A Family Business Steps into the Digital Age

Businesswoman & designer, Sara Navarro, discusses her experience as the third-generation CEO of a family business. Through her focus on innovation, she shows how even traditional companies can benefit from digital integration.

This article will take about 2 minutes to read 

Designer Sara Navarro is bringing fashion to the digital stage and establishing herself, and her self-named brand, in the world of international luxury footwear. Already a household name in her home country of Spain, Navarro’s designs are a lasting favourite of her majesty, Queen Letizia of Spain, among other high profile bourbon women.

Sara Navarro grew out of a modest family business created over 80 years ago in the city of Elda, in Alicante (Spain). The brand that once characterised itself by its 100% handmade products, is now known for its contemporary designs and trademark scented shoes. 

With presence in European and American markets as well as plans for further global expansion, Sara Navarro is a brand on the rise. Having faced the challenge of bringing a family business steeped in tradition into the digital age, this third-generation designer proves that digital integration isn’t just for tech companies.

Timeline: Innovation Through the Decades

Throughout the decades, Sara Navarro has focused on advancement and innovation in all aspects of the branding and production process. It’s this vision and drive that has kept the brand one step ahead of the competition. A recognised symbol of Spanish heritage, creativity, & quality, the award-winning brand is firmly situated at the forefront of the Spanish luxury shoe market.

Sara Navarro, third-generation artisan and current designer, is upholding her family’s standards of innovation. Today, this means international growth in the new era of digital innovation.

Adapting a Family Business to a Modern World

So far, the brand has met the demands of a digital world while still holding true to its legacy. For Navarro, this is undoubtedly one of the biggest challenges.

“We must maintain respect for our predecessors and not destroy everything they made possible. However, we still need to be able to adapt their legacy to the times. Always to enhance the essence of its value, reinterpreted once and a thousand times in a creative way.”

When it comes to a family business, she knows that transitions are not easy. Nevertheless, companies must adapt to the demands of modern times.

That’s why, since the 2000s, Navarro has implemented digital and e-commerce strategies to open more distribution channels. According to her, “The digital age has changed for everyone. I don’t think there is a more important event in the history of mankind since the invention of light.”

As a result, Sara Navarro has maintained a presence in many international markets without needing to travel to different countries. “The sales through the e-commerce is what has ensured the continuity of our brand.”

The Online Future of Business Relationships

Following the advice of her grandfather, Navarro believes that “those who want, do more than those who can”. With this in mind, she’s approaching her goal of being recognised globally as a luxury brand with a Spanish essence. Capable of competing with the major luxury brands in the international market.

For Navarro, talent, global design and digital transformation is the perfect formula to achieve this objective. This is why she is an active member of Opportunity Network.

By connecting to global counterparts & business opportunities, Navarro is expanding her network. Importantly, while not giving up the assurance that she’s connecting with someone reliable. 

It’s this kind of forward-thinking that has driven Navarro’s connections on the platform. The company continues to look towards growth and expansion in international markets. Taking Sara Navarro one well-heeled step closer to well deserved international prestige.

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Sara Navarro is currently a member of Opportunity Network