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For weeks, Newton experienced depression, like many others making their way through the pandemic.
"It was from sadness. I lost people to the virus," she said. "It was from sadness to the anxiety of what’s going to happen. It weighs on you."
Making matters worse, because of the economic lockdown, both locations of Dolly's were shuttered on March 16, right at the start of the spring fashion season.
Newton said she went through a range of emotions after closing down.
"It was devastating," she said. "I felt weak. My business is my life. It’s where I shine."
Newton is a born hustler. Before she had store fronts, she sold her wares at flea markets, in hair salons, and out of the trunk of her car.
As she slowly began to feel herself again, she says, customers started to reach out. Some bought items off of her website. Others suggested she use social media to amplify the reach of her business.
Newton has a loyal following, so she gave it a try. She traded a cash register for Cash App, and she took to Facebook with a live video to showcase her inventory, all at clearance prices. She allowed customers to leave comments section to ask questions and claim items.
“Whoever was the first to respond to an item and pay for it in full, they were the ones that got it,” she said.
Asked how much she sold, Newton responded simply: “A lot.”
She sold out of handbags, most of her jewelry and much of her spring inventory. In keeping with social distancing guidelines, she shipped items to customers and allowed curbside pick up.
The virtual sale worked so well, Newton is continuing "Shopping With Shani," starting Saturday at noon and 3 p.m. on her Facebook page and the Dolly's Facebook page.
"I had my 'a-ha' moment," she said, "and I’m going to fight out of this. I am just going to come out of this stronger."