Skandalaris Internship Spotlight: Nari

My name is Olivia Leigh, and I’m a rising junior studying Psychology and Organization & Strategic Management. I’m passionate about the intersection of people and business strategy—something I had the chance to explore from many angles during my summer internship at Nari.

Nari, founded by Shradha Challa (MBA ‘24), is a South Asian beverage startup bringing bold, hand-roasted chai blends to the U.S. market. As the Operations and Marketing Intern, I started my summer deep in market research before shifting into content creation and social media strategy. I helped expand our Instagram and YouTube presence, developed a vault of ad-ready content for Meta, and contributed to the strategy that supported Nari’s first grocery store deal.

But like any good startup experience, I wore more than a couple hats. I got a crash course in startup finance, learned the ropes of go-to-market planning, and connected directly with customers while serving iced masala chai at the Tower Grove Farmers Market each Saturday morning.

This being my first summer internship, I couldn’t have asked for a better environment to learn. I now see platforms like Instagram and TikTok through a completely different lens—less as a user, more as a strategist. I also gained hands-on experience with influencer outreach and UGC collaborations, from pitching creators to coordinating content and amplifying Nari’s voice through diverse perspectives. This gave me a new appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work that makes digital content feel authentic.

As a shopping enthusiast, it’s been eye-opening to study how storytelling, brand voice, and consumer psychology all come together to drive a purchase.

From hours spent editing in CapCut to the sticky summer mornings at the market, this summer was one for the books. I’m walking away with stronger creative instincts, a deeper appreciation for and interest in startups, and a newfound curiosity about the world of consumer brands.

I also learned a lot about myself—how I work, how I learn, and strengths I hadn’t tapped into before. As someone who’s biracial, working for a brand that celebrates South Asian culture helped me feel more connected to that part of my heritage in a meaningful way.

And most of all, I’m grateful for the mentorship I received. Shradha invested in my growth every step of the way—not just in my role at Nari, but in my development as an early-career professional. Whether that was showing me the behind-the-scenes of her business operations or helping me prep for interviews, I couldn’t have asked for a better founder and mentor.

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The Skandalaris Launchpad summer internship program is an immersive 10-week experience that provides access and insight into the dynamic environment and needs of an early-stage startup. This program is designed to enhance entrepreneurial skills, provide tools and resources for professional development, and immerse students in the greater St. Louis ecosystem. Intern stipends are provided by the generous support of Skandalaris Center donors.