‘Whatever I have learnt; I owe it all to this college’

She is a dynamic and multi-talented makeup artist who expertly melds her artistic flair with coding skills. A self-trained makeup artist, she has been practicing her craft professionally for four years. Before embarking on her makeup career, she was a coding instructor at Byju’s, demonstrating adeptness in both domains. Meet Harshita Arora.

Her academic background includes Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Commerce from Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA), laying a robust foundation for her varied talents. She at present, works from her home studio and as a freelancer, where she offers her unique creative services to a diverse clientele. Harshita’s path is a testament to her versatility and dedication to excelling in both the worlds of makeup artistry and coding.

 In a candid interview, Arora, who learnt the nuances of make-up on her own, talks about the challenges she faced and how ACFA helped her overcome them.

Tell us about you and your work.

I am an artistically driven individual with a deep passion for sharing my skills. Over the past three years, I’ve been leading professional classes where I teach and offer makeup services from my home. I take great pleasure in demonstrating my artistic abilities and assisting others in discovering their creative talents.

When did you start with your venture?

I started my venture right after graduation. I began my career in December 2020.

Challenges you faced in your journey.

   As a freelance makeup artist, a major challenge I encounter is transporting large vanity boxes to different venues. The vulnerability of makeup palettes to damage and the fragility of ring lights compound the difficulty of this task. Many makeup artists can likely relate to the logistical hurdles in ensuring our equipment arrives safely and is ready for use at each site.

What made you transition from coding to being a makeup artist?

During the lockdown — COVID-19 — I seized the opportunity to learn coding, which enabled me to earn a decent income. Eventually, I discovered my artistic side and chose to transform my passion into a profession, thus beginning my career as a makeup artist. Although this transition presented numerous challenges, I am satisfied with the decision I made.

How did ACFA hone your skills?

My educational experience at ACFA has been incredibly valuable. I attribute everything I’ve learned so far to this institution. The support and guidance from the teachers played a crucial role in making my journey enriching and meaningful.

Memories you cherish about your college days.

I forged numerous friendships during my time at college, for which I am deeply grateful. A significant aspect is that I have maintained these connections over time. Beyond that, I also developed strong relationships with several faculty members in the department. These bonds, both with peers and teachers, have been a source of continuous support and inspiration in my journey. Their diverse perspectives and shared experiences have enriched my personal and professional growth, making my time at the college not just educational, but also socially and emotionally rewarding.

Any tips you want to give to aspiring artists?

Embracing self-belief has always been my guiding principle. I firmly believe that nothing is impossible – in fact, the word ‘impossible’ itself suggests ‘I am possible’. Faced with skepticism, I am driven to seek solutions and demonstrate my ability to surmount any challenge. The adage ‘where there’s a will, there’s a way’ resonates deeply with me, reinforcing my conviction that determination paves the path to success.