Pavan Ahluwalia-Dhanjal

For South Asian Heritage Month, Models1 teamed up with Pavan Beauty. Founder and creator Pavan has a lifelong passion for discovering and sharing her British-Indian heritage through fashion and beauty. Her entrepreneurial parents have inspired her tenacious attitude, which led Pavan to be the first to bring henna to the high street through the successful launch of henna bars and pop-ups in Topshop and Selfridges, to name a few.

But her accolades don’t end there. Pavan was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2018 for her services to beauty and holds two Guinness World Records for the fastest henna artist. In 2023, Pavan was appointed as an Advisory Board Member of the British Beauty Council. She continues to inspire and bring Indian body art to the world stage, ensuring that this beautiful heritage gets the spotlight it deserves.

QUESTIONS WITH GRAZIA INDIA

What first drew you to the art of Henna, and how did you develop your skills over time?

I was at a family wedding, and saw the henna being applied.  I really wanted to have a go and just picked up a henna cone, there was no turning back after that I was hooked! I kept practicing on friends and family, giving them no choice but to be covered in my henna designs that were terrible at that point! Haha! But I kept going, it was relaxing, therapeutic and just something I could get lost in.

Can you discuss the importance of cultural representation in the beauty industry and how you contribute to it?

I never realised the importance of cultural representation until the last few years, and I have had my brand for 10 years now! I kind of just accepted the lack of representation at the beginning of my career and before that growing up with no foundation that matched my skin or having to mix lipsticks to match my skin.  There is a wonderful shift that has come into place, where so many beauty regimes are becoming a staple in the beauty industry.  I feel so proud to be able to contribute to that, henna is such an integral part of our culture and to be able to offer this to a wider market brings me so much joy.  It’s so important to feel seen and represented, and I hope we do that for our community. (Can you tell I could talk about this for hours).

What challenges did you face when launching Henna services in mainstream retail and Highstreet? 

Looking back, I can clearly see the challenges, however when I was in the stage of launching, I literally paid no attention to them.  I didn’t look at the obstacles, my goal was to find a way in.  I can now see in hindsight, perception, stereotypes, capital, and experience all played a part in creating a challenging journey, BUT we did it and it just got more and more resilient along the way.  There are still challenges we face today, but it just makes the fruit that much sweeter.

Can you describe the experience of achieving two Guinness World Records for the fastest Henna artist?

This is what really put me on the map, I did a degree in Marketing and knew this would be a great USP for me. When I do mention the World Record, people think I am joking, so I really am grateful for the gravitas of the award and what it has done for my career

How do you maintain the quality and authenticity of Henna used in your services?

I make sure my girls are trained and know everything about our special formulas. We ensure we have monthly meet ups to see the quality of work and make sure we keep our standards sky high, whilst ensuring this is always done authentically. 

What are some of your favourite Henna designs or patterns, and why do they resonate with you?

I love big, bold designs, anything that really makes a statement, I am about that one thing stands out.

How has your work with the British Beauty Council impacted your perspective on the beauty industry?

Tremendously, and positively. I have much more of an insight of the beauty industry and have met so many likeminded brands and minds that have championed us.  There is a lot to be done in the industry, but it is so heartwarming to know that is being done and positive changes are being made.

What have been some of the key milestones in your career, and how have they shaped your professional journey?

Key Milestones would be my Guinness World Records, launching in over 10 department stores globally, and receiving an honour from the Queen for Services to Beauty.

How do you see the future of Henna artistry evolving, and what role do you hope to play in that evolution?

I know in the next 10 years there will be many more henna bars and brands globally, it will become a staple across the world, and I know we are going to be known as the brand to do that. Henna will be in retails stores and be sold just like a lipstick! 

Can you share any upcoming projects or collaborations that you are excited about?

We have so many fingers in may pies at the moment! I cannot wait to share with you what we are up to, but the main word is GLOBAL!!

CREDITS

Model Kerethika @xxkerethika @models1
Henna by Pavan Beauty @pavanbeauty
Makeup & Hair by Tasnim Nahar @tasnim_makeupartist
Production Phoebe Lascelles @byphoebel @phoebe.lascelles