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Photos by Jessica Daniels Photography (http://www.portland-vancouver-senior-portraits.com/home)

What made you decide to get a henna crown?

I saw Henna Heals and thought the idea of a henna crown was so beautiful. I thought that this would finally give me the little push I needed, that extra confidence to come out and help tell my story. Plus I always thought just a bald head was boring, so I figured why not make my head a canvas. A piece of art, with a story behind it.

Did your henna crown have an impact on the way you viewed your situation? (Cancer, Alopecia, etc.)

I’ve always thought that having alopecia was terrible and that I was not like “normal girls”. I felt everyday that I wasn’t beautiful. The key word though that I am saying is “was”. This was in the past. I’ve grown to appreciate what I have. I’ve realized that being bald IS beautiful. After receiving my henna crown I did a complete turn around. It did give me that extra push and that extra confidence I needed to come out and feel beautiful and tell my story.

How did others respond to your henna crown? (friends, family, strangers..)

Everyone I knew responded so positive. I surprised people with my story. I made people cry. People I didn’t eve know were so supportive. I helped others feel beautiful. I even got apologies from the ones who hurt me because of what I had.

Did your henna crown have any greater significance to you than meets the eye?

I don’t know how to answer this, but what I do know is it changed how I view myself, you made a huge impact on my life.

Do you have any suggestions for me on ways to make my client’s experience the best possible?

To be completely honest Abby you did an amazing job. I love your work; keep doing what you are doing. Thank you.

Anything else?

“Bald is Beautiful”

-Madison

How did you hear about my senior project?

A friend forwarded the news video posting of your project on facebook and I commented on it, saying "Pick Me!"... and you did!

What was your experience like getting your crown done? How did you feel during your appointment?

I enjoyed meeting you and your parents. Your home is very inviting and I felt very comfortable while you were applying the henna. It is an interesting sensation and I was excited to see the results.

Did your henna crown have an impact on the way you viewed yourself?

Although I am pretty comfortable with my Alopecia, I have gotten out of the habit of shaving my head to the skin and have been wearing wigs more than I used to. So it was a change to have my head exposed so much. I really enjoyed having art on my head, and I spent more time looking at myself than I usually do. I stopped wearing a wig during the time the decoration lasted, and wore scarves or hats for warmth instead - it was a nice change.

Would you consider getting another, and would you encourage others experiencing hair loss to get a henna crown? If so, why?

Oh I would love to have another! And yes, I would definitely encourage others to get a henna crown... I think calling it a crown is perfect because you feel really special.

Did your henna crown experience differ from your expectations? Explain.

I guess I didn't really have any expectations - I was open to having whatever art you wanted to do. I have had henna before, so I knew a little about the process. The care sheet you gave me helped a lot.

Do you have any suggestions for me on ways to make my client’s experience the best possible?

I really can't think of anything. You are a very kind and caring person, and a very good hostess.

Anything else?

Thank you so much for this experience!

-Kat

What made you decide to get a henna crown?

I saw Abby’s article in the Columbian and then saw her interview on KGW news the same day! IT sounded like a fun experience. I mentioned it to my good friend, Cassi Marshall , who happened to know Abby. Abby then emailed me and we set a date for my Henna crown!

What was your experience like getting your crown done? How did you feel during your appointment?

I felt pampered!! Abby has a very gentle touch and she played soothing music during our appointment. It was very relaxing.

Did your henna crown have an impact on the way you viewed yourself?

After seeing my crown for the first time, I was blown away! It was absolutely beautiful and so much more intricate than I expected. My daughter took many pictures at the appointment and when we got home she immediately posted them on Facebook. It was the first time I had publicly shown my bald head. I received so many wonderfully positive comments from family and friends. I truly felt loved and beautiful!

Would you consider getting another, and would you encourage others experiencing hair loss to get a henna crown? If so, why?

I would absolutely get another crown and would wholeheartedly encourage others to get one. This was a sweet experience for me all around. I loved meeting a Abby, a young woman who selflessly brings beauty to those of us who are feeling less than beautiful.

Did your henna crown have any greater significance to you than meets the eye?

I have always been told that beauty is skin deep or that beauty comes from within. However, going through the ugliness of disease and worry, you tend to forget that. It was very nice to have a couple of hours of pampering and feeling pretty!

Also, I brought my 3 daughters with me to my appointment. This was a wonderful mother/daughters outing. And, my middle daughter, Hannah, who is a journalism/design major at Western Washington University became very interested in Abby’s project and the Henna Heals organization. She has interviewed and written a story about Henna Heals for her school magazine. And she also wants to try to learn the art of henna tattooing!!

Do you have any suggestions for me on ways to make my client’s experience the best possible?

Nope, it was perfect!

Anything else?

Thank you Abby!! Blessings to you and your future endeavors!

-Debbie

How did you hear about my senior project?

Internet, Henna Heals

Did your henna crown have an impact on the way you viewed your situation? (Cancer, Alopecia, etc.)

It gave me confidence to go hat free, I had fun and wish it had lasted longer.

How did others respond to your henna crown? (Friends, family, strangers..)

I received so many compliments; at the grocery store, gas station, at work...very positive. My hair is just starting to grow back, but for a while I was contemplating a scalp tattoo if it decided not to grow again. I felt like I had some options which is comforting.

Did your henna crown experience differ from your expectations? Explain.

Not really. I first saw a Facebook post of a henna crown and immediately thought "this is exactly what I need". I thought it was soo cool, and it was.

Do you have any suggestions for me on ways to make my client’s experience the best possible?

I only have one suggestion. To extend the life of the crown, you suggested chapstick. I bought some but couldn't tolerate the chemicals. I just used coconut oil.

Anything else?

THANK YOU! I thought you did a wonderful job; both with your artwork and with your care and support. I hope you have a wonderful summer trip!

-Sandi