Welcome back to another episode of Jim Fielding and Friends!

This week, Jim is joined by Ingrid Nilson and Erica Anderson!

Ingrid is the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of The New Savant, a modern fragrance brand rooted in storytelling and connection. Before launching the company, she spent over a decade as a trailblazer on YouTube, helping shape the creator economy and building a loyal following of millions. Today, Ingrid continues to create community, this time through scent by crafting unique fragrances designed to spark emotion, memory, and meaningful connection.

Erica is the Co-Founder and CEO of The New Savant. Prior to launching the brand, Erica built a career at the intersection of media and technology holding key roles at CBS News, Twitter, Google, and MTV. Erica brings that same strategic vision and digital fluency to The New Savant, providing the brand with a strong, future-facing foundation.

Over the course of the episode, Jim explores The New Savant – not only the company’s genesis – but that of Erica and Ingrid as well. From humble beginnings in Indiana, YouTube fame and glory to starting all over with something new, Jim shares the interesting work that these two are doing in the fragrance industry and most importantly, their experiences as queer individuals in the entrepreneurial space.

Episode Highlights:

0:00 - Introduction

0:39 - Episode beginning

3:41 - Intro to Ingrid and Erica

6:34 - Ingrid’s YouTube journey

15:29 - Pivot to “The New Savant”

21:30 - Fragrance Houses and creating new scents

25:45 - “Mixed Feelings” scent

27:09 - Funding and getting The New Savant started

33:35 - Retailers, new brands and the product itself

39:33 - Words of wisdom

44:07 - Episode wrap-up

ABOUT JIM FIELDING

Jim Fielding began his career on the department store floor, where he discovered a deep passion for face-to-face interaction and customer experience. That early spark launched a career spanning over 30 years in senior executive roles at some of the world’s most iconic retail and media brands, including Gap, Disney Stores, Claire’s, DreamWorks, and 20th Century Fox. Throughout his leadership journey, Jim became widely recognized for his commitment to developing talent and building inclusive, people-first cultures—believing that individuals perform at their best when they can bring their whole, authentic selves to work.

Today, Jim’s full-time focus is on sharing the lessons he’s learned. Through speaking engagements, coaching, writing, advocacy, and community building, he inspires leaders and organizations to create spaces where everyone feels safe, supported, and empowered to thrive.

CONNECT WITH JIM FIELDING

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimfielding/

Website: https://www.hijimfielding.com/