7 minute read
Limoncello 24
Lolita Sarkar’s career is a story of creativity, perseverance, and endless curiosity. Her journey from the world of filmmaking and advertising to becoming an entrepreneur in the beverage industry is nothing short of inspiring. A true multi-hyphenate, Lolita has worn many hats over the years—film producer, restaurateur, and, now, the founder of Unusual Spirits, a brand that redefines the alcohol experience with a touch of innovation.
Early Days: A Journey Marked by Curiosity and Experimentation
Lolita’s career path has always been one of selfemployment and entrepreneurship. From her early days as a filmmaker and producer to stepping into the world of food and drinks, her passion for creativity has been the driving force behind her career choices. "I’ve always pursued the path of an entrepreneur," Lolita shares, highlighting that her career has never been about working under someone else’s guidance, but about exploring her own ideas and projects.
Her interest in the culinary world started long before the idea for Unusual Spirits came into being. Having
always been fascinated by food and drinks from around the globe, Lolita found herself experimenting with different concoctions during the COVID-19 lockdown. This period, marked by social isolation and uncertainty, became a phase of intense creativity for her. "During Covid, I found myself experimenting with the making of different alcobevs, and Limoncello 24 was one of them," she recalls with a smile.
As she explored new recipes, her friends and family were subjected to an array of experimental drinks. While some trials were successful, others were not so much. "The early days were full of the small joys of getting some things right and heartbreak over binning entire batches of trials!" Despite the setbacks, Lolita's enthusiasm never wavered, and each failure brought her one step closer to realizing her dream.
The Birth of Unusual Spirits: A Bold Vision
Unusual Spirits was born from Lolita's passion for experimentation and love for bold flavors. "I go out of my way to experiment with new ideas," she says, leading to a brand that redefines alcoholic beverages. Limoncello 24, a standout product, emerged after extensive trial and error.
The goal wasn’t just to create another drink but to craft something truly unique. "We are introducing a product with a completely new taste profile," Lolita explains. This distinct flavor, combined with an artisanal process, sets Unusual Spirits apart. However, launching a new product came with challenges—from sourcing the right ingredients to ensuring consistency. “Maintaining quality batch after batch requires immense care,” she shares.
Another challenge was catering to a niche market. "Our target group is niche right now, and they are quality and taste-conscious," Lolita points out. To meet their expectations, the brand had to ensure that it remained aligned with its core values of innovation, quality, and craftsmanship. By consistently engaging with her customers and listening to their feedback, she was able to overcome many of the obstacles that arose.
Overcoming Challenges with Resilience
Building a business is never without its hurdles, but Lolita’s resilience has been one of the key factors in overcoming those challenges. One of the major challenges in the early days was maintaining the artisanal quality of the product while scaling up. The process of perfecting a drink that could meet the high standards set by Unusual Spirits required immense focus and a commitment to excellence.
Lolita's solution? "By constantly paying attention to our customers and working diligently to maintain quality," she says. This approach not only helped her overcome operational challenges but also built a loyal customer base that values craftsmanship and quality.
Milestones and Achievements: Celebrating Small Wins
One of the key milestones in Lolita’s earlier career was her involvement in creating a car commercial while working in advertising. "The first car commercial we made was a milestone, because this needed expertise of a high degree," she reflects. However, Unusual Spirits has also seen its own share of defining moments. A standout achievement for her was discovering that Gondhoraj lemons, a local variety from India, worked perfectly for her Limoncello recipe. After much experimentation, this realization marked a turning point for the brand. "It was definitely a moment!" Lolita remembers with pride.
Leadership and Company Culture: Leading by Example
Lolita’s leadership is driven by empathy, curiosity, and continuous learning. "Lead by example is something I always believe in," she says. This mindset helps bridge gaps between her team’s experiences and her goals. By fostering curiosity and a drive for improvement, she empowers her team to excel.
Her company culture is built on respect, tolerance, and personal growth—values she sees as essential for success. “Respect, tolerance, and a desire to learn” define the environment she cultivates, ensuring long-term growth for both individuals and the organization.
Staying Adaptable and Innovative
In a rapidly changing business environment, adaptability and innovation are crucial for survival. Lolita’s secret to staying ahead of the curve lies in her deep-rooted curiosity and passion for learning. "A constant desire to learn and improve yourself will keep you adaptable," she advises.
Her enthusiasm and energy are contagious, not just for herself but for her team and the brand she has built. This sense of adaptability has allowed Unusual Spirits to continue evolving while maintaining its core values.
Customer-Centric Approach: Building Loyalty through Engagement
Customer satisfaction is at the heart of Unusual Spirits’ success. Lolita understands that her target audience is discerning and values quality above all else. "We gather customer feedback and use it to improve our products," she shares. The brand’s ability to listen to its customers and implement changes based on their needs has fostered a strong sense of loyalty among its clientele. By constantly engaging with customers and delivering on promises, Unusual Spirits has established itself as a trusted name in the niche market of artisanal beverages.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Never Give Up
Lolita’s journey has not been easy, but her message to aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: perseverance is key. "Many fail and only a few succeed, but never give up trying, never stop because you’ve failed," she advises. The path of an entrepreneur, she believes, is often lonely and filled with challenges. However, the sense of accomplishment when one’s vision becomes a reality is unparalleled. "Your next idea could be the one the world is waiting for!" she encourages.
Work-Life Balance: Finding Time to Recharge
Balancing the demands of running a business with personal well-being is essential, and Lolita recognizes the importance of self-care. "Time management is of great importance," she says. Cooking, watching movies, and spending time with friends are just some of the ways she recharges. These activities allow her to maintain a sense of balance and prevent burnout, which is crucial in such a fast-paced and demanding industry.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Unusual Spirits
Looking to the future, Lolita envisions Unusual Spirits continuing to push boundaries and expand its product offerings. "I want Unusual Spirits to truly live up to its name and keep coming up with new and interesting products!" she says with excitement. Her goal is to keep surprising her customers with unique and delightful beverages that redefine the drinking experience.
Legacy and Impact: Creating a Lasting Influence
Lolita envisions Unusual Spirits leaving a lasting mark on the industry while inspiring future entrepreneurs. "I hope we create many interesting brands (read delicious products) that show drinking can be an indulgent pleasure, not just a way to get high!" Her vision goes beyond products, fostering a culture of quality and enjoyment.
Conclusion
Lolita Sarkar’s journey from filmmaker to founder of Unusual Spirits is a testament to her determination, creativity, and passion for innovation.
Through her resilience, leadership, and customercentric approach, she has built a brand that is poised for success. With a clear vision for the future and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Lolita is not just creating drinks—she’s creating a legacy.
