Meet Personal Stylist: Savitra Dow

Today we’d like to introduce you to Savitra Dow.

Savitra, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I first started in August 2010 (under the name Yvette’s Image Styling) as a result of me being unable to find a job after graduating college. One day I was laying on my bed, (after filling out what felt like 1000s job applications) and I got the idea to create a business website for styling. I have always loved fashion, even as a small child and as I got older my passion for it continued to grow.

I later joined a website where I could create outfits and started sharing them on my Facebook page. I did this so often that a friend messaged me one day and informed me that even though he loved the outfits I created and posted, I was flooding his timeline and he jokingly thought about blocking me (Lol). So I to added a “gallery tab” to my webpage featured my work there.

By 2012, I was gainfully employed and living in Atlanta. It was during this time I decided that I needed to use social media as a communication medium to display my creativity and established an online presence for my business using Instagram. I posted items I purchased from the store, clients I styled and lots of other helpful information on styling and fashion. By the end of 2013, I had over 400 followers and my fashion clientele began to grow.

It is now 2016 and I have seen a tremendous change since I first started. Through consistent marketing strategies, networking events and word of mouth, I’ve been blessed to work on numerous styling projects. Outside of my basic styling services, I’ve done personal styling for photo shoots, a music video, and this summer I was the stylist for a new YouTub

Has it been a smooth road?
Work/Life Balance
One of my biggest challenges is trying to run a business while working a full-time job. Though I would like to work my styling business full-time, it is necessary for me (at this point) to work a traditional 40hr work week job until I am able to comfortably transition into my passion for styling. Setting goals helps me with this. I’ve created a 3-5 year financial plan that makes this goal achievable.

Social
Another set of challenges for me include: coming up with various marketing strategies, maintaining several social and information communication platforms (blogs, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and a webpage) while staying current with other interesting content, maintaining positive rapport with present and past clients, and bringing in new clientele.

Since I don’t have a marketing team, this can be tedious. Being aware of my target audience makes a difference. Knowing what my viewers like and what they react to makes the process a little easier and seeing the final product worthwhile.

City of Talented Individuals
Atlanta is an emerging city for many industries such as music, fashion, and entertainment. Which means you are competing with a large pool of talented individuals. I wouldn’t consider this a challenge so much for myself, but I will say this forces you to find your niche and focus on the area you excel in. I try to utilize the 4Ps of marketing model (Product, Place, Promotion, and Price) when selling the unique brand of what I do. Once you create an avenue for your business and establish your brand, you are able to establish yourself in a busy city.

So, what should we be on the lookout for, what’s next in store for you?
I am really looking forward to making my styling business my 40 hours a week job, acquiring a larger clientele and expanding my business into other relatable markets.

Let’s dig a little deeper into your story. What was the hardest time you’ve had?
The start-up process was very tedious. It took time to create a name for myself and my business. Analyzing countless data to figure out my target audience and learn how to interact and serve my clients.

What about “Wow-moments” – any moments that stick out? Any moments when you felt like you had made it?
The moment I realized I was living my dream is when I found myself onset this summer as the stylist for an up and coming web series. That was something that I’d dreamt about doing and t it actually came true.

Even as I type these words for this article, I’m still in shock that I get to share (what seemed to me as nothing) inspiration to others to continue pursuing their dream, while reflecting on my journey to this very point.

Pricing:

• $35.00 First time Clients only (includes two outfits) + Free Consultation
• $45.00 Personal Styling (includes two outfits no accessories)
• $60.00 Personal Shopping Service (Plus the Price of clothes)
• $75.00 -$175.00 Special Occasion Styling (Engagement Photos, Family Photos, Holiday Attire etc)
• $50.00 -$250.00 Closet Organization/Revamping Wardrobe (Pricing Varies)
• $250.00 -Styling for photo-shoot (Up to three hours + Styling assistance)/Makeovers

Contact Info:

• Website: http://savitrd.wixsite.com/savitrayvette
• Phone: 404-781-9312
• Email: savitrayvette@gmail.com
• Instagram: savitrayvette
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YvettesImageStyling/

Image Credit:
Credits For the Last three images posted

Photographer: Noire 3000 Studios (James C. Lewis) N3k
Model: Leon Williams