I’m Jeanette Platania-Harper, a girl raised on an island with a love for family, art, history and kismet.
Untold generations of my family are from Henna and Palermo in Sicily, a Mediterranean island famous for its volcano, lemons, cannoli and brightly colored maiolica art. The town of Henna was named over 3,000 years ago and texts tell of henna body art in Palermo since the 12th century. Even my name, Jeanette, translates to the word henna.
It seems henna and I are connected by the Fates and that has captivated my heart and inspires my art.
As a child, I'd go on adventures with my grandmother - the ocean, the forest, a stream.
I remember sitting beside her and playing with my watercolor paints as she created vibrant oil paintings. I'd dream of being a talented artist like her.
Today, her photo sits beside our intermingled brushes and I dream she sees how my art has flourished.
Although my ancestors' use of henna fell to the wayside, I embraced it and made it my career. As a self-taught artist I refined my skills with world-renown artists acquiring extensive knowledge and experience in a wide variety of styles.
My henna art is created completely freehand using henna paste I hand blend in small batches with the finest organic ingredients. Whether you desire simplistic or extravagant, traditional or contemporary, endless design possibilities await.
My acrylic paintings are influenced by my love of eccentric style, vibrant colors, history and my heritage.
All my works of art are originals, meticulously painted by hand in my NY studio. Every brushstroke intuitively influenced by my deep Sicilian roots.
Creating art brings me joy and I'm thankful to all who support and appreciate my ethnic paintings.
Island Girl Henna is a woman-owned, small, independent business established in 2009.
Decades of business experience and natural artistic abilities have created a successful art career that broke the 'starving artist' mold.
Maintaining a thriving career in art demands high standards for exceptional quality and professionalism. Since art is also my passion, creating beauty and happiness are just as vital for continued success.
I will keep you in mind for future events, because I thought you were the best henna artist I saw in upstate NY. My mom and I are thinking of making a trip down to see you, actually. Thank you for your professionalism!
Great prices and great staff. I'm so impressed with the artwork that they draw out.
It was a pleasure to have you here and everyone really did enjoy your work! I will definitely be sharing your information as well as asking the upcoming president of ISO to re hire you for the upcoming year. Thank you once again!
Throughly impressed and enjoyed the entire process of booking Jeanette for a retreat, she was early, she was pleasant, she got right to work, made everyone feel special and paid attention to detail in giving everyone their own unique design. She even made a family of cardinals upon request that so delighted one of our guests! Would highly recommend her to anyone looking to add some color art to their body. My hand design was absolutely GORGEOUS and I so enjoyed the energy she brought to the retreat home!
Having henna done by Jeanette is a wonderful experience. Island Girl is not only a professional service where you leave with what you wanted, beautifully rendered body-art, but an opportunity to witness a skilled artisan at work.
Jeanette's commitment to customer satisfaction is in my opinion, exemplary.
There is nothing quite like being a canvas for her breathtaking henna.
I highly recommend Island Girl and cannot say enough about how much I have enjoyed my experiences with Jeanette. Jeanette's passion for her craft is contagious and I would encourage anyone who is interested in having henna done to use Island Girl.
Thank you for doing henna at my Sangeet. All the guests were ecstatic over how on point your designs were. Even my Aunties were impressed. I wish I hired you to do my mehndi as well, your talents were far superior. It just proves you get what you pay for. I'll be recommending you to anyone else planning a wedding in the Catskills. Thank you again!
Thank you!!!
Everyone was gushing about your henna. You are really talented. I’m sooo happy to have met you before the wedding!
All of my husband's relatives LOVED my henna. His mom and Aunt said yours was so much better than theirs... Thanks again for doing such a spectacular job!!
I just wanted to thank you for showing us a great time. Everyone loved you and the henna you did. The girls truly enjoyed the experience.
We reduce, reuse, recycle + refuse single-use as much as possible + give back whenever we can for the good of the planet.
This 7'x10' roving micro house serves as our accommodations with all the necessary amenities while at multi-day festivals.
Member of the Greater Delhi Area Chamber of Commerce... Let adventure take you to NY's Catskills Mountains!
Island Girl Henna is owned & operated by Jeanette & Chris Harper of Delhi, NY. We're not affiliated with any person, online identity or business of similar name based outside of Upstate New York.
42°16’34.7”N, 74°55’10.1”W
Copyright © 2009 Island Girl, Jeanette Platania Harper. All Rights Reserved.
Island Girl Henna is a woman owned small business.