"It never occurred to me that a woman couldn't do something if she put her mind to it"
Cravat Club Director Jennifer at Goodwood Revival 2019
The 8th of March is International Women's Day; an annual celebration of the cultural, political, and socio-economic achievements of women. We thought we would highlight it this year, as many of you may not know that Cravat Club is run by a woman. She wears many hats and spins quite a few plates, juggling two very different businesses simultaneously - Cravat Club and Hidden Curiosities.
We thought you may like to see the face behind the companies, and get to know a little bit about the creator and director - Jennifer Meguro.
Jenny promoting her businesses at the Royal Berkshire Show in 2019
Cravat Club was established in 2014. Jenny was determined to create exceptional quality silk cravats, all handcrafted in the UK, and eager to develop Cravat Club as a brand. Menswear was something she was interested in, and like many women, was a strong advocate of men who dress well and take care of their appearance.
Since then, she has vastly expanded Cravat Club's product range, is now selling to over 70 countries spanning across 6 continents, and has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from customers on the quality and presentation of her products.
Cravat Club has also introduced woven and printed silk neckties, silk pocket squares and printed silk evening scarves to their collection, which make a perfect accompaniment for any outfit for the style-conscious chap.
Since then, she has vastly expanded Cravat Club's product range, is now selling to over 70 countries spanning across 6 continents, and has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from customers on the quality and presentation of her products.
Cravat Club has also introduced woven and printed silk neckties, silk pocket squares and printed silk evening scarves to their collection, which make a perfect accompaniment for any outfit for the style-conscious chap.
Hidden Curiosities & Aranami Strength gins have both won multiple awards.
3 years later, in 2017 Jenny wanted to pursue a second venture - Hidden Curiosities Gin. She was already a huge fan of craft gin, and sampled over 100 different gins in her research. She was determined to dedicate her time and passion, developing a unique recipe with a very distinctive character. Hidden Curiosities Gin was born.
Since then, Hidden Curiosities has evoked curiosity and favour in the gin world, featuring on the menu at Michelin Star restaurants, in top London bars and gin palaces, and at renowned stockists including Harvey Nichols. Her recipes have consistently received overwhelmingly positive reviews from prominent gin bloggers and the drinks industry.
If that wasn't enough, she then wanted to develop a Japan-inspired navy strength. After having lived in Japan (refining her already discerning palate) Jenny wanted to incorporate some of her favourite evocative Japanese flavours - yuzu, sansho pepper, cherry blossom, sour plum and shiso. After months of recipe development, Aranami Strength was born. The response was overwhelming, winning a multitude of awards, including Best Navy Strength Gin at the World Gin Awards 2020.
Since then, Hidden Curiosities has evoked curiosity and favour in the gin world, featuring on the menu at Michelin Star restaurants, in top London bars and gin palaces, and at renowned stockists including Harvey Nichols. Her recipes have consistently received overwhelmingly positive reviews from prominent gin bloggers and the drinks industry.
If that wasn't enough, she then wanted to develop a Japan-inspired navy strength. After having lived in Japan (refining her already discerning palate) Jenny wanted to incorporate some of her favourite evocative Japanese flavours - yuzu, sansho pepper, cherry blossom, sour plum and shiso. After months of recipe development, Aranami Strength was born. The response was overwhelming, winning a multitude of awards, including Best Navy Strength Gin at the World Gin Awards 2020.
Jenny likes to show off a bit of personality through her unique style.
It's no secret that Jenny is a fan of playful colours and prints, and her idiosyncratic style is reflected in Cravat Club's eye-catching designs. Jenny believes that the way you dress is a form of self-expression and creativity; why stick to boring colours and patterns? She believes we can be more adventurous with our outfits, and make our style our own, regardless of age or gender.
Jenny styling a model on a Cravat Club photoshoot
Jenny says, "In my experience, gentlemen, especially in the UK, have always opted for 'safe' colours and articles of clothing. Many haven't really given their wardrobe a real thought, and simply conformed to the obvious. I think people can overlook how important dress and style is, and how it can make you feel. It certainly ignites a topic of conversation, and will get you more noticed on dating apps, in the street or at parties.”
"If you wear distinctive clothing, it will naturally spark interest and curiosity. It also helps to show off your personality. There's no harm in injecting a bit of colour and variety into your day-to-day outfits, and cravats, pocket squares and scarves are the perfect accessories to do this."
Taken at Miyajima Shrine, Hiroshima, Japan
Jenny spent 5 years living in Japan during her twenties, learned the language to a fluent level, and since moving back to the UK, often returns to Japan to see family and friends.
Japan has been a huge influence on Jenny since she was a child. Learning the language and understanding the culture have both helped to form who she is today; someone who treats people with politeness and respect, and who endeavours to see the positive elements that life has to offer, despite the adversities. She has will, determination, a perpetual drive to work hard, and a desire to succeed while maintaining her integrity, along with a meticulous sense of style.
Taken at the Philosopher's Path, Kyoto, Japan
Jenny says, "I'm not sure what to say about being a female entrepreneur as I don't know otherwise, but it never occurred to me that a woman couldn't do something if she put her mind to it.
"Being brought up with two older brothers, and naturally wanting to join in with whatever they were doing - climbing trees, watching 80s action movies, or having water fights with Super Soakers in the garden, I had no reason to believe that either. If you have the will and determination, you can do a lot of things! I'm so grateful for all my customers, from wherever they are in the world, who actively choose to support a small independent business like mine. It's incredibly touching.
"Being brought up with two older brothers, and naturally wanting to join in with whatever they were doing - climbing trees, watching 80s action movies, or having water fights with Super Soakers in the garden, I had no reason to believe that either. If you have the will and determination, you can do a lot of things! I'm so grateful for all my customers, from wherever they are in the world, who actively choose to support a small independent business like mine. It's incredibly touching.
"I feel lucky to have met so many interesting and inspiring people along the way, and I hope we see progress for women of all kinds everywhere in the future."
Jenny is looking forward to a post-pandemic life when we're able to travel abroad again safely. Taken in Chania, Crete.
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