This post was updated July 28 at 3:08 p.m.

From the strokes of eyeshadow to the beaming blush, Ishika Verma’s artistry shines as bright as the lights on the runway in Beatzbyivy.

The alumnus began her makeup artistry journey at 6 years old, gravitating toward the medium as it sparked her curiosity, Verma said. As the years progressed, she yearned to apply products to her own eyes but was told to wait until she was 14 years old, she added. When her 14th birthday arrived, her passion blossomed further when she attempted her first eye makeup look, Verma said.

“I feel like once you start doing the hard things is when it becomes easier,” Verma said. “You need to do it while you’re still scared because you’re never gonna get over that fear until you actually do the thing.”

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Verma said her training began with watching tutorial videos on YouTube and practicing with her friends. After working in marketing at a makeup company in India, she said she decided to go down the professional route. To Verma’s surprise, professionals viewed her early work as advanced, which allowed her to become more confident in her choice of profession, she added. Her training in Dubai allowed her to expand what looks she was able to offer her future clients and learn more about different artists’ expressive styles, Verma said.

Verma added that she values her clients’ comfort in the individual looks she creates for them. Focusing on avoiding a heavy base, she said she works her products in thin layers and selects them to complement each person’s complexion. Since each individual is so different, she applies her trademark technique, like many makeup artists who use a signature look, but ensures the looks still fit her clients’ personalities, Verma said.

“When I’m deciding the look, I want to make sure that particular look is embodying the client’s vibe or aura,” Verma said.

From a clientele perspective, it is important to have trust in whoever is doing your makeup, said Sarah Manwani, an alumnus and Verma’s client. Verma’s attention to detail and ability to work with different skin types has made the makeup process enjoyable, Manwani added. Considering her previous experiences, Manwani said she fondly recalls the birthday glam Verma did for her, noting that it had made her feel the prettiest she had ever felt.

In February, Verma was selected as a makeup artist for New York Fashion Week, which she said was something she had always wished for. She said she was selected one week before the show while juggling school work and upcoming midterms. Although she was overwhelmed with her numerous responsibilities, Verma said she was grateful to have such an exciting opportunity. Reflecting on the event, she said she felt inspired by the fellow artists around her because they all truly loved what they were doing.

Having worked in and explored the industry, Verma said she finds editorial makeup to be the style she enjoys doing the most. It allows her to take an individual and enhance their features while also leaving room for artistic expression, she said. Verma added that in editorial makeup, she can blend two aspects of her artistry that she loves: beautification and a creative, out-of-the-box additive.

“It’s a combination of enhancing the individual’s features and making them look beautiful,” Verma said. “At the same time, adding a creative spin to it and adding an element that’s out of the box and unseen.”

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Looking to the future, Verma said she is excited to dive into the industry as a makeup artist and become immersed in both runway and fashion editorial makeup, while making a name for herself in the field. One day, she would like to have her own cosmetic line, she added. Her manager and brother, Aaryan Ahuja, said he has worked behind the scenes to help Verma in monetizing Beatzbyivy to be a brand in which she can grow to reach her goals. Her recognition in the United States, United Kingdom and India can be attributed to her drive and passion for what she does, he added. Working together to turn her artistry into a successful business, Ahuja said Verma has crafted her brand around instilling confidence in her clients with every look she does.

It is important that each client feels content and positive in themselves after she has completed their makeup, Verma said. She once had a client who was so happy with her transformation that she was brought to tears, she added. It is in those moments, Verma said, where she feels the purpose of her job as well as joy for bringing other people a sense of delight.

“I feel like that’s always something that makes me feel a sense of purpose, being able to do that for someone,” Verma said.