A talented henna artist and digital creator, Nazma has become a beacon of compassion and creativity, using her signature “henna crowns” to restore confidence and joy to women battling cancer. Nazma’s story began in 2017 when she arrived in Doha with aspirations of becoming a teacher. Although she had the qualifications and a deep passion for education, finding a teaching position turned out to be far more difficult than she had imagined. Rather than lose hope, she turned back to her first love — art. Henna had captivated her since the age of 13, and what started as a personal creative outlet soon evolved into something much more meaningful: a calling.
Growing up in a family that believed in giving back to the community, she naturally absorbed that spirit of service. After losing loved ones to cancer and witnessing how the disease often steals away a person’s confidence, she felt compelled to use her talent to bring comfort to others. This desire gave birth to the idea of creating henna crowns for women undergoing chemotherapy.
“For many patients, the loss of hair is emotionally painful,” she says. “I wanted to do something that would help them feel beautiful, strong, and seen again.”
Her henna crowns, intricate designs drawn directly on the scalp, quickly became a symbol of courage and hope. They are not simply artistic creations; they are emotional lifelines.
Stories that touch the heart
Every crown tells a story, and some have stayed with Nazma forever. She remembers one patient who had moved to Qatar and received a cancer diagnosis just three months after arriving. The woman confided that, had she been back home, she might not have survived. Under the care of HMC and the Qatar Cancer Society, she not only recovered but also developed a deep cultural connection to Qatar, shaped by the compassion, support, and healing she experienced throughout her treatment.
“This story filled my heart with so much gratitude,” Nazma says. “It reminded me why I do what I do.”
Nazma’s artistry continues to grow. Recently, she introduced white henna and Jagua henna to her work. Jagua, a natural, fruit-based ink, creates a deep black pigment that stands out beautifully, especially on darker skin tones. It offers an alternative for patients whose skin tones do not show traditional henna well. White henna, a mix of body paint and body glue, adds another layer of creativity and personalisation to her designs.
With every design, Nazma strives for safety, comfort, and individuality. Patch tests are always done before using new materials, and each crown is customised based on the patient’s story and preferences.
The reactions from cancer patients are often deeply emotional, filled with smiles, tears, and heartfelt gratitude. Many express that the henna crowns help them feel confident again during one of the toughest phases of their lives. These moments fuel Nazma’s commitment.
“Every story and every reaction pushes me to be more thoughtful, more creative, and more dedicated,” she says. “Their courage inspires my creativity.”
Empowering women creators in Qatar
Nazma’s work is not limited to henna. She plays an active role in Qatar’s female content creator community, which has grown significantly in recent years. Through mentorship, collaboration, and sharing her own experiences, she has become a supportive voice for women striving to build their presence online.
Her initiative ‘Light Up’ is one example, a platform she created to help women showcase their work, share resources, and grow together. She is now developing new activities under ‘Light Up’ that focus on creative healing and community wellbeing.
Beyond henna and digital content creation, Nazma’s artistic journey has expanded to photography. Alongside a friend, she launched ‘Her Photo Club’, a women-only photography space where participants can learn, practice, and connect through creative expression. With workshops, photowalks, and collaborative sessions, it has become the first women-led photography club in the region.
This project reflects Nazma’s belief that creativity is a powerful tool for self-expression and healing.
Behind her warm smile and uplifting content, Nazma has faced her own creative and personal challenges. During such times, she turns inward, toward her family, her faith, and the small grounding moments of daily life. A walk outdoors, journaling, prayer, or simply reconnecting with the little things that bring her joy often helps her reset. She also finds strength by reflecting on how far she has come.
“That reminder always pushes me to keep going, with gratitude and creativity,” she says.
Nazma is currently working on expanding her therapeutic art approach beyond henna. She plans to introduce painting-based healing sessions where women can express their emotions freely through art. To her, painting is a form of therapy, a space where the mind quiets and the heart speaks through colour and brushstrokes. She hopes to announce more details very soon.
Looking ahead, Nazma envisions a future where her work reaches women across the region. She hopes to build a larger platform that inspires, connects, and empowers, balancing family life with creativity and meaningful community initiatives. She aims to collaborate with brands that share her values and expand her projects into new areas of social impact and artistic expression.
Reflecting on her journey from a 13-year-old henna enthusiast to one of Qatar’s most inspiring creators, Nazma shares one message:
“Follow your heart. People may doubt you, but if your gut says ‘go for it,’ trust yourself and go all in. Stay true to your intentions, work hard, and remember that passion mixed with authenticity can make anything possible.”