COVID-19 and a changing business climate did not diminish Savhera; in fact, the business grew to earn a $7,500 grant from the State of Texas.
The Beacon State Fund, in partnership with the Texas Governor’s Commission for Women, awarded Savhera a $7,500 grant in a women-owned business pitch competition.
Savhera was among five finalists in the North Texas region competing for the grant. Each finalist was given three minutes to discuss how they navigated their business through the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As with all businesses, COVID was a major challenge for Savhera, especially as a young startup. Our India business unit experienced two lockdowns for a combined four months, retail closures impacted our wholesale growth strategy, trade shows and markets were canceled, consumers were tightening their wallets, and international supply chains were disrupted,” said Savhera founder and CEO Vanessa Bouché.
Savhera pivoted its operations by moving some of its manufacturing from India to the U.S., shifting to a more robust digital marketing strategy, and creating strategic partnerships. Those moves contributed to significant growth, with a 280% increase in direct-to-consumer sales in 2020.
“We’re so grateful that the Beacon State Fund and the Texas Governor’s Commission on Women are supporting us on this mission to use business as a force for good. This grant is one that will keep on giving,” said Bouché.
Savhera is a premium wellness lifestyle social impact brand that turns the sale of organic essential oils and aromatherapy products into jobs for overcomers of sex trafficking.