Sanggetha Pillai, the visionary founder of Hennastacious Global, has been an inspiration in the world of bridal henna artistry. Celebrating 15 remarkable years in the wedding industry in 2025, she continues to make her mark with unparalleled creativity and dedication.
From Corporate Career to Henna Artistry
Specializing as a bridal henna artist, Sanggetha not only creates stunning designs but also empowers aspiring talents by mentoring and guiding them to become skilled henna artists and successful entrepreneurs. Before embarking on her entrepreneurial journey, she built a solid career in the banking and telecommunications industries. Her determination and ambition saw her rise to the role of account manager, but in 2022, she decided to leave the corporate world to fully pursue her passion for henna artistry. Since then, her entrepreneurial journey and dedication to her craft have remained her top priorities, leaving an indelible legacy in the industry.
Sanggetha’s love for henna began at the age of 15, initially as a casual hobby shared with her mother’s cousins. However, her true inspiration blossomed in the late 1990s and early 2000s, influenced by her aunt, Letchmi, who had completed a full bridal makeup course in Bangalore. Assisting her aunt during school holidays and university breaks in Penang further fueled her passion, laying the foundation for the remarkable journey she continues to pursue today.
When asked about the origins of her henna business, Sanggetha shared, “My henna journey began in 2010, shortly after graduating from university, with my very first client being my cousin sister. A pivotal early opportunity came when a family friend, Mr. Jag Rao, the founder of Agenda Suria Communications, graciously invited me to set up a henna booth at one of his events in Midvalley. I am incredibly grateful for his continued support and the inspiration he has provided throughout my journey.
In the early days, my business grew organically through word-of-mouth, as this was before the rise of social media. By 2016, I ventured into Instagram under the name ‘B’dazzled Beauty,’ sharing content related to both makeup and henna artistry. However, in 2020, I rebranded as ‘Hennastacious,’ shifting my focus exclusively to raising awareness about natural and organic henna. This transformation proved to be a turning point, bringing fresh energy to the brand and significantly enhancing its visibility.”
It takes immense courage to leave a stable, full-time job and take the risk of pursuing a business driven purely by passion and hope, especially when the future remains uncertain. When asked what inspired her to pursue henna as a profession, Sanggetha shared, “For 15 years, henna has been more than just a passion—it’s been a transformative force in my life.
While my career as an account manager offered stability, I always had a deep yearning for creative expression and a desire to share the joy of henna with others. Two years ago, I took the leap, leaving the corporate world to pursue my dream full-time. Although it was a challenging decision, it has been incredibly rewarding. I now have the privilege of not only creating beautiful henna designs but also empowering others through workshops and nurturing aspiring artists. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to share the magic of henna with the world.”
Henna Hair Care by Hennastacious
In addition to her expertise in bridal henna and makeup, Sanggetha has expanded her offerings to include a variety of organic henna-related products, such as natural henna powder, cones, balms, and more. Building on her entrepreneurial spirit, she launched Sansa Boutique in 2021—a creative venture that beautifully combines her love for henna with handmade fabric earrings and a thoughtfully curated collection of costume jewelry.
Since 2020, Sanggetha has been passionately working on the development of a hair henna product, combining her expertise with a vision to create something truly innovative. Her hard work and dedication culminated in the official launch of Henna Hair Care by Hennastacious on January 1, 2025—a perfect and symbolic start to the new year. This groundbreaking product is a testament to her commitment to promoting health and natural beauty, offering a chemical-free, nourishing solution for hair care. The launch marks a significant milestone in her entrepreneurial journey, further solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in the henna industry.
Henna, a centuries-old tradition renowned for its hair health benefits, forms the foundation of Henna Hair Care. This innovative product enhances hair with voluminous shine, strengthens strands, reduces breakage, and creates a protective barrier around the hair shaft, guarding it against environmental damage and the effects of heat styling. With her deep passion for natural beauty, Sanggetha created Henna Hair Care to offer a healthy, effective solution for hair care, blending ancient traditions with modern needs to nourish and protect every strand.
