The Henna Start-Up by Andaleeb Wajid is a heartfelt, uplifting story that beautifully blends themes of resilience, creativity, and self-discovery within the vibrant tapestry of South Asian culture. With her signature warmth and relatability, Wajid introduces us to Hibah, a young woman navigating the aftermath of betrayal while rebuilding her life—one henna design at a time.

What struck me most was how naturally the author captured the emotional weight of starting over, especially as a woman in a conservative society where judgment often comes faster than support. Hibah’s journey from heartbreak to empowerment isn’t just inspiring—it feels deeply authentic. You root for her not because she’s flawless, but because she’s trying, faltering, learning, and standing up again.

The henna artistry in the book isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a metaphor for beauty created out of patience, pain, and precision. I appreciated the way Wajid highlighted Hibah’s growing confidence through her art and the meaningful connections she builds with other women along the way. The community aspect, especially the intergenerational bonds and the subtle nods to sisterhood, added a special depth to the narrative.

While some plot points wrapped up a little more neatly than real life usually allows, the satisfying arc left me feeling hopeful, which is exactly what I needed from this read. It’s not just a story about a start-up—it’s a story about starting over, believing in your worth, and allowing your craft to heal you.

Highly recommend for fans of strong female protagonists, cultural fiction, and stories where small beginnings blossom into something beautiful.

This book felt like such a refreshing slice-of-life read, and I really enjoyed it! The Henna Start-Up is a story rooted in family, ambition, and second chances—with a strong cultural backdrop that felt warm, familiar, and real. It was easy to get drawn into the everyday details of Lubna’s life as she tries to find her footing again after a failed marriage.

I really liked Lubna’s character. She’s navigating so much—motherhood, societal expectations, financial independence—and yet she still finds the courage to start over. Her decision to launch a small henna business felt so organic, and I loved that the book celebrated something as traditionally feminine and creative as mehndi as a form of empowerment.

The writing is simple and accessible, which worked well for this kind of story. It didn’t try to be overly dramatic or intense; instead, it focused on the quiet strength of a woman trying to reclaim her identity and self-worth. I especially appreciated how grounded the story felt in South Asian culture without relying on stereotypes. The family dynamics, the community gossip, the subtle expectations—it all felt authentic.

That said, I did wish for a little more emotional depth in some moments. There were opportunities to dig deeper into Lubna’s heartbreak, her relationship with her ex, or even her budding romantic interest—but those parts sometimes felt a bit rushed or surface-level. Still, the charm of the story carried it through.

The Henna Start-Up is a heartwarming, feel-good read about resilience, starting over, and finding purpose on your own terms. If you enjoy books about women rediscovering their strength with a rich cultural setting and a touch of romance, this one is definitely worth picking up.

Oh, this was such an amazing read! This is my cue to read more of Indian YA authors. Abir is a force to reckon with. She's an inspiration for other young girls - she's determined, steadfast, messy, and teensy bit insecure about her backgrounds. But she never backs down from what she believes in. She wants to make an app to help her mother's henna business? She will. She doesn't want to get married this early on in life? She'll give her all and take a stand for herself. I absolutely adored her character.

All the side characters were pretty awesome as well. Her best friend, Keerthi, was one of the few people who's always ready to expand her horizons (trust me, we need more of such people). Her mother has different sides that we get to know as the book progresses. And Arsalan? Damn, boy won everyone's heart.

The only hiccup with this book, in my opinion, would be the fact that it was so short. There were some storylines that didn't meet any resolution. Plus I would have appreciated a little more insight into the lives of Abir's nani and Arsalan. But, oh gosh, I can't wait to read more of Andaleeb Wajid's books!!

