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 self-employment 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 came to life out of Lolita’s willingness to experiment and her deep-rooted love for flavors that push boundaries. “I go out of my way to experiment with new ideas,” she admits, and this approach led to the creation of a brand that promises to offer an unconventional experience in the world of alcoholic beverages. Limoncello 24, which became one of the standout products of her brand, was born after much trial and error.
The idea behind Unusual Spirits wasn’t just about making another drink but about creating something unique. “We are introducing a product whose taste profile is quite new,” Lolita explains. This newness in flavor, combined with a high-value artisanal process, set Unusual Spirits apart from its competitors. However, bringing a new product to market was not without its challenges. From sourcing the right ingredients to creating a consistent taste experience, Lolita had to pay great attention to detail. “Maintaining quality batch after batch requires immense care and attention,” 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 philosophy is rooted in empathy, curiosity, and continuous learning. “Lead by example is something I always believe in,” she says. This approach helps her bridge any gaps between her team’s life experiences and the goals she wants to achieve. By instilling a sense of curiosity in her team and encouraging a mindset of constant improvement, Lolita fosters an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute their best.
The company culture at Unusual Spirits is built on the principles of respect, tolerance, and a desire for personal growth. Lolita emphasizes that these values are essential for both individual and organizational success. “Respect, tolerance and a constant desire to learn and improve yourself” is the environment she strives to create, and she believes that fostering such a culture is integral to the long-term success of her business.
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
Ultimately, Lolita hopes that Unusual Spirits will have a lasting impact on the industry and inspire future generations of entrepreneurs. “I hope we create many interesting brands (read delicious products) which makes people realise that drinking can be an indulgent & tasty pleasure and not merely a way to get high and forget your woes!” This vision reflects her commitment to not just creating products but also fostering a culture of enjoyment and appreciation for quality.
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 customer-centric 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.
