Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Savitra. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Savitra, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

One of the greatest achievements I have accomplished was starting my own business. It was something I always wanted to do. Like many new business owners, I began the journey feeling optimistic and excited about the possibilities ahead. You are filled with ideas, ready to make your first sale, and eager to build a pipeline of satisfied and repeat customers.

Even as an MBA graduate who specialized in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, learning about obstacles in theory and actually facing them in real life can be two very different experiences. Some challenges are expected, but others take you completely by surprise.

New Era of Style, LLC officially launched on February 11, 2019. In the beginning, things were going well. We made our first sale and more followed shortly after. It was an exciting time, and we were beginning to find our rhythm. As many entrepreneurs know, starting a business involves a lot of trial and error. You often believe the ideas you begin with will work exactly as planned, but many times they do not, and you must be willing to adjust and try something new. What we did not expect was that less than a year after launching, the world would change and we would have to change as well.

Like many small businesses, we were not prepared for what the world would soon call COVID-19. While we ourselves were still trying to figure things out and adjust to the new reality, we also had to better understand how to continue serving the customers we had just begun to build relationships with. The pandemic changed so many aspects of everyday life. As a small business, it forced us to do something I had studied in my MBA program but had not expected to implement so soon: pivot.

New Era of Style started as an online career boutique that offered versatile clothing and accessories for busy professionals. We had recently invested in new inventory and expanded into clothing. But when the world suddenly slowed down and people were no longer going into offices, attending events, or traveling, we had to rethink how we could continue to serve our customers while still honoring our brand.

From what we were seeing and experiencing ourselves, many employees transitioned to remote work, and social gatherings became limited or nonexistent. We had to carefully consider how our products could still meet our customers’ needs during such an unprecedented time. After observing the changes happening around us and refocusing on how we could align additional products with our boutique’s mission, we realized there was an opportunity to support our customers in a different way. This led to the development of what is now our Lifestyle Collection.

The collection included journals, mugs, and social lifestyle essentials. Since many people were now working from home, we knew they were likely starting their mornings with coffee or tea, so we introduced mugs that could become part of their daily routine.

We added journals because we recognized that COVID-19 was an emotional and uncertain time for many people. Journaling could provide a healthy outlet for reflection, personal growth, and processing experiences. Some customers even shared that they used the journals during therapy sessions or personal reflection time.

Additionally, our social lifestyle essentials were added for small gatherings with family or close friends. Even though people were staying home more, they were still finding ways to connect with loved ones through activities like family dinners or game nights. Our customers responded positively to these additions, and we began to see that our pivot was resonating with them.

This pivot allowed us to expand our identity and messaging as a brand. New Era of Style became not just an online boutique. It is an online career and lifestyle boutique that caters to the modern-day professional. We understand the importance of helping our customers get it all done while balancing professional, social, and personal responsibilities.

While the challenge of navigating COVID-19 was unexpected, it ultimately helped us grow as a business. It taught us the importance of adaptability, understanding the impact of the economy on customers, and staying aligned with our mission to support individuals in every part of their lives. At the core of our business is a passion for people, and even during one of the most trying times in recent history, that passion continued to guide our purpose and the products we offered.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Futuristic, creative, visionary, entrepreneurial, and business-savvy are the words I would use to describe myself. I am naturally a creative person, and my love for business combined with my passion for helping others has led me to pursue a variety of meaningful opportunities.

I am the owner of New Era of Style, LLC, an online career and lifestyle boutique that serves modern-day working professionals. Our brand goes beyond clothing and accessories by placing a strong emphasis on education, personal development, and philanthropy.

Professionally, I have built a 13+ year career in business operations with expertise in program and change management, training and development and recruitment. I am also a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, where I help individuals discover, develop, and apply their natural talents for continued personal and professional growth.

In addition, I am a certified fashion and lifestyle blogger and have worked as an on-set wardrobe stylist for independent films. I am also passionate about supporting aspiring entrepreneurs and often assist individuals in starting and developing their own small businesses.