BOOK: THE HENNA START UP
AUTHOR: ANDALEEB WAJID
PUB DATE:
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REVIEW- 3.8 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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THINGS I LIKED
1. The FMC's go getter attitude
2. The FMC's friend, Keerthi and younger sister, Amal
3. The ending
4. The storyline, I liked reading this book
5. Pride and Prejudice- like romance
6. How the FMC supported her mom
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THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE
1. The book was confusing in the sense that they were a lot of words I was not familiar with and the author did not provide a translation.
2. The FMC's mother. Her meek attitude was not to my liking. Besides, she encouraged an arranged marriage for a seventeen years old
3. The FMC's father, his ego was annoying.
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This book was good, i enjoyed it, i just didn't like some things. I have mixed feelings about Abir's relationship with Arsalan. But, I'd recommend this book

The highlight of The Henna Start-Up is Abir, who is an excellent main character. She is figuring out who she is and making others see her. I didn't get as into the app storyline or the romance, but still enjoyed the book.

I pretty much knew when I requested this book that I was gonna love it. And I very much did. The characters felt so realistic that I had a hard time putting the book down. I pretty much read in two sittings and absolutely devoured it. I was actually pretty sad that it came to an end as I was really enjoying it. Definitely would love a follow up of this story but that may just be me.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc

In this fascinating young adult romance novel, readers follow teenager Abir Maqsood, who has big dreams of going to university and working in tech after she finishes college in her home city of Bangalore. However, her traditional parents are planning for her marriage in the near future, something Abir wants to avoid at all costs. When her mother’s latest henna client shortchanges her, Abir decides to construct a henna app that her mother can use to get paid by her clients and present it at the student startup fair at her college. However, there are a few obstacles with her plans and her future, and Abir must find a way to make her own path without losing her family forever. Dealing with the struggles of family pressure, peer pressure, and the balance of modern and traditional expectations, this novel is relatable and honest in its depictions of the challenges of young adulthood. Abir is a fantastic, realistic, and flawed heroine, while her relationships with her family and peers are also relatable and realistic in their high and low moments. A complex, interesting, and refreshingly honest read, Abir and her collegiate and social trials are complicated, emotional, and deeply relatable to readers.

This book was such a gun read. I liked it so much. I liked her confidence and the respect she has for herself and knowing what she wants. I liked it so much.

I got an e-arc of this book on NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Heena Start-up by Andaleeb Wajid is a young-adult book, which I think, adults can read as well. But for adults, it is necessary to approach the premise of the book without any disdain since the central characters are teenagers.
I enjoyed reading the book immensely. Abir, the main protagonist, felt like a girl after my own heart. this is mostly because I lot of my past young adult-teen self in her: an 180year-old girl studying science, dealing with titration and derivatives, listening to songs in bus while traveling to college, juggling between hormones-fuelled crushes and sensibility-led ambitions, and trying to smash patriarchy and misogyny.
I like that Andaleeb Wajid didn't make Abir's boy problems a central plot point. But yet, she did a meta connection, by putting in a reference to enemies-to-lovers genre of books, which fortunately/ unfortunately Abir was not aware of. It is only her friend Keerthi who tell her about it.
Also, I liked how the characters in the book become friends accidently and not deliberately, just like how it happens in real life for a lot of people.
While I enjoyed the book, the ending seemed a bit rushed. The resolution of the narrative is like a happily-ever-after and quite movie-like. For a moment, I thought, the ending was an episode of Abir's dreams. It was a bit hard to take in, mostly because a major part pf the plot was too close to what most 18 years-old girls in conservative families go through. But, apart from the rushed ending, the book is worth reading.

Thanks to Netgalley and Independent Publishers Group and Duckbill for sending a copy of the book for review.

This book felt like a saga courage. Abir made me feel that there is no age for dreaming and doing what your heart feels. Coming from a background and family where girls are discouraged from even stepping out of their homes, She overcame her self doubt, dared to dream and find a way to make them true. The love triangle and the star crossed lovers trope gave the book a dramatic and young adult romance touch.
The themes of friendship, sisterhood and mother daughter bond was very special to read about. The small chapters made it really easy to finish the book quickly

The Henna Start-Up really made me wish for a real life app where I could readily find a henna artist. As a brown woman, I loved how Andaleeb took an accessible skill and redefined it. Much like Abir she's written a character that's fresh and ready to carve a new path.

