How to Book Henna Parties for Holiday Gigs: A Guide for Professional Artists

The holiday season is an exciting time for henna artists, filled with opportunities to showcase your talent at various festive events. From corporate parties to family gatherings, holiday celebrations are the perfect occasion for people to adorn their skin with beautiful henna designs. If you're looking to secure more gigs this season, here are some tips to help you stand out and book those holiday henna appointments.

1. Promote Your Services Early

The holiday season can be busy for everyone, so it’s essential to start promoting your henna services early. Holiday party planning normally starts in September and October! Create festive marketing materials—like flyers or social media posts—that highlight your skills and showcase your designs. Share these on your social media platforms and consider reaching out to local event planners, businesses, and community centers to let them know you're available for holiday parties.

2. Network with Local Businesses

Connecting with local businesses can open doors for holiday gigs. Approach event planners, wedding coordinators, and local shops that may host holiday events. Do you belong to professional groups in your area? You should! Offer to provide henna services at their gatherings, and consider collaborating on promotions. By building relationships with these businesses, you can create a steady stream of referrals throughout the season.

3. Leverage Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool for professional henna artists. Use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to showcase your holiday designs, share client testimonials, and post updates about your availability. Post frequently and regularly.

Consider running a holiday special advertised on your socials to attract more clients—it doesn't need to be a big discount. Engaging with your audience through festive posts and stories can increase your visibility and attract more inquiries for holiday gigs.

4. Create a Holiday-Themed Portfolio

As a professional henna artist, having a themed portfolio can make a significant impact. Showcase your best holiday designs—think snowflakes, ornaments, and festive patterns. To be honest, most of the guests will not even want those themed designs. They'll want your tried and true popular designs, but having these designs will help you get the booking. This specialized portfolio will highlight your versatility. Share this portfolio online and bring it to meetings with potential clients.

Our free henna designs page has five FREE sheets of winter, holiday, and Christmas henna designs!

5. Offer Packages for Group Events

Holiday parties often involve groups, so consider offering special packages for larger gatherings. Whether it’s a corporate event, a family reunion, or a holiday party with friends, group packages can be an attractive option for clients. Offering small discounts for larger parties (for example, 15 extra minutes for parties 3 hours or more) or including additional services, like glitter, can make your offerings even more enticing.

6. Be Professional and Flexible

As a professional, it's crucial to maintain a high standard of service. Let's be honest, many artists seemly flighty. A professional demeanor will go a long way in making you stand out from the crowd. Be responsive to inquiries and flexible with scheduling to accommodate your clients' needs. Working with a contract, arriving on time, being courteous, and providing an exceptional experience will leave a lasting impression and increase the likelihood of referrals and repeat business.

7. Follow Up After Events

Once the holiday season is over, don’t forget to follow up with clients. A simple thank-you message or a request for feedback can go a long way in building lasting relationships. Consider sending a discount offer for future bookings to encourage them to return for other events throughout the year.

Remember, you are looking for repeat bookings!

Holiday Wrap Up

Securing holiday party henna gigs requires a blend of proactive marketing, networking, and professionalism. By promoting your services early, building connections with local businesses, and showcasing your holiday-themed designs, you can attract more clients and make the most of this festive season. So, get ready to spread joy and creativity through your henna art at holiday gatherings this year!

Good luck!
Jody