Sanggetha plans to introduce professional in-salon henna hair care treatments, including henna hair spa sessions and scalp massages. Additionally, she will offer pre-mixed henna packs, designed as convenient application kits to simplify the process for customers, making it easier for them to enjoy the benefits of henna at home.
Mentorship and Team Growth at Hennastacious
Over the years, Sanggetha has achieved remarkable success with Hennastacious, and she acknowledges that none of this would have been possible without the support of a dedicated team. A strong, committed team is essential for the growth of any brand or business, and Sanggetha is grateful to have such a team by her side.
She shared, “Since I started offering henna classes in 2015, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring over 100 students. My current team consists of nine highly trained individuals who have been invaluable to my business over the years. While some are recent additions, many have been with me since the early days. I offer six-month contracted internships, which allow them to refine their skills while earning incentives based on their outstanding work. I am truly humbled by their dedication, and I am constantly impressed by the exceptional quality of their artistic creations.”
In 2022, Sanggetha made history as the first in Malaysia to organize a Portrait Henna Competition, an exciting and innovative event that brought together talented henna artists from across the country. This groundbreaking competition, supported by Agenda Suria Communications, showcased the artistry and skill involved in creating intricate, lifelike portraits using henna. The event not only celebrated the creativity of henna artists but also helped elevate the art form within the Malaysian cultural landscape. It was a significant milestone in her journey to expand the recognition of henna artistry on a larger scale.
Overcoming Challenges with Resilience and Determination
Sanggetha has navigated the ups and downs of the henna industry for 15 years, and as with any business, her journey hasn’t been without its challenges. When asked about the difficulties she’s faced, she shared, “Being a henna artist in the wedding industry certainly comes with its ups and downs. One major challenge is that weddings don’t happen every day, so income can be inconsistent. Dealing with clients can also be tricky, as everyone has their own ideas, and it’s not always easy to make everyone happy. Last-minute changes and unexpected situations are common in this field.
I truly believe that the greatest challenges often come from within. Doubts, fear of failure, and the constant pressure to succeed can easily derail even the most passionate entrepreneurs. That’s why cultivating a resilient mindset is crucial. It’s important to view challenges as opportunities for growth, to learn from setbacks, and to stay committed to my vision. Maintaining unwavering self-belief, even in tough times, is essential. Fostering a strong entrepreneurial spirit is something I focus on every day.”
A Message to Aspiring Henna Artists
Sanggetha’s hard work, courage, and determination have paved the way for her success. There are many women with big dreams in the henna art field who still hesitate to take the leap toward achieving their goals.
Sanggetha’s message to them is, “To all the talented Indian girls and women considering a career in henna artistry, I urge you to embrace the entrepreneurial mindset. Building a successful business requires dedication, perseverance, and a strong sense of resilience. Mastering henna artistry comes with consistent practice, attention to detail, and a commitment to continuously improving your skills. Learn from every experience, adapt to the challenges that arise, and never give up on your dreams. Trust your instincts, follow your passions, and let your henna artistry bring you both joy and fulfillment.”
Sanggetha Pillai’s journey with Hennastacious is a true reflection of the power of passion, perseverance, and dedication. From humble beginnings, she has not only built a successful business but has also become a source of inspiration to many aspiring henna artists and entrepreneurs.
With her unwavering commitment to her craft, her innovative approach to product development, and her dedication to mentoring others, Sanggetha continues to make an indelible impact on the henna industry. Her story reminds us that with hard work, resilience, and the courage to pursue one’s dreams, it is possible to turn passion into a thriving, meaningful career. As she looks to the future, Sanggetha’s journey stands as a beacon of inspiration for women everywhere who aspire to follow their creative passions and make their mark in the world.
All the images and information are provided by Sanggetha.
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