Alumni Speak
‘The artistic vibe at Apeejay still lives with me’
Harshita Arora shares how her journey from B.Com to M.Com at Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar led her to become a full-time makeup artist and educator
Turning passion into profession isn’t easy – but for Ms Harshita Arora, an alumna of Apeejay College of Fine Arts, it was all about persistence, self-belief, and the right environment. With degrees in commerce and a love for creative expression, Harshita is now a full-time makeup artist who teaches both basic and advanced professional makeup courses – online and offline. In this insightful conversation, she opens up about how Apeejay shaped her mindset, gave her wings, and supported her multidimensional journey.
Read edited excerpts:
How did Apeejay College of Fine Arts influence your entrepreneurial journey?
Apeejay was more than just a college for me – it was a place that nurtured values. The teachers not only supported my academics but helped me balance my passions too. During B.Com, I couldn’t attend classes regularly, yet, my professors made sure I got all the notes and guidance I needed. That kind of flexibility taught me time management and discipline – skills that now help me juggle clients, classes, and creativity.
You’ve studied commerce, taught at BYJU’S, and now run your own makeup classes. How did that transition happen?
After 12th, I did a short baking course and a one-month makeup course from Apeejay. Later, while pursuing B.Com, I joined BYJU’S in September 2020. Just a few months later, in December, I started practicing makeup professionally. Teaching and makeup were both passions – BYJU’S fulfilled one, and makeup allowed me to build something of my own. Eventually, I invested what I earned into setting up my business.
How did your commerce background help you run your makeup business?
A lot, actually. When you’re working for yourself, understanding profit, loss, and basic accounting is essential. Thanks to my B.Com and M.Com degrees, I manage my finances independently – whether it’s tracking client payments, investing in new products, or planning future growth.
How do you stay creatively inspired and manage demanding clients?
Every client is different, and that teaches you something new each day. My goal is always to give the client exactly what they need. Whenever I feel stuck creatively, I turn to podcasts or artistic spaces for inspiration. The artistic vibe at Apeejay, with all its paintings and creative energy, still lives with me.
