Blending Business and Aesthetic to create global brands
Can a person be both commercial and aesthetic? The enigmatic Megumi Roberts certainly proves so. Based in Tokyo, Japan, Megumi combines Business and Aesthetic to create global brands, events, content, collaborations, and even fashion.
A self motivated , Megumi began her career in 1999 as a Public Relations & Events professional in Tokyo. In less than 10 years, she climbed to the position of a Chief Operating Officer at Library 9. The new millennium saw her ascend global brands such as Cartier, Moët Hennessy Diageo Japan, and Rugby School Japan.
In 2005, she began taking on independent projects in PR, Events, and Influencer Relations. Recalling those moments, she says, “Life is super fragile. There may not be a tomorrow. Do not be afraid to dive into new waters.”
Blessed with a creative streak, she decided to pursue another passion and launched LOUIS KHAN in November 2022 – a curated Indo-French fashion boutique for the modern connoisseur. As the Founder and Creative Director, Megumi introduces beautiful craftsmanship and vibrant colors that please the eye and soothe the soul.
Establishing and running a company during the pandemic spelled a challenge for Megumi. “All our products come from India, but I could not go there because of Covid-19. I contacted more than 130 people in India. I was dealing with many people who I’d never met. I cried a lot during this time. Every single step was almost a nightmare.”
With her trademark perseverance, Megumi powered through. So much so that the success of LOUIS KHAN gave her the confidence to co-found Studio Nin in July 2023. Studio Nin is a Tokyo based content and collaboration platform that brings the best-in-business creatives, professionals, artists, and brands to create on-ground magic that translates seamlessly on-screen. With a special focus on artist X brand collaborations around the world, the studio extends its services to enable 360 degree marketing, advertising, and content capabilities.
Thanks to two decades in the Japanese market catering to high-end luxury brands, Megumi has been able to build an incredible network of industry experts, artists, and brands. Her PR prowess enables individuals and companies to connect, collaborate, and contribute to campaigns effectively.
“At heart, I am a PR & Events professional – a Marketing person who knows how to sell as I’ve got a private client sales role. I have sold pre-stage products to wealthy individuals. Lots of people think that marketing and sales roles are different but that is not true. One can only succeed if one has both these skills.”
A skeptic where the rat race is concerned, Megumi was different ever since she was a child. She tells us, “I cannot put myself in a box. There is no competition in my dictionary. I just believe my instincts and go my way.”
Her instinct for the global market is what sets Megumi apart today. She is not just a thorough professional, but a brave one at that. She dropped out of high school, left home when she was 16 years of age, launched her brand when she turned 47, and co-created Studio Nin