I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to build something of my own. In July 2017, when I returned to school to pursue my MBA in Entrepreneurship & Innovation, I began taking that vision more seriously. As part of my program, I was required to create a small business, and that experience became the foundation for what is now my online boutique.

As a millennial professional, I wanted to create a unique shopping experience that went beyond simply purchasing clothing. I envisioned a brand that reflects the connection between career and lifestyle two areas that often overlap in complex ways. New Era of Style was built to support individuals as they navigate different stages of life, offering not only style solutions but also resources and insight that promote confidence, growth, and balance.

As a working professional who travels frequently, I also understood the importance of versatility. I wanted to offer pieces that could seamlessly transition throughout the day from professional settings to social outings without requiring a complete wardrobe change. This intentional approach to curation is at the core of our brand.

I chose to build New Era of Style as an online boutique because I wanted the flexibility to reach customers wherever they are, rather than being limited to a single physical location. This allows us to connect with a broader audience and create a more accessible and dynamic brand experience.

One of the things I am most proud of is not only launching the business but also using it as a platform to give back. We have hosted initiatives such as a prom dress drive for underserved students and distributed book bags and school supplies to families during COVID-19. These efforts reflect our commitment to community impact and service.

What sets my brand apart is our people-first approach. New Era of Style is not just about what you wear it is about how you show up in the world. We are committed to helping our customers feel confident, prepared, and supported in both their personal and professional lives.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

In an effort to stay connected with our clients and foster long-term brand loyalty, we developed a monthly newsletter designed to create a more intentional and meaningful touchpoint with our audience. In a world where people are constantly receiving emails and digital notifications, we wanted to be very thoughtful about how we show up in our customers’ inboxes.

Our goal was never to simply send another promotional email, but rather to create something that feels valuable, engaging, and worth the time it takes to read even if it is just a few moments out of someone’s day. We wanted our newsletter to reflect who we are as a brand: not just a boutique, but a lifestyle resource that supports individuals in both their personal and professional lives.

Over time, our newsletters have continued to evolve as we learn more about what resonates with our audience. While we do include updates such as new arrivals and product highlights, we also use this space to share lifestyle tips, inspiration, and insights that align with the everyday experiences of our customers. Additionally, we enjoy using the newsletter as a platform to spotlight other small businesses, creating a sense of community and encouraging our audience to explore and support others.

At its core, the newsletter allows us to build a more consistent and authentic connection with our audience. It gives our customers the opportunity to learn more about our brand, our values, and the intention behind what we offer. While it is always a work in progress, it has become a key part of how we communicate, engage, and grow alongside our community.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve had to unlearn is that just because you like clothes doesn’t mean you understand retail. It’s a completely different skill set.

I did not come from a clothing retail background. My only retail experience was my first job at Dollar Tree (lol), so running a boutique introduced me to an entirely new way of thinking. There are so many layers to retail that go far beyond having an eye for style. You have to understand buying cycles, seasonality, customer demand, sales trends, and even how shifts in the economy impact purchasing behavior. It truly is its own language.

Early on, I had to unlearn the idea that what I personally liked would naturally resonate with my customers. That couldn’t have been further from the truth. There were times when I purchased items I loved, only for them to sell slowly or not perform well at all. While that was frustrating at first, it taught me a critical lesson: the customer ultimately decides what works.

Over time, I became more intentional about tracking patterns and paying attention to what my customers were actually responding to. When you take the time to observe and listen, your customers will show you exactly what they want.

For example, every summer, our colorful maxi dresses with pockets sell out quickly. In the beginning, I assumed more traditional professional pieces like blazers and blouses would be our top sellers. While those items still have their place, it was the maxi dresses that truly resonated with our audience. That insight shifted how I approach buying and planning each season.

I may not have started with a background in retail, but I’ve learned that success in this space isn’t about what you like it’s about understanding your customer. And that lesson has been one of the most valuable in building and growing my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.neweraofstyle.com
• Instagram: newera_ofstyle
• Facebook: neweraofstyl3
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-era-of-style-llc/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@neweraofstylellc9090
• Other: https://linktr.ee/neweraofstyle

Image Credits

First Photo that looks like a pop up: Photo Credit: 2019 Pop of Culture Event