S. as many people are not yet completely familiar with it. So as my primary art medium, it’s an interesting journey getting to spread something so familiar to me, to so many people in a creative, fun and even healing way. Henna use actually started more from a medical use and over time, was also used as a way to decorate the body for special occasions or just for fun.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My husband really taught me a lot about work ethic when I see how he gives kindness, caring and support at his work. I appreciate how he works efficiently with the time he has because it can be quite demanding so that’s a skill that I try to emulate. His field, called environmental, health and safety, is very challenging and although can be difficult at times, he doesn’t get discouraged or give up. He learns from those things and and grows and that has been a continued inspiration for me.

What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
Although I had double masters in education, I actually had a hard time finding a good fit of a job for myself. Without much experience, and a difference in culture, along with even my accent, made it difficult to pursue what I thought would be my career path. Although I invested a lot of time, money and effort, I changed my mind about that path and took a whole new one which became my creative path of artistry.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I really admired Barack Obama for his character, and not his power. Despite being one of the most power people in the world at one time, you would have never guessed it by his demeaner. He never flaunted, abused or misused his power. What I remember is his balance of good morals, kindness, caring and empathy.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I would hope people would remember my art work. Also, my caring and loving nature towards them. Even my silly and stupid jokes that I like to tell my customers while I do their henna, haha 🙂 They may notice that I remembered a lot of their faces, names and small personal details which I enjoy as a way to connect and stay connected with them.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akronhennaart
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akronhennaart