Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Saavedra.
Hi Anna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
About 18 months ago, I decided to do “the thing”. You know, that “big thing” in your life that’s at the top of your career bucket list but also terrifies you? I finally did that thing and I went big, all the way down the rabbit hole to be exact, without a safety net. 10 out of 10 do not recommend it, and 10 out of 10 would also absolutely do it again with zero hesitation.
In my case “the thing” was opening my boutique that would eventually parlay into my brand of swimsuits and beyond. But how does one open a boutique without any real startup capital or investors? In my case, I leveraged the best asset I had, my connections from years and years spent in media, PR, and marketing. I started with strategic partnerships with established brands (SalonDJ, Viscaya Swimwear, and Leah Chavie Skincare) and hosted pop-up events in Miami, Anna Maria Island, and my hometown Chicago. After about 10 months I was able to gain enough momentum to justify renting a permanent space in the heart of Chicago’s Historic Gold Coast.
And just like that… (as Carrie Bradshaw would say). The Vault by Saavy Styles was officially born in October 2022 and the Dream started to feel real at last! The Vault by Saavy Styles is the first showroom and styling studio for the brand located inside of Leah Chavie Skincare at 8 E Chestnut Street in Chicago. Clients can book appointments to shop, consign or have a personal styling session with Anna and her team of beauty experts.
The space itself has been beautifully transformed by Shelly Perry Design into the perfect grown-up Barbie Dream Closet that’s fully equipped with a wide assortment of designer handbags, accessories, jewelry, clothing, and shoes to make even the toughest critics squeal in delight upon entering the cozy yet chic space.
There’s also a custom beauty bar with a Hollywood Mirror and lights for blowouts and makeup applications for VIP clients who want to be dressed for special events and photo shoots on-site.
The concept has been a huge hit in Chicago and plans are in the works for a similar set-up in Miami in the next 6-12 months. In the meantime, S. Florida clients can book personal styling or shopping sessions with Anna and shop The Vault virtually!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It certainly has not been a smooth road but it’s been a good one. I think when you’re starting a new brand there is a lot of trial and error. You are getting to know your audience and what works and what doesn’t.
It’s OK if every single thing you do doesn’t work out, you learn from it and move on. It’s very liquid in the beginning especially, ever-changing and ever-evolving, you learn to embrace that and go with the flow.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a Personal Stylist who specializes in total transformations. My clients hire me to revamp their total look including shopping and styling services and closet clean-outs.
I’m always most proud of the way my client carries themselves after a session with me. I think feeling your best starts with looking your best and it makes me so happy to help my clients on their road to feeling like the greatest version of themselves.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I see the personal shopping and styling industry growing as the retail footprint is shrinking.
It makes it more difficult to find good options in person and more and more people just need a little guidance on where to look and how to shop for themselves to find a look that works for them.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.saavystyles.com
- Instagram: @saavy.styles
- Facebook: @Saavy.Styles
Image Credits
Jason Kaumeyer
