Vishakha Verma, Founder, Glambush Makeup and Hair Styling Academy

When it comes to makeup, some artists simply paint faces, but Vishakha Verma, with over a decade of experience and a brushstroke refined at the world’s most prestigious academies, has mastered the art of contouring not just cheekbones, but careers.

As the founder of Glamblush Makeup and Hair Styling Academy, one of Mumbai’s most premium and sought-after institutions, she has transformed hundreds of aspiring artists into industry-ready professionals. For Vishakha, makeup isn’t just about applying foundation, it’s about laying the foundation for a new generation of talent.

In this exclusive interview with Sumita Chakraborty, Editor-in-Chief, TheGlitz, Vishakha Verma opens up about why she founded Glambush Makeup and Hair Styling Academy, her philosophy of beauty, and why every brushstroke tells her story of passion, precision, and power.

Over To Vishakha Verma, Founder, Glambush Makeup and Hair Styling Academy

From training at prestigious academies worldwide to founding Glamblush, what inspired you to start your own makeup and hair styling academy in Mumbai?

Vishakha: It all started in the most unexpected way. My “academy” at first was nothing more than a small corner of my own home… a chair, a mirror, and a handful of brushes. I still remember the excitement (and nerves!) when my first student walked in. Then another, and another… and before I knew it, my living room had turned into a buzzing little classroom.

Having trained at some of the best academies in London and Dubai, I could clearly see the gap here in India. Most institutes leaned heavily on theory, but makeup is an art that you only master by doing. I wanted to create a place where students could get genuine, hands-on training, real-world exposure, and the kind of mentorship I wished I had when I started.

From teaching in my humble home setup to now running a state-of-the-art academy in the heart of Mumbai, the journey has been surreal. And honestly, I feel like this is just the beginning.

You’ve worked with different styles and cultures across London, Dubai, and India. How have these global influences shaped your approach to beauty?

Vishakha: Travelling and training across these places has been fascinating because beauty is defined so differently around the world. Each culture has its own standards of aesthetics, whether it’s the bold, experimental editorial looks in London, the high-glam styles in Dubai, or the deeply traditional yet evolving bridal looks in India.

Experiencing these contrasts has broadened my vision and taught me to be versatile. It helped me understand that makeup is not one-size-fits-all—it’s about celebrating individuality and adapting artistry to suit every face and culture.

What sets Glamblush Academy apart from other institutes, and how do you ensure your students are truly industry-ready?

Vishakha: At Glamblush, practice is our mantra. While we cover theory, our core belief is that makeup can only be perfected through consistent practice and exposure. What sets us apart is the ecosystem we’ve built for our students:

* We guarantee internships, and I personally take students with me on bridal projects and shoots so they see the real side of the business.

* We collaborate with fashion and photography colleges, giving students opportunities to work on shows and editorial shoots.

* Our doors are always open—even after a student graduates, they can return for guidance.

* Beyond makeup skills, we train them in negotiation, client management, social media, and networking.

Many of our students today are working with leading brands like Sephora and MAC, while others are thriving as freelancers or in TV and film. For us, success is not just teaching makeup—it’s about preparing them to build long-term, successful careers.

In your decade-long career, what has been the most memorable or challenging project you’ve worked on, and what did it teach you?

Vishakha: One of the most memorable and challenging projects was doing Yuvika Chaudhary’s bridal makeup. It was very early in my career, and to be trusted with something so important—the biggest day of her life—was both nerve-wracking and exciting. I poured my heart into it, and she loved the look. The wedding went viral, and that moment gave me the confidence to trust myself and believe in my craft. It also reminded me that every brushstroke is an opportunity to make someone feel their absolute best.

Bridal makeup and high-fashion shoots require very different skills. How do you train your students to adapt their artistry across such diverse platforms?

I always tell my students that everything begins with strong fundamentals – skin preparation, blending, textures, and color theory. Once those are mastered, adapting to different genres becomes easier.

At Glamblush, we expose students to both bridal and fashion work through internships, collaborations, and real-world projects. This ensures they don’t just know how to create a soft bridal look but can also execute a bold, avant-garde editorial shoot with equal confidence. Adaptability is a skill they must carry with them into their careers.

The beauty industry is constantly evolving with trends like glass skin, minimalism, and bold editorial looks. How do you balance timeless techniques with these ever-changing trends?

Vishakha: Adaptability is everything. I truly believe that while you’re a teacher, you must also remain a student for life. I actively consume global content—interviews, podcasts, masterclasses—and keep myself updated with new products and techniques.

But at the same time, I emphasize timeless basics to my students because those never go out of style. Trends come and go, but if your foundation is strong, you can adapt easily. For me, it’s about building a balance: respecting the classics while embracing what’s new.

What advice would you give to aspiring makeup artists who want to not only master the craft but also build a successful career in this competitive field?

Vishakha: My advice is simple: fear no one and never stop learning. Be exceptional at your craft, but don’t ignore the business side of things. Network, handle clients well, build your social media presence, and keep upgrading your skills.

And most importantly, dream big. Confidence, humility, and consistency will always set you apart.

Looking ahead, what is your vision for Glamblush in the next 5 years? Do you see it expanding globally or introducing new verticals in the beauty industry? Could you list 2 milestones you are immensely proud of?

Vishakha: In the next five years, I see Glamblush becoming synonymous with makeup education—not just in Mumbai but across India and eventually on a global scale. We’re already expanding our footprint locally and are in the process of building structured online courses to reach students everywhere.

As for milestones, two that stand out to me are:

1. Watching so many of my students grow into confident, independent makeup artists and seeing them flourish—it’s the most rewarding part of this journey.

2. Starting from teaching in a small home setup to now owning a state-of-the-art academy in the heart of Mumbai. That transformation makes me incredibly proud, though I still feel this is only the beginning, and there’s so much more ahead.