The Henna Start-Up

The Henna Start-Up is a young adult romance set in the vibrant city of Bangalore, following Abir Maqsood as she negotiates college life, family expectations, and a bold dream to stand on her own. Aimed at teens and young adults who love stories about ambition, resilience, and first loves, this novel blends humor, warmth, and a dash of adventure to celebrate finding your path. Written in a warm, accessible voice, The Henna Start-Up follows Abir through college corridors, coding sprints, and late-night henna artistry as she imagines a future beyond her parents’ expectations. The book blends romance with the real-world hustle of turning a family henna service into a scalable app, weaving in the dynamics with a complex classmate named Arsalan. The chapters unfold at a comfortable pace, balancing vivid settings, witty dialogue, and practical lessons about creativity, collaboration, and grit that make the startup journey feel both exciting and relatable. A vibrant Bangalore setting that grounds a tech-forward coming-of-age story. Abir Maqsood’s determined, relatable voice as she pursues independence. From a family henna service to a hopeful startup app—exploring funding hurdles and perseverance. Romantic tension with Arsalan, balanced by friendships and mentorship. Accessible look at entrepreneurship, product ideas, and teamwork through a YA lens. Fast-paced, dialogue-driven storytelling with vivid scenes and heart. Readers finish The Henna Start-Up inspired to pursue their own ideas with courage and creativity, feeling hopeful about balancing family, culture, and independence. This warm, empowering tale lingers with you, reminding you that resilience and imagination can turn dreams into reality.