When Bhakti Sapke envisioned ISAS International Beauty School in 2008, she set out to bridge the disparity between beauty education globally and in India. Today, alongside her husband, Santosh Sapke, the power couple has transformed ISAS into one of the world’s leading CIDESCO-accredited institutions, shaping the future of thousands of aspiring beauty professionals. Their journey is one of vision, discipline, and unwavering commitment to their school’s philosophy ‘Changing Lives.’
DIVIDING ROLES, MULTIPLYING IMPACT
Bhakti and Santosh complement each other, with the former driving technical and academic excellence and the latter steering operations and finance. This clear division allows ISAS to scale globally while preserving its educational ethos.
As Santosh puts it, “You can’t grow if you don’t deliver on quality. For us, business and education go hand in hand.”
PREPARING FOR THE GLOBAL STAGE
At ISAS, students do not just learn, they live the experience of being industry ready. The school’s global certifications, such as CIDESCO (Switzerland), VTCT and LAPT (London), Pivot Point (USA), KHDA and DHA (Dubai), ensure their students can match international skill requirements.
“EDUCATION
is our way of changing lives. For us,
QUALITY
isn’t negotiable, it is the
FOUNDATION
of
GROWTH
.”
– BHAKTI SAPKE, Founder, ISAS International Beauty School
From internships in France and Dubai to placements in Canada and island countries, ISAS alumni are spread across continents. Many graduates secure coveted positions on cruise ships, while others pursue licensing opportunities in the USA and Canada. “I feel proud that we are the world’s biggest CIDESCO-accredited school amongst 700+ schools across the globe,” says Santosh.
EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH MENTORSHIP
For Bhakti and Santosh, education is more than training – it’s empowerment. Their tailored mentorship programmes support students, especially women, who aspire to launch salons, freelance careers or entrepreneurial ventures. ISAS even runs its own job portal, connecting students directly with employers worldwide. “Promise less and deliver more,” Santosh emphasises. “Our motto is to make every student’s dream come true.”
CREATIVITY MEETS TECHNICAL MASTERY
Bhakti’s vision of education balances creativity with technical rigour.
Curriculums blend cosmetology, aesthetics and spa therapies with creative explorations in hairdressing, nails and make-up artistry. Students work in studio-like settings that encourage experimentation, supported by industry workshops, masterclasses and even cross-disciplinary electives in fashion design, digital media and AI. The result is not just training, but an ecosystem that nurtures innovation and builds a professional portfolio from day one.
L-R Santosh Sapke, Education and Training Leader, and Bhakti Sapke, Founder, ISAS International Beauty School
INNOVATIONS IN TEACHING
ISAS has embraced cutting-edge learning tools to stay ahead. Virtual and augmented reality modules simplify complex topics like anatomy, while hybrid learning models allow students to access theory online and dedicate in-person time to hands-on practice. Their interactive e-learning platforms, complete with quizzes, demonstrations and Pivot Point logins, ensure continuous learning beyond classroom walls. “Our aim is to make learning flexible, engaging and globally relevant,” Bhakti shares.
GLOBAL EXPOSURE
International tie-ups are at the heart of ISAS’s philosophy. Partnerships with global beauty councils and organisations ensure students are exposed to the latest techniques and technologies. Certifications provide credibility and open pathways to higher salaries, international mobility and global networking opportunities. This international focus empowers ISAS graduates to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with professionals anywhere in the world.
CHALLENGES AND RESILIENCE
Building a brand in beauty education has not been without challenges. With no strict regulations in India, many substandard institutes dilute quality, forcing genuine players like ISAS to innovate continuously. Maintaining high standards requires not just investments in infrastructure and salaries, but also persistence in attracting skilled faculty and battling stereotypes about beauty careers. “Persistence is the only key,” Bhakti stresses.
THE ROAD AHEAD
The Sapkes see immense potential for beauty education in India’s future. With integration of VR, AR, AI and skin diagnostic technologies, education will become more immersive and accessible. They foresee rising global demand for sustainable, ethical, and holistic beauty practices that integrate Ayurveda and wellness alongside modern aesthetics. Entrepreneurship, digital marketing, and brand building will be as essential as technical mastery for the beauty professionals of tomorrow.
From London-inspired beginnings to becoming a globally recognised powerhouse in beauty education, ISAS International Beauty School under Santosh and Bhakti Sapke stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment. Their journey reflects more than academic success, it is about dignity of labour, transformation of lives and elevating the beauty industry to world-class standards. As Bhakti aptly notes, “Education must go beyond skills; it must shape careers, ignite creativity, and inspire confidence.” And that is exactly what ISAS continues to do, changing lives – one student at a time. professionalbeauty.in
ISAS AT A GLANCE
• Founded: 2008 by Bhakti Sapke
• Presence: In India, Dubai, Sri Lanka and Nepal, with global internships and job opportunities
• Accreditations: CIDESCO, VTCT, Pivot Point, LAPT, KHDA, DHA
• Innovations: Virtual reality and augmented reality learning modules, hybrid models and interactive e-learning
• Placements: Cruise ships, international salons in GCC, Canada, France and island countries
• Motto: ‘Changing Lives’