Kara Pearson
Erica Brown holding a Dylan Star gift basket
By Kara Pearson
With mandatory non-essential business closures, there has been a shift to provide a virtual experience or offer curbside pick-up. As we navigate these trying times in our community, there are silver linings everywhere to be seen.
Local businesses, which include many retailers, are getting creative in the ways they connect with their customers in Santa Barbara. They are finding new ways to generate connections and community, in light of the hardships that have surfaced during this time.
Dylan Star, located at 1719 State Street, is a one-stop-shop for the women of Santa Barbara looking to be styled from head-to-toe captained by styling guru, Erica Brown. Erica has become a champion of creation by launching a curated gift basket program for her clients to order for themselves or for loved ones.
When Dylan Star opened its doors, Erica wanted to dress everyone in Santa Barbara – a goal that she set day in and day out. Her way to still accomplish that goal, in light of the circumstances, was to offer a new and never before seen gifting service. And when asked, why did she begin this program? Her answer was: “Giving a gift feels just as good as getting one, and sharing this special feeling is so important during this time.”
Her gift baskets are customized to each order, which means every single one is a unique combination of products depending on the client. Some are for fashionistas, parents, girl-bosses, beauty gurus, or even foodies. The combinations for the baskets seem endless because of the diverse selection of clothing and accessory options she provides in-store at Dylan Star.
Usually when her store doors are open, clients walk in and out with an entire outfit in hand. Without the convenience of an open door, she’s pivoted and has been able to style these outfits and deliver them all wrapped up in a basket.
Erica has also taken this gifting opportunity to showcase many new brands that have never been seen in store. She used this time to introduce her clients to her own personal home and beauty must-haves which include products from Schmear, Louvelle, Not Soap Radio and many more.
The outpour of community support has brought so much joy and motivation for Erica to keep plugging through and creating special Dylan Star experiences for everyone. She has designed multiple ways to shop virtually on her online store, her social media channels and even offers Dylan Delivered – a fashion delivery service.
When you shop with Erica, not only do you feel special, but you feel heard. She’s like a close friend behind the counter, guiding clients in their search for style and encouraging confidence in every fitting.
The creativity our community has shown during a time that has gotten exponentially tough has been the silver lining for a lot of Santa Barbarians. Many are missing those simple days when aimlessly browsing was accessible in favorited local shops. Now we don’t have to look so far to find familiar feelings of normalcy. It’s wonderful knowing that there are new and exciting ways to support local.
To order a custom gift basket visit dylanstar.com/gift-baskets
