Ubah Kahiye was born in 1987 in Somalia. Her childhood was afflicted with images of gruesome violence and war. When Ubah was only 9 years old, a vehicle resembling a tank launched a bomb at her home while she was still inside. The house crumbled and fell on top of her. She was the only one in the home to survive. For the next three years, Ubah was hospitalized due to the injuries she suffered. Unfortunately, that attack on her home, her family, and her physical ability was not a singular incident. Another raid led to the brutal deaths of more family members.

At the age of 12, Ubah was fostered by an older woman who was sick and could not help her much. At that point, Ubah’s father had died and her mother was mentally ill, so no one was taking care of her. The older woman helped Ubah escape her war-torn home, at 17 years old, to relocate to a refugee camp. That was when Ubah discovered her ability to make art. She began practicing Henna to support herself in the camp, as refugees are not given money, only rations of food. This marked the beginning of Ubah’s journey to self-sufficiency.

Ubah started painting last year in the U.S. because it is more versatile than Henna. She says that painting makes her happy and smile, it is very therapeutic for her. She can express her feelings and cope with her traumatic experiences. Her art is a means of telling her story. Some of her paintings depict memories from her village and her childhood. She also takes pride in the fact that she is a painter, as it is something from her own mind that she can do herself.

Henna Prices (per person): 

Small Design: $5

Full Hand: $10

Hand and Wrist: $15