Belfast High’s designs on new product

Belfast High’s ‘Source’ team has launched a range of hand-decorated candles featuring bespoke designs applied with henna, or ‘mehndi’.

Popular as decorations on the skin during special occasions like weddings in many Asian and Middle Eastern cultures, the complex patterns of henna art have been marvelled at for thousands of years, and this local team of enterprising pupils is working to increase interest by bringing an ancient art form to Northern Ireland.

Amy McGuckian, the team’smanaging director, said: “Four of our team members already had the skills to create beautiful henna designs, so to develop a unique product, we decided to work with their artistic backgrounds to craft a product that displays the unique patterns of mehndi and introduces this amazing art form to local buyers.”

“Belfast High has encouraged students to tap into their entrepreneurial spirit for many years, with previous products and enterprises launched by students including flowers and handy shopping bags.

“This year, the school’s team will provide an educational factor to their project by visiting local primary schools to inform them of traditional henna cultures as well as giving younger students the chance to design their very own henna candle.

“These French vanilla scented candles are designed and decorated by members of the Young Enterprise Team. Each candle is then painted with a sealant and packaged in cellophane before being sent to local outlets. Candles are available from locations including Indian restaurants like Nu Delhi in Belfast and Belfast High School. The team is also negotiating with local independent retailers to sell their candles.”

Prices range from £4 for a candle with small designs to £8 for a candle with intricate designs.

For more information on Belfast High’s Young Enterprise team or to purchase a unique henna candle visit www.facebook.com/SourceYoungEnterprise or follow the team on Twitter @YE_Source.