Start a henna booth at festivals and markets

Festival-goers, families, teens and tourists looking for a quick design, plus event organizers who hire artists for entertainment.

Set prices for small designs sold in volume, with menu options by size. Some events charge a vendor fee and others pay a flat rate to have you attend.

• Fast, confident design work
• Friendly selling to passers-by
• Setting up and packing down a booth
• Handling queues and busy periods

• Vendor fees, application deadlines and any event insurance requirements
• Commercial general liability insurance, which many events ask for
• Natural henna only; check for allergies and do not use 'black henna'
• Outdoor events are seasonal in most of Canada and weather can cancel a day's takings
• Check municipal vendor or temporary business licence rules, and your GST/HST position

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $300 to $1,500, depending on your booth setup, supplies and any vendor fees. Check application deadlines and event insurance requirements before committing to events.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $300 to $3,000, depending on how many events you attend and how busy they are. Outdoor events are seasonal in most of Canada and weather can cancel a day's takings.

Check vendor fees, deadlines and insurance requirements, since many events ask for commercial general liability cover. Use natural henna only, check for allergies, avoid 'black henna', and check municipal vendor or temporary licence rules and GST/HST.