Meet Raven Hudson, MBA | Business Strategist in MedTech & Founder of The Shrewd Closet

We had the good fortune of connecting with Raven Hudson, MBA and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Raven, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

We can all remember a time as a child when we had our first exposure to entrepreneurship – whether if it was a lemonade stand, a neighborhood bake sale, or selling candy bars for school fundraiser programs.

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit -widely driven by my father who has been an entrepreneur for decades.

I never pursued entrepreneurship until 2020 when the pandemic hit.

I saw people who spent decades at companies lose their jobs unexpectedly. 

It was at that moment I realized; I shouldn’t put all my eggs in one basket.

I wanted to build something that could be passed down to my family and create income outside of my corporate job.

Shrewd Closet was born! I found a niche within style and everyday fashion centered around work and happy hour wear.

What should our readers know about your business?

First, I’ll explain what Shrewd means. Shrewd (adjective) is defined as sharp, calculating, streetwise & intelligent. 

Shrewd Closet is your one stop shop for unique and essential pieces for your everyday wardrobe from work to happy hour. I want you to look good and feel good in and out of the office.

I created the women’s e-commerce store “Shrewd Closet” on May 8, 2020 & officially launched my first line in October 2020, against all odds in the middle of a pandemic.

My vision for the e-commerce store started after much frustration revamping my wardrobe for my first job post a commercial developmental program. I quickly became aware of the need for unique, high quality, transitional clothing.

I took it upon myself to create an online store to serve people like me. Shrewd Women: Working women who have to dress up for work but, dislike traditional work wear & enjoy items that stand out wherever they are. 

I’ve been an entrepreneur for a little over a year now and definitely learned a few lessons along the way.

– There’s a quote I live by. “First you have to LEARN. Then you remove the L and you begin to EARN.”

 Learning is a part of the process. You will make mistakes along the way. Learn from your entrepreneurial journey.

– Don’t quit your job so fast once you decide to start a business. (even if you hate it)

See your job as your business partner. This mindset will help you balance your day job and side venture.

One funds the other until the side venture makes you more money than your day job!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

If you enjoy coffee like me – I’d recommend stopping by Lorca. (Stamford, CT) Some of the best coffee drinks and their churros are very popular.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

Everyone who strives to get ahead wants and needs mentors, but most of us lack them initially. A book I recommend “Strategize to Win,” is a mentor in book form. The author is Carla Harris – a powerful and respected women in business. I highly recommend it to anyone, at any age in his or her career.

Topics she covers:

– Preparing for a career change
– Thriving through change
– Choosing the right career when you are just starting out
– Mastering essential skills industry leaders possess

Website: www.TheShrewdCloset.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/shopShrewdCloset

Twitter: www.Twitter.com/TheShrewdCloset

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheShrewdCloset

Image Credits
Lematan Photos