Today we’d like to introduce you to Arva Attarwala.
Hi Arva, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I came to the United States in 2005 and had pursued my education in Psychology from India. Unfortunately, none of my credits transfer, and I found myself looking for a new direction. To get out of the house and stay productive, I started doing henna. I had no formal business experience, no clear roadmap, and no idea where it would lead—but somehow, I took that first step.
As my henna business began to grow, I found inspiration in something I had learned from my father. He owned a hardware business and every morning he would call his clients to ask if they needed any supplies, especially if his truck was already headed their way. I applied the same principle to my own work. Whenever I booked a small henna event, I would reach out to past clients and ask if they or anyone they knew needed henna services. Slowly but surely, I built a loyal client base.
After about four years, I began marketing to universities and colleges. As demand increased, clients started asking for additional entertainment services. Rather than turning those opportunities away, I expanded. What started as a one-person henna business evolved into a full-service entertainment company.
Today, I am proud to own Arsaat Party Entertainers, providing a wide range of event entertainment services including Henna, Caricatures, Face Painting, Balloon Twisting, Airbrush Tattoos, Airbrush Apparel, Photo Booths, Chinese Lettering, Hair Tinsel, Character Performers, and much more.
What began as a way to stay busy has grown into a nationwide entertainment company serving clients across the United States. Looking back, I never imagined that a simple henna cone would open the door to such an incredible journey, but it has been a rewarding experience built on relationships, persistence, and a willingness to grow one opportunity at a time.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely was not a smooth road.
When I first started, I did not drive, so my husband would take me to events with our two young children. Many events lasted several hours, which meant my entire family spent long evenings supporting my dream. Looking back, I could not have done it without them.
Once I received my Employment Authorization Document (EAD), I officially registered my company and began expanding the business. Growth brought new opportunities, but it also brought new challenges. Some clients and events that we had worked with for years would suddenly disappear due to changes in management or budget cuts. Every year felt like starting over and rebuilding relationships.
As the company grew and we began providing multiple entertainment services, coordinating artists became another major challenge. Ensuring that entertainers arrived on time, were prepared, and represented the company professionally required constant communication and organization. There were also occasions when clients delayed payment or did not pay at all, yet we still honored our commitments and paid our artists. Supporting the people who worked with us was always a priority.
Perhaps the biggest sacrifice was personal time. Most events take place on weekends, evenings, and holidays—the same times when family and friends gather. Over the years, I missed countless celebrations, parties, and family events because I was working or managing events. Building a business required sacrifices, patience, and perseverance.
Despite all the challenges, each obstacle taught me something valuable. The struggles helped shape not only the business but also the person I became. Today, when I see Arsaat Party Entertainers providing entertainment services nationwide, I know that every sacrifice and challenge was worth it.
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?
One thing I strongly believe is that you can have great business strategies, but if you do not master your craft, it is very difficult to grow and sustain a successful business.
Henna has always been my primary passion and the foundation of my business. I love the art itself—the attention to detail, the fine and crisp line work, and the ability to create beautiful designs efficiently. Those skills do not come overnight; they come from years of practice, dedication, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Over the years, I have become known for my artistry, professionalism, reliability, and consistency.
Some of the highlights of my career have been providing henna services at high-profile events where I had the opportunity to meet celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Michael Kors, and Nina Garcia. It was also an incredible honor to work as a henna artist on events produced by renowned event designer David Stark. These experiences reinforced the importance of maintaining the highest standards regardless of the size or prestige of the event.
While henna remains at the heart of what I do, I am also proud of building a nationwide network of talented entertainers and artists. Today, through Arsaat, we provide henna artists and a wide range of entertainment services across the United States. One of the accomplishments I am most proud of is our ability to serve clients wherever they need us. For example, companies such as Spencer’s and Spirit Halloween often have store openings in remote locations, and we have consistently been able to source and coordinate qualified artists, even in areas where finding talent can be challenging.
What sets us apart is our combination of expertise, reliability, and reach. We understand both the artistic side and the business side of events. Whether it is a small private gathering or a large national activation, our clients know they can count on us to deliver professional, high-quality entertainment with the same level of care and attention to detail every time.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
One of the most important lessons I have learned is to separate business from personal relationships. Early on, I realized that working for friends and members of my community could sometimes create misunderstandings or uncomfortable situations. As a result, I prefer to provide complimentary services when I choose to support friends, family, or community events rather than treating them as regular business transactions. This approach has helped me maintain strong relationships while avoiding conflicts.
Another lesson I learned is that trust should always be supported by good business practices. No matter how kind, professional, or trustworthy someone may seem, it is important to have clear agreements and payment processes in place. In the event industry, I learned that collecting payment before leaving a private event can prevent many unnecessary challenges later. It is not about distrusting people—it is about protecting your business and the livelihood of the artists who depend on you.
Over the years, I have learned that success requires balancing generosity with professionalism. Being kind and accommodating is important, but having boundaries, contracts, and clear expectations is equally important. Those lessons have helped me build a sustainable business that continues to grow while maintaining strong relationships with clients, artists, and the community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.arsaat.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arsaatpe/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arsaatpartyentertainers
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arsaat/
