I became a professional henna artist in 2001 as a way to earn a little extra money while staying home to raise and homeschool my three sons.  Soon after, I expanded my company to offer new body art services and to include other women from my home-school support group. 

In 2003, I wrote the book, How to Start Your Own Henna Body Art Business. I have always wanted to be a teacher and decided to combine my love for teaching and my love for body art into a new career as a body art instructor.  I became one of the founding board members for the International Certification for Natural Henna Arts.  Teaching naturally led to selling the products that my students needed and in 2004 the company, Amerikan Body Art, was born. 

I always get people who ask why I spell Amerikan the way that I do so here’s the story…
Once upon a time in the 90’s when I was living as a bohemian hippie-girl in Orlando, I was introduced to a singer from a local Reggae band.  I said, “I’m Erika,” but she heard, “Amerika,” and the name just stuck.  A couple of my friends still call me Amerika today. Since I spell my name, Erika, I figured I’d spell my company name, Amerikan.

In 2006, I decided to focus on the supply and instruction side of things, developing my own line of products and traveling to tradeshows and conventions all over the world.  I had to give up the local body art business, but had plenty of former students who were willing to take it over for me.

The company is ever-expanding and I try to hire strictly stay-at-home moms from my homeschool support group to help with the manufacturing and assembling part of the business as well as for some of the administrative jobs.

I only sell the products which I would feel confident using on myself and my children.  We test everything thoroughly on ourselves and on our friends before introducing them to the public. 

Offering only the highest quality body art products, continuing education for body artists, and great customer service for everyone will always be Amerikan Body Art’s top priorities.