Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Rettman
Hi Nicole, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was always artistic as a kid – my Mom tells the story that at 3 or 4 years old, I informed her firmly that I was going to be an artist when I grew up! I first learned about henna at a library program when I was in middle school – one of those summer teen programs. A woman came in and gave us a short talk about the historic and cultural background of the art form. She also brought some bottles of henna for us to try our hands at doing henna ourselves. I completely fell in love with everything about henna, from the feminine-centric aspect, to the multiculturalism of it, to the “alchemy” of each henna artist creating the henna paste recipe that works best for them.
This was in the before-times of the Internet, so at the time there just weren’t a lot of resources available for me to try to dive in head-first. But henna popped up again in high school – I was working at Geauga Lake/6 Flags, and they introduced henna stations at the park. I leapt at the chance to become a henna artist at the park! I did that for a couple summers; then in college, a little henna-centered boutique opened up in Kent just down the street from campus and I ended up getting a job there as a henna artist for several years, and then Assistant Manager for a short time. This was in the early 2000’s, when henna was becoming extremely popular. Our boss encouraged us henna artists to acquire our own gigs outside the shop, so I used Google’s recently-released WYSIWYG website editor, made a terrible-looking website, and started taking henna appointments.
Over the years, I’ve borrowed space here and there for appointments, traveled to homes for private appointments and parties, and worked gigs all over Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Kentucky. I even get to do those same sort of library presentations that introduced me to henna all those years ago, which gives me such a strong “full-circle” feeling.
In 2023, I chased down an opportunity to open my own brick-and-mortar Henna Studio & Gift Gallery in Cuyahoga Falls. I opened my doors in August of that year, and since then I’ve had the pleasure of welcoming folks from all over Ohio into my shop for appointments and parties. I also have a small retail space in the studio, which allows me to support other small-scale artists and artisans – a huge goal of mine! I love being part of the thriving downtown area of Cuyahoga Falls, and look forward to many years at my location.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I was diagnosed with ADHD at 38 years old. Prior to getting on the right “head meds,” I really struggled with basic things like keeping my living space tidy or making phone calls (the act of talking on the phone held this dread for me that I can’t really put into words.) My organizational skills were also very limited, making it hard for me to make plans for the future among other things.
Once my ADHD was being properly treated, I was able to become much better about handling the administrative side of my business, and was able to organize myself to the point of being able to write a business plan (with the aid of Akron SCORE), apply for a small business loan, and open my shop!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Hi! I’m Nikki, Owner and Henna Artist at The Artful Cricket Henna Studio & Gift Gallery. I specialize in providing creative, restful experiences through the medium of natural, temporary body art. I offer my clients the ability to relax and “Just Be” in the midst of our hectic, modern lives.
At The Artful Cricket, my mission is to deliver joy and tranquility. Each henna session is designed to provide comfort and renewal, leaving my clients feeling uplifted and energized.
I work with professional women and busy moms who are looking for a way to give themselves true relaxation and a chance to reconnect with their bodies in a positive and meaningful way. My clients choose me because, beyond receiving beautiful body art, they know they will be able to truly let go of the day’s worries and stress and Just Be in the Henna Studio.
Aside from using the highest quality, hand-mixed henna paste, what sets me apart is my ability to relate to my clients. As a wife, mother, and business owner, I know what it’s like to feel weighed down by responsibility. I take pride in being able to offer my clients a period of Zen-like relaxation, allowing them to walk out my door feeling lighter than when they walked in. When clients choose The Artful Cricket, they leave feeling beautiful, relaxed, and empowered. I’m proud to be able to help busy, responsible women achieve a sense of peace and rejuvenation. I’m committed to ensuring that each client leaves their henna session refreshed and ready to re-engage with their busy world.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I’m certainly no expert, but I believe I see a trend toward more thoughtful self-care practices; also more and more folks are willing to step out of the Big Box stores and into local boutiques when searching for meaningful gifts. I hope to see that trend continue.
Pricing:
- Studio Sessions: between 15 minutes ($40) and 2 hours ($175)
- House Calls: $100/hour
- Studio Parties: starting at $150 for 90 minutes (groups of up to 10)
- Off-Site Events: starting at $330 for 2 hours
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theartfulcricket.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artfulcrickethenna/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtfulCricketHenna
Image Credits
Kay Phelps; Emily Klenovich
