To discuss the significance of self-belief in pursuing passions and challenging societal norms, particularly after retirement (BL-V).
To examine the strategic dilemmas faced by sustainable footwear start-ups and propose solutions that maintain start-ups’ core values while achieving potential growth (BL-IV).
To discuss the opportunities, challenges and strategic choices in starting a new business venture and scaling it forward (BL-VI).
To identify the strategies for generating investment/funding and financial decision-making for sustainable footwear start-ups in the context of emerging markets (BL-V).
To examine how sustainability start-ups integrate sustainability and sustainability intelligence principles – balancing economic viability with social and environmental responsibility – while promoting rural entrepreneurship (BL-V).
Savvys Store was a sustainable footwear brand founded by Savithri Nair in 2021. The brand crafted interchangeable footwear uppers and detachable patches with vibrant designs from discarded cloth fabric and leather scraps. The company sourced raw material for the product, including discarded cloth fabrics and leather pieces from the local weavers and suppliers, and employed local artisans for the production process, eventually supporting the local economy and the overarching goal of environmental sustainability. Savvys Store represented a distinctive approach to design and customisation. Fast-forward to 2024, Savvys augmented its product line and planned to expand its business and reach in the future. However, the unorganised and cluttered footwear market of India presented business challenges for the brand. The challenges stemmed from finding the balance between sustainability and artisanal quality while attracting investment and scaling the footwear business. The case study focuses on the struggles and challenges of a naive sexagenarian entrepreneur in establishing her footwear brand, Savvys Store, and scaling the business forward.
This case is designed for graduate and undergraduate students.
Teaching notes are available for educators only.
CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
