Giana “Gigi” Roque did not spend much time on beaches and parties this summer.
Instead, the incoming Chesterton High School freshman became an entrepreneur.
At 14, the youngest of three Roque sisters started a henna design business, called Henna by Gigi, using an ancient art to craft complex body art designs for more than 30 clients.
“It’s mesmerizing,” said older sister Sophie Roque, staring at the design shape taking form on her hand. “I’m kind of addicted to it, actually.”
In May Gigi Roque bought a henna kit on a lark. One month later, and after practicing the ancient art, her new interest, on friends and family, she opened a business at 119 S. Calumet, off the town square, that already has attracted dozens of clients.
Some clients, like Hunter Brown, of Chesterton, are regulars, while others stop in to the studio before parties or other special events, Roque said.
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“I think it’s impressive (Roque’s) running her own business at such a young age,” Brown said. “And, she’s really, really good at it.”
Started in parts of Africa, the Mediterranean and south Asia, henna is a form of body art that is thousands of years old. The leaves of henna plants are crushed and made into a dye that temporarily stains skin and material for design purposes.
Soft spoken and focused, Gigi Roque squeezes the dye from narrowly tipped tubes in circles and triangles, creating sharp corners and soft curves on hands, feet and even torsos.
Roque said she has her eyes set on becoming a veterinarian, even donating tips and part of her proceeds to a wildlife fund. Customers also can drop change into three glass jars, labeled “tigers,” “bees” and “pandas.”
But, having a business at age 14 is not a bad either, she said.
“I’m not sure what I’ll doing in the school year, but I want to keep going, maybe take appointments,” Roque said. “My mom and I still have to talk about it.”
Michael Gonzalez is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.