Today we’d like to introduce you to Bisma Fareed.
Hi Bisma, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up in Southern California has been an interesting experience. I did not have a lot of guidance and was a troubled teen. Fortunately so, I found lasting friendships amongst the communities I explored. Through these experience’s, I was able to inspire and be inspired through the arts, the sciences, and passions of other people. I decided to go back to school to pursue a degree on environmental science and applied myco-remediation, all while starting a small business of my own.
Now I manage a small business in Henna Tattoos. An art from that is traditional to my culture. I started doing henna tattoos as a kid with my family during festivals, weddings, and other events. In the states I would do these magical henna tattoos on myself and my friends. It felt natural to bring Henna to beaches, festivals, and parties. I have been managing my business for about six years, but practicing my skill for over a decade. I plan to continue this little side hustle hand in hand with studying plastic eating fungi.
My career in enviromental sciences started when I introduced to a Ted Talk by Paul Stamets during COVID. I switched my major and dove in deep into the sciences. I felt this fire in my soul encouraging me to pursue this path. Now, I am fortunate enough to work in a lab in LA side by side other Dr.’s in my feild.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has not been smooth. In fact. It has been very bumpy. Through it all, I persist. Many of the struggles I faced were out of my control. I dealt with deep family strain, difficult relationships, and mental health struggles. Life really kept lighting fire underneath me. It still does. I keep going.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At heart, I am an artist. I find creative ways to apply my knowledge in myco-remediation but on my spare time I am finding different patterns to try for my henna buisness. I focus on alternative and new patterns that are far from the norm or the traditional patterns. I feel that it challenges my ability and allows me to try something outside my comfort zone.
I feel like challenging myself creatively allows me to see my studies and other sciences in a different perspective. This creative trait is necessary in all aspects of my life.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The industry of plastic eating fungi is one I see growing expenentionally in the next 5-10years. There have been breakthroughs regarding the potential of of mushy friends in cleaning and remediating our oceans and lands. Efforts in studying the mushrooms ability to break down fast fashion pollutants, micro-plastics, and other toxins is on the rise.
Henna tattoos on the other hand is a tradition in my culture I do not see going away. Weddings, festivals, beaches, and so many different events use henna tattoos as a medium to express beauty, creativity, and individuality.
Pricing:
- $10 Small Henna
- $20 Medium Henna
- $25 Free style
- $30+ Large Henna
Contact Info:
