Savvy & Style
After a successful 13-year career in Higher Education, Rene Kauder created Savvy & Style in 2016 after giving her two weeks’ notice to begin an unknown journey of being her own boss.
She had felt her creativity was being stifled in her current job and it was no longer enjoyable to go to work every day. But what would be next? This was when she decided to take a BIG risk and began marketing herself as a Virtual Assistant to the Executive Leaders in the Direct Sales company that was her side hustle. She recognized a need for her services and in no time at all, she was fully booked out. While Savvy & Style started out as more admin tasks like gift buying and handwriting notes, it soon evolved into so much more over the years. When the pandemic hit in 2020, Savvy & Style started to focus more on tasks that helped women-owned businesses transition to online. It was then that Rene became well versed in both Canva and Flodesk, creating custom images and email marketing materials for these women business owners. Once working in these platforms, Rene recognized where her true passions lied and that is when she began offering creative services. Soon she found even more women business owners emailing her with the subject line, "can you make this pretty?"
In 2021, Rene joined an online bootcamp with other women in business for support, and promptly created her first visual branding offering. In May of 2021, Branding on a Budget was launched! This quick and affordable branding option was exactly what women in the early phases of their business journey needed to stand out in the crowded online space. Fast forward to today, Branding on a Budget has received a “glow up” and Rene offers 2 distinctly different packages along with her newest service for Squarespace Web Design.
The INTERVIEW
Q: First things first... what is the name of your business and how did you choose it?
A: My business name is Savvy & Style. When I began my business in 2016, I needed a name that felt like it encompassed both my years of past experiences and my current interests. Because I had always been in the administrative world (higher ed) I chose Savvy. And because I was loving my side gig with a fashion accessories company, I chose Style. This is how Savvy & Style came to be. Throughout the years my brand has evolved to focus more on how I can work with other women business owners to style their brands.
Q: What excites you about the community of Women-Owned Wednesdays?
A: Savvy & Style has always existed to provide services to women-owned businesses. I love collaborating with, supporting and working with other women who are just starting out on their entrepreneurial journeys as well as those who have helped paved the way. I'm excited to be a part of the WOW community where I can hopefully connect with woman from all over the country.
Q: Where did the idea for Savvy & Style come from?
A: Savvy & Style came about from a need for employment when I decided to leave my full-time job. At the time a work from home option worked well for me to not only make a paycheck but also take care of 2 aging dogs with special needs while my husband was deployed for a period of time.
Q: Who or what inspires you?
A: It's tough to narrow this down to one person or thing. I feel like I am inspired by anyone who puts themself out there to make a difference in other's lives.
Q: How do you start your day?
A: Currently my day begins at 5am when my husband wakes up to get ready for work. We recently got a puppy, so I am tasked with taking care of her which is pretty easy because she quickly falls back to sleep. This is when I get to enjoy my two cups of coffee while checking emails and social media. I move to my office between 7:30 and 8am on most days to get the work day started. Before I dive into client work I will typically spend the first 30 minutes focused on answering emails and tying up loose ends from the previous day or so.
Q: What have been the most important factors that you have learned with the success of your business?
A: Even though I am the world's biggest introvert I recognized I need community. Working from home can be incredibly lonely (hence why I thought getting a puppy was a good idea) so having a community of women who will support and cheer for you along the way is incredibly important. The accountability piece helps as well. This is why I am still a member of the women's business membership I mentioned earlier.
Q: What have you failed at recently and how did you overcome it?
A: I've recognized quite a few failures with offerings/services I created. When something isn't working, I found you just need to re-calibrate, make adjustments and move along. There is no point in dwelling on the past. I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason.
Q: What advice would you give your 17-year-old self?
A: Stop caring about what other people think about you. Create boundaries. Be confident. Learn to let things go. Live in the moment. It's never too late to make a change.
Q: What are your favorite online resources for your business?
A: Canva, Squarespace, & Flodesk
Q: Share what you do daily/weekly to include personal development in your life for growth?
A: I'll be the first to admit that I am lacking in the growth area. So much that “growth” was my word of the year for 2023.
Q: What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, build and grow a brand or a business today?
A: Niche down as much as possible. Who is it you serve? What services will you provide. When you do this, you are seen as an expert in that given area. Also make sure your clients know you are open to and appreciate referrals. This is 100% how my business began to grow in the early stages.
Q: What is your motto or mantra that you live by?
A: I've lived by this Oscar Wilde quote since high school, "Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken."
Q: What do you do to unwind and take time away from your business?
A: I have an unhealthy obsession with houseplants that takes up a lot of my time (and money.)
Q: What vision do you have for yourself in the near future, personally or professionally?
A: I would like to grow Savvy & Style to the point where I can take on more work to help more women achieve success in their businesses. This would involve hiring additional people to join the team.
Q: How do you support other women-owned businesses?
A: By whatever means I can :) In the simplest of ways by purchasing goods + services whenever possible.
Women-Owned VIBES
My guilty pleasure is: A full day on the couch binging Netflix.
The best book I've read in the past year: I wish I had one, but I can't remember the last time I read a book :(
My most listen-to podcast, song or artist is: Currently crushing on the band, Head and the Heart.
Greatest gift I have ever received: My family has never been really into giving actual gifts so I would say that being able to work from home with enough success that I did not have to go back out into the world of work is a HUGE gift that I do not take for granted.
Three things that I cannot live without: Comfy joggers, Ugg Slippers and Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara.
Most useful advice my mother has given me: Friends come and go, but family is forever.
Lake, Mountains, Beach? Mountains. I think because I don't live near them now so when we vacation and I get to see them, I am in awe. I love the cool, crisp mountain air.
Quality I cherish most in a friend is: Humor. I love to laugh.
The title of my autobiography would be: The Untold Story She Never Knew She Had