Anna and her family are moving to the Big Island from Oklahoma City after hearing the island’s call earlier this year. She has a professional background in urban planning, but is following her heart’s desire to pursue the blessings of henna body art, more traditionally known as mehndi, and bellydance. Anna is a self-taught henna artist; her relationship with henna began with her sister’s request for henna on her pregnant belly. She recently spent several days in Kent, Ohio learning technique from other henna artists at Catherine Cartwright-Jones’ brick-and-mortar henna store, Empire, and currently slings henna at the Velvet Monkey Salon in Oklahoma City. Anna has been a student and performer of dance since she was 6 years old; her early studies were in ballet, tap, and jazz. She was a dancer on the pom squad at the University of Tennessee at Martin during the years 1991-92 and 1992-93, during which time the squad achieved high national ranking in their division. Anna began learning the art of bellydance in Memphis, Tennessee in 1994 under the tutelage of Sadiia Lamm, and was invited to join the Pyramid Dance Company after her first lesson. She performed at Memphis restaurants and private events until moving to Oklahoma City to be near family. While in Oklahoma City, Anna taught bellydance classes at 3rd Street Yoga in Edmond, Oklahoma for three years.

Anna brings with her to the Big Island her two sons Jorik and Finn, ages 9 and 5, her husband Jacob, and her dog Bonnie.

For more information about her Henna Tattoos visit her website.

Visit  www.handfullofblossoms.com for more info or email Anna directly at  anna@handfullofblossoms.com