The Henna Start Up really showcases how technology can be utilized to do something good, and how young people embrace technology and attempt to mould it into something new. Creating the app is a big part of the novel and with every step Abir Maqsood also grows. It's beautifully mirrored and shows the sacrifices it takes to bring this app to life while also proving her work is worthy. You can see the courage, and most importantly the agency!

Andaleeb Wajid also showcases how financial freedom for women of colour can truly change the power structure of a household. Discussions of equality, classism, and social mobility are all subtly woven into the narrative. Yes, there's also a romance! It's cute and easily blooms.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Independent Publishers Group | Duckbill for providing an ARC.

Thank you, NetGalley and Publisher for approving my request for this amazing ARC.
This was my first read of Andaleeb despite having more than 40 books I have never crossed her I'm confused why?? Devoured this book in 2 days and ohh god how much I missed this feeling. It's getting hard to find the books you can actually find yourself drowned in but this was definitely THE ONE to read.
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This book made me feel so many things; most importantly, I started missing school and college desperately. The main character Abir was so relatable and I loved her for this. As a desi girl, I agreed with her thoughts and decisions. Even when she was confused between Arsalan and Sahil, it was legit.
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The ML Arsalan was so supportive and a literal soft boy. I enjoyed their bantering even though it wasn't that much but still so cute and funny.
I loved Keerthi too, I was so suspicious of her in the start because of her interest in Arsalan but over time she showed how loyal, quirky, and energetic she was. I started to find her character fun especially I loved that scene when she made Abir read enemies to lovers books cause YES GURL WE BELIEVE IN THIS TROPE.
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The end was concluded greatly except idk what happened to him in the end but who cares?

I really wanted to like this book. The premise sounded like something I'd enjoy. But I couldn't get into the story. The writing left me wanting more, and give off a young vibe for Abir. I normally like YA books but this one just seemed to feel a little young for me. Maybe others will enjoy this one!

Thanks to NetGalley and Duckbill for this ARC!

The Henna Start-up is set in Bengaluru, India, a city known well known for its tech industry. This story is of a 17 year old girl about to go to college. She has spunk, is brave and reaches for her goals above all with determination. A short sweet quick read I enjoyed.

Book title: The henna startup
Author: Andaleeb wajid

“one lesson I’ve learned early on in life is that we have to choose our battles.”

The henna startup is about Abir, a 17-year-old girl whose dream is to become a software engineer. But because she belongs to a conservative family, she has to fight for her dreams.
I love the bond she shared with her mother, sister, & her samreen Khaala(mother’s sister). She has the firmest dad, but I was astounded when I learned about his sweet gesture towards Shahahna (abir’s mother).

I love Abir’s resilience in helping her mom achieve her dream of a successful henna business. I won’t let out a spoiler on this, as it was very intriguing how Abir is hell-bent on helping her mother achieve what she likes thereby keeping her dreams intact.

The book uncovers, a firm & conservative family, the challenges daughters face after attaining a certain age thereby keeping their careers and dreams, and studies at the backburner only to fit in the society for its unrealistic idea of ideal married women.


There’s a lot of drama between Arsallan-Abir -Sahil. We can call it a love triangle. I didn’t like Sahil’s character, although he was kind enough to help Abir her mother start the henna app, I didn’t like his irrational decision to ask Abir’s hand in marriage. Arsallan’s character is a bit of nasty in the start but later he falls for Abir. Abir too has feelings for Arsalan but is reluctant to accept them because of his past doings and his untoward behavior.

The best part about the book was the ending when Abir landed the funding for the app she had worked for and faced the backlash for. It all bore fruit at the end. The second best part was she received a very thoughtful gift from her father, Which I won’t reveal. Wait till September 10, 2024, to uncover this beautiful journey of Abir & her family.

I would highly recommend this book to all teenagers and people in their early 20s to read this book. It will be very relatable, especially if you are someone with dreams and are rebellious enough to face the heat no matter how many obstacles hit your way.