Life & Work with Renèe Roth of Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Renèe Roth.

Hi Renèe, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
From a Festival Discovery to a Thriving Henna Business

Sometimes the things that change our lives begin with a simple moment.

For me, that moment happened in the summer of 2019 at the Chagrin Falls Art Festival. While walking through the festival, I decided to get my very first henna design. I had no idea that one experience would spark a passion that would eventually grow into a business and become such a meaningful part of my life.

I immediately fell in love with henna. It wasn’t just the beauty of the designs that captivated me—it was the entire experience. As a spiritual person, I found the process incredibly meditative. Creating henna requires focus, presence, and intention. It allows me to slow down, quiet my mind, and immerse myself completely in the creative process.

I was also drawn to the natural aspect of the art form. Traditional henna is made from the leaves of the Lawsonia inermis plant, blended with natural ingredients and essential oils to create a paste that temporarily stains the skin. I loved that something so beautiful and expressive could come directly from nature.

After receiving that first design, I became fascinated with henna and began creating designs on myself whenever I could. I proudly wore my henna everywhere—from the gym to social gatherings—and people constantly stopped to ask about it. Before long, friends began requesting designs of their own. Eager to improve my skills, I practiced on anyone willing to sit still long enough for me to create a design.

What started as curiosity quickly became a passion.

As my confidence grew, so did the demand for my work. Friends told their friends, and before I knew it, I was being asked to provide henna for parties, celebrations, and private appointments. What began as a hobby gradually transformed into a business built through word-of-mouth, community connections, and a genuine love for the art.

When it came time to name my business, the choice felt natural. I called it Starting Stars Henna, inspired by my previous childcare business, Starting Stars. I often referred to the children in my care as my “little stars,” and the name had long been part of my identity—even my email address reflected it. Carrying that name into my henna business felt like continuing a journey centered around creativity, growth, and meaningful connections with others.

Today, I provide henna for a wide variety of events, including birthday parties, after-prom celebrations, bridal and pre-wedding gatherings, festivals, community events, and private appointments. I also welcome clients to my home studio in Moreland Hills, where I create custom henna designs in a comfortable and relaxed setting.

What I enjoy most, however, is not simply creating beautiful artwork—it’s the experience of connecting with people. Every design tells a story. Every client brings their own energy, personality, and inspiration to the process. Whether I am working with one person or an entire group, I love being part of moments of celebration, self-expression, and joy.

Looking back, it’s amazing to think that it all began with a single henna design at an art festival. What started as a spontaneous experience grew into a creative business that allows me to combine art, mindfulness, spirituality, and human connection every day. I feel grateful that something I love so deeply has become a way for me to bring beauty and happiness to others.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but the challenges have helped me grow as both an artist and a business owner.

One of the biggest challenges in the beginning was simply developing my skills and confidence. Henna is an art form that requires patience, practice, and a steady hand. I spent countless hours practicing on myself and friends, learning what worked and continually refining my designs.

Another challenge has been learning how to adapt my work to different types of events. For example, at private appointments I can take my time and create more detailed, intricate designs. However, at large corporate events, festivals, or community gatherings, I may have 100 people wanting henna during a three-hour event. In those situations, I have learned how to work much more quickly while still creating beautiful designs that people are excited to wear. Finding that balance between speed and quality has been an important skill to develop.

Every event teaches me something new, and every challenge has helped me become a better artist. Looking back, the obstacles were really opportunities to learn, grow, and improve my craft.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I provide henna services for private appointments, birthday parties, bridal and pre-wedding celebrations, after-prom events, festivals, corporate events, and community gatherings. I work with clients of all ages and enjoy helping them find designs that fit their style and the occasion.

Many of my clients come to me with inspiration photos or designs they have found and love. I enjoy working with them to bring those ideas to life, adapting the placement and flow of the design to fit their hand, arm, foot, or body. Every person is different, and I take pride in creating beautiful henna that reflects what my clients are excited to wear.

I am known for creating detailed, clean henna designs and for providing a positive and enjoyable experience. Whether I am working with a single client in my Moreland Hills studio or creating designs for large groups at festivals and corporate events, my goal is always to make people feel special and leave with artwork they love.

What I am most proud of is turning a passion into a business that allows me to bring creativity and happiness to others. There is something incredibly rewarding about seeing a client smile when they look at their finished henna design. Knowing that I have been part of a celebration, special event, or meaningful memory is what makes this work so fulfilling.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
One of the things I love most about the Cleveland area is the strong sense of community. People genuinely support local artists, small businesses, festivals, and community events. Many of the opportunities I’ve had with my henna business have come through word-of-mouth recommendations and local connections, and I am grateful for that support.
I also appreciate the variety of events and cultural experiences available throughout Northeast Ohio. From art festivals and community celebrations to corporate events and private gatherings, there are always opportunities to meet new people and share my work with diverse groups throughout the region.
If I had to choose one thing I like least, it would probably be the long winters. While Northeast Ohio has four beautiful seasons, by the end of winter I’m always looking forward to warmer weather, outdoor festivals, and spending more time outside. Fortunately, spring and summer always seem to make the wait worthwhile.

Pricing:

• Corporate Events, Festivals & Private Parties – Starting at $100+ per hour
Available for corporate events, community festivals, birthday parties, after-prom celebrations, bridal gatherings, and other special occasions. Event pricing varies based on guest count, event duration, and travel requirements.
• Small Design – Starting at $25 A beautiful henna design with additional detail, ideal for the hand, wrist, or foot.
• Medium Design – Starting at $45
A more detailed design with greater coverage and artistic elements.
• Medium-Large Design – Starting at $65
Intricate designs with additional detail and coverage, often extending beyond a single hand or area.
• Large Detailed Design – Starting at $100+
Highly detailed henna artwork with extensive coverage and intricate detail.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://share.google/3K5JK0OUF2OuyGZGo
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ChTmYHnkq/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Other: https://share.google/3K5JK0OUF2OuyGZGo