You may remember back in the spring when I kicked off a new series here on the Contracts for Creatives blog, Say Hello To … I took a little summer break from blog posts to focus on my in-person workshops and speaking engagements, but I’m excited to get back to the series today! Each month I’ll be sharing a female entrepreneur that’s pursuing her passion and may be able to help YOU grow in your business! The series is aptly called, Say Hello To …
Today, I’m excited to introduce you to my friend Rene from Savvy & Style! Rene and I connected through through my lifestyle blog, Cobalt Chronicles, a few years ago. We’ve now worked together on several different projects and have become friends through the years! I first met Rene through her Stella & Dot stylist business, but when I learned that she is also a virtual assistant wiz, I knew you would benefit from learning more about her services!
So without further ado, let’s get to know Rene a bit more!
Say Hello To …
Name & Business Name
Rene Kauder, Savvy & Style
Where can we find you online?
On Instagram: @savvyandstyle
On Facebook: @savvyandstyle
Tell us a bit about your background.
I have a MS Degree in Higher Education Administration. I spent 13 years working in the college setting planning events for students, faculty, staff, and the greater community. In addition to event planning I was also an operations manager for a business school. I am 100% a behind the scenes girl who hates to be the center of attention! These were always the perfect jobs for me! No matter what my full time job was, I cannot remember a time I didn’t have some kind of #sidehustle. From making jewelry, cakes and cupcakes, to now with being in social selling for a Boutique Accessories Brand, Stella & Dot.
What prompted you to start Savvy & Style?
In 2016 I started to get bored doing the same ol same ol. I felt like I needed a more creative outlet then what I was being given in my current role, and I was looking for change. My #sidehustle at the time provided me with inspiration, motivation, and appreciation and that was sorely lacking in my FT position. I went on to find a new job in corporate America – something completely different then being on a college campus and boy was it a rude awakening. (I had to use my thumb to clock in and out each day!). So after 4 months at that job I decided it was time to fire my boss and create something just for me! That is when Savvy & Style was born!
Who is your target client?
Female entrepreneurs and now even more specifically, women in direct sales. I support a variety of executive leaders in direct sales.
What does your typical morning look like?
My typical morning involves one cup of coffee while catching up on all the things I missed overnight – email, texts, and social media with the morning news on in the back ground. Then I leave for a morning Pilates Class at my neighborhood Club Pilates. Once I come home from that it’s typically right to the office to begin my day – oh and a shower and breakfast fit in there somewhere!
Organizational tools you can’t live without?
Tech wise I am a big fan of Evernote where I keep track of all my clients’ work, Quickbooks Self Employed for obvious reasons, and Fantastical where I track all my daily tasks and to do lists. The other tool I could not live without is a postage scale! My post office is an absolute mess and the less time I have to spend there, the better! I’m currently checking out a few other tools, like Honeybook to see how they can help streamline my business.
One organizational tool you most frequently recommend to your clients?
Right now my most recommended tool to clients has been Mailchimp. I recommend using it as a contact management system/email provider because it offers services for free when you have a smaller number of contacts. There is no need to pay services if you don’t have to!
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to other solo/small business owners?
Imperfect action is always better than perfect inaction! You don’t need everything in place to get started. If that were the case, I’d still be sitting here two years later organizing everything from my logo to the services I offer and making them all look pretty on a sheet of paper using Canva!
Thanks so much to Rene for being a part of the Say Hello To … series!
Be sure to check out her website, especially if you’re running your own direct sales business! And follow her on Instagram! You can support her Stella & Dot business here – so many cute pieces!
