Usually, the designs drawn on the bride are never repeated on the guests. But there are exceptions. For those who like to go all the way in a wedding ceremony, Sattouna draws uniform designs on the arms of the maids of honour, depending on which side of the couple each of them will stand, and on their hands if they are to hold candles or throw salt or flower petals at them. Starting at LE15, Sattouna's artwork may cost up to LE50 or more per design. But prices don't deter customers.
Some women ask for snakes, butterflies or Pharaonic designs.
Once a bride asked me to draw a scorpion on her navel. Many of her animal designs also find their way onto the arms, chests, and legs of macho men who like to show off at the beach, club, or at parties. Whatever the preferences, Sattouna's plastic cone and her henna nights are the linchpins of her rise to fame. What many people don't know is that she is also a budding singer and actress. But they may not have heard of her success as a singer in Europe, where she holds up to 20 concerts per year.