HYDERABAD: It’s always a big moment for Hyderabad when a graduate from Osmania University flies the Indian flag high in the US. The CEO of Vevo Group, Tampa, Florida, Bhanu Shruthi Kapila recently launched a new branch her company called Adaah Creations that offers traditional and ethnic bridal and formal wear besides makeovers, bridal makeup and beauty services for all special occasions. A cosmetologist and aesthetician by profession, Shruthi is adding colours in the high profiled beauty market of United States through her magic brush.
Born into a family of four siblings, raised by a single mother, Shruthi is determined to bring the beauty out of the world through her imagination and creativity. Here is a candid chat with Shruthi who says she believes in extracting the hidden beauty, whether inside or outside.
“After I graduated from Osmania University, I completed Cosmetology schooling from Aesthetica Institute of Fashion & Beauty, Chennai. Then, I went to Nalani and Yasmin Celebrity School of Beauty in Khar, Mumbai, which is frequented by Bollywood celebrities. I have also received certifications from Lakme for makeup and Sunsilk for hair care,” says Shruthi, who as a student, worked with Aishwarya Rai, Sridevi, Reena Roy, Jenath Aman, Rahul Roy, Soundraya and Saif Ali Khan
On her moving to the United States, Shruthi has a different opinion than many immigrants, “I had my own beauty salon in Secunderabad and I was approached by Pantene Pro V for their project when they launched in India. At that time I was earning Rs `10,000 per day. But destiny brought us to USA and I had to leave everything including my staff, my career, and my clientele. I was very disappointed but I firmly believed that I will make a difference one day”.
After finishing two diplomas in Aesthetics and Cosmetology from California, Shruthi was awarded Certificate of Mastery in Micro Dermabrasion Systems from Spa Girl Corporation. “But I had to finish another certification from Florida, as in USA, we need state-wise certification. So, apparently, I am now a board certified licensed full specialist from Florida too”, says Shruthi who recruits talented interns from colleges like Paul Michele beauty school, Joe Blasco make up school and Aveda school of beauty and provide them all the training that is essential to get into the job market and make them financially independent.
“I am not just a make-up artist but also a holistic make-up artist who builds up the inner beauty as well as confidence, courage, character and freedom to speak” she adds. “I create a platform for both artists and models for fashion shows and beauty Pageants all over USA. I have a team in Fort Lauderdale, Miami , Tampa and Orlando and they travel with me. I hope to be a role model to the people who work for me and with me”.
Juggling between event organising and working with stars from India and USA, Shruthi is also planning to partner with non-profits globally and start a Cause Driven Gift Center to help people emerge as leaders and follow their passion. “My goal is to help international students and create a platform for them to volunteer and express their gratitude towards their motherland. I am trying to rope in a Hollywood Celebrity club who want to see a change in the world. “The first gift center will be set up in Tampa, Florida. They will carry merchandise from all over the world made with organic materials.
In the world of glam, Shruthi’s life is not all that glittery. “We were very affluent when our father was alive and we owned many lands. But after he passed away, everything has changed. My mother had tough time raising four young kids, as a single mother. While I thought my ordeals ended, I was carjacked and became a murder witness in a murder case in California. It took me more than two years to come out of it. Just when I thought, I came out of everything, I was hit by a car and injured my body at multiple places. I went through a lot of turmoil in life”, says Shruthi. “Life throws some very difficult challenges. Expect the unexpected in life including the rough times. But those situations can make us stronger and shape us into a better person. Follow your dreams and create a purpose for life not just for you but also to the people around you”.
Shruthi lives in Florida with her husband, an IT professional and a daughter who is a budding lawyer, and a son who is in high school. “My husband is a philosopher by birth and he gives me a reality check time and again. My daughter is my strength and my son boosts me up when the land beneath me starts to shake. We all believe in helping each other grow”.