‘I wanted to be self-reliant in every possible way’

Afsana Hasan Labbono is a student, a modest fashion influencer and a henna artist. She is the owner and founder of “Labonno’s Henna Artwork”. She recently gave an interview to risingbd, sharing her working experiences and different sights of her life which are given below.

Hello, how are you?
Afsana Hasan Labbono: Hello! I’m good, Allhamdulillah! I’m always great by the mercy of Allah.

From where did you complete your S.S.C and H.S.C?
Afsana Hasan Labbono: I completed my SSC & HSC from Bir Shreshtha Noor Mohammad Public College.

Where and in which subject you are studying currently?
Afsana Hasan Labbono:  Right now I’m studying in Fashion Design at Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology. It was my wish to study in a creative field and I’m doing great in it.

Where are you working right now?
Afsana Hasan Labbono: I’m working on my own business called “Labonno’s Henna Artwork”. Besides that I’m working with some brands as a modest model.
 

Where you used to live in your childhood? Tell us one memorable story from your childhood!
Afsana Hasan Labbono:  By born I’m living in Zigatola, Dhaka. My childhood was amazing in one word. I have tons of memorable stories. But right now the first memorable story that came to my mind is about “Butterfly roller ride!” My grandpa used to take me to Meena Bazar (Zigatola branch) which is now Sha Sha Bari, then I was a tiny little girl. There was one sitter roller ride for children to enjoy an upper ride. That ride was a kind of my fascination. My grandpa knew it and so he always got several tickets for me to ride for a long time. I always waited for that one day through the week to go there. So, my grandpa always took me with him while leaving for groceries. Still, I can see my eyes are sparkling memorising this. I had the best time of my childhood with my grandpa. Now he is no more & may Allah accept him Jannah. He was the strongest personality I’ve ever met & remembering him gives me hope and energy to spark wherever I’m.

Do you want to give any advice to an 18 years old yourself?
Afsana Hasan Labbono: No, not any advice but I wish I can control my emotions in a better way.

Is there anything that you wanted to achieve from your childhood and now you have got that? If yes, then what is that and how did you achieve that?
Afsana Hasan Labbono: I always wanted to be a self-reliant person in every possible way. Like financially and all. Now I’m running a small business on henna and achieving my goal day by day. Also working on my passion to be a successful fashion designer as well. Hope I'll succeed.

In this moment we all know we have got some precious free time. So, what are you doing this time? Are you doing something productive? Then share it with us! We would love to know your activities.
Afsana Hasan Labbono: Firstly, I’m spending much quality time with my family as I couldn’t make it before because of heavy work pressure & now I’m enjoying it. Then, I’m making fashionable hijab tutorials, making progress on my video editing skill and so exploring new editing apps, painting fashion illustration (this is my favourite in this quarantine period). Lastly, I’m helping my family in household deeds and learning so much.

What is your dream job?
Afsana Hasan Labbono: My dream is to be an international Henna artist as well as a bridal designer. I have my plans on it. So, I am preparing myself towards my dream and I believe that little by little success will be mine by the grace of Allah.
 

As I noticed that, you are really a superb henna artist, which I must say, this is really rare in our country. Since when did you start practicing giving henna?
Afsana Hasan Labbono: Thank you for your appreciation. Actually henna is one of those things that I love the most. I got inspiration from a stranger & I started practicing since I was just a kid. I was always thinking of better designs .The fun part is I love to apply henna on other’s hands & I still remember forcing my people, even the guests to apply henna on their hands.

Now you are officially present in the henna art industry. Do you remember the first hand that you designed with henna? Share your experience of that!
Afsana Hasan Labbono: Back in my childhood, I attended my aunt’s wedding. One of her male friends was doing henna on everyone’s hand with passion. I too had it from him. His work made me wonder how a person can make these beautiful designs! Being inspired from that event I decided to do it on my own. My mom supported me, I practiced & got the chance to apply my skill in the following year in another family wedding. I was so excited while applying henna on my aunt as it was my first and it was her wedding too. But I got a warm review from her & all my nervousness was immediately gone.

I see, many brides coming to you as you are really great at this. When you have completed making a design on her hands, then the most beautiful thing happens I must say is the bride's happiness! You play an important role in a bride's life and they will always remember that moment forever. How do you feel at that moment? How do you feel to be a part of their happiness?
Afsana Hasan Labbono: Weddings are obviously one of the most beautiful things in one’s life. So, when a bride comes to me, the first thing I do to hear them out like- their likes & dislikes. This helps me to create a base to make the best design for them. I try my best not to hurry but to put my earnest effort in the whole time with them. I talk with them as a friend which I think helps them to stay comfortable and make a more loving moment on their ‘Mehedi Shondha’. The best part is their expression on my work, I usually receive numerous appreciations, my brides send me photos of them with a wide smile on their faces saying how beautiful the outcome was! Actually nothing is comparable with that contentment to be a part of someone’s happiness. This is heavenly I should say, Allhamdulillah.

As you are working hard on henna design, do you have any plan for the future to do that in a bigger way?
Afsana Hasan Labbono: Yes. All my hard work on henna has the bigger dream to be internationally recognised. I don’t only want me to be better but also want a bigger platform for the henna industry. Through all these years, I met many people who desired to be a henna artist but they didn't have any guidelines. So, I started a skill development coaching with some of them, teaching them every possible way to get better. My students are now doing not only their dream job but also earning to help their families. I am well determined on this process to make the path easier for the younger artists in our country. 
 

Besides this, what do you like to do the most?
Afsana Hasan Labbono: I like to do fashion illustrations, experiment & create new designs. I have my fashion sense from a very early age. So, I always design my own dresses & get my own designer wear till now. This is fun and I love it every time.

After 10 years where do you want to see yourself?
Afsana Hasan Labbono: After ten years, all I want to say to myself is that I was not a nonsense dreamer. That's the thing I want my fellows to achieve also.

In your journey who was always beside you and whom you want to say thanks the most?
Afsana Hasan Labbono: I want to thank my mom. I can’t be enough grateful to her for believing me and supporting me no matter what the situation is.

So, in series #30days30souls you are one of those 30 people. How do feel to take part in this?
Afsana Hasan Labbono: Allhamdulillah. It’s always great to receive the value of one’s work. So, I’m feeling special & inspiring to be a part of it. Thank you so much for the chance.

And also, there are 29 more people like you who are passionate about their work and doing great for the world. Do you want to give any message to them?
Afsana Hasan Labbono: I just want to say one thing that hard work always gets rewarded. So, stay on your track and best of luck.

 

Dhaka/Mukul