Malaysian henna tattoo artist with short-limbed dwarfism earned as little as RM7 a day during the pandemic

Namvinsha wants to prove that the disabled community has what it takes to survive in times of hardship. Photos: Namvinsha Kaur

Henna tattoo artist Namvinsha Kaur, 30, yearns for the days when she was earning a steady income before the pandemic.

Like many other Malaysians whose livelihoods have been affected by Covid-19 and movement restrictions, Namvinsha has seen a drastic drop in customers.

In fact, the Taiping, Perak-based person with dwarfism averages one customer a day and earned a meagre RM7 for a simple hand art design during her worst days.

"Before the pandemic, I could earn up to RM1,000 a month, especially during religious festivals or wedding seasons. Times are tough, not only for me but for many other Malaysian business owners as well. But I am confident our businesses will improve as more people get vaccinated," said Namvinsha, who was born with achondroplasia, also known as short-limbed dwarfism.

Namvinsha launched her henna art business in 2014 as she had difficulties securing an office job despite graduating with a Diploma in Management with Multimedia.

Namvinsha graduated with a Diploma in Management with Multimedia from Multimedia College in 2012. However, she had difficulties securing an office job, prompting her to launch her business in 2014.

"I submitted numerous applications to companies in Kuala Lumpur and Perak but sadly, I did not get any replies. I was jobless for a few years and was entirely dependent on my mum, who was working as a supervisor in a department store.

"I felt sad because I was putting a heavy burden on my mother who has supported me throughout my life. Then I decided to venture into henna artwork to earn a living," said Namvinsha, who attended several henna workshops before launching her business.

Soon, Namvinsha became adept in the ancient art form, designing temporary skin decorations on hands and legs. She specialises in intricate Indian henna creations – focusing on flowers, leaves and elaborate bridal designs – and shares photos on her Facebook account.

Single mother Harminder Kaur (left) is proud of her special child Namvinsha.

Through her hard work and perseverance, she clinched the Malaysian Indian Network of Entrepreneurs' Woman Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2018 and the Small Medium Indian Business Association Malaysia's Most Inspiring Businesswomen award in 2019.

Despite her current hardship, the spunky lady isn't ready to give up.

"I am striving to continue my business, even though I am struggling to survive. I want to prove that the disabled community has what it takes to survive in times of hardship," explained Namvinsha, who offers her services at her aunt's boutique at Jalan Taming Sari in Taiping.

Namvinsha credits her mother, Harminder Kaur, 59, as her biggest supporter.

"I was raised by a single mother who has supported me throughout my journey and has been my pillar of strength.

"Disability shouldn't be an obstacle to success. Even though I was born with achondroplasia, I never felt discouraged to excel in my studies nor my business. My advice to other disabled individuals is to always persevere and never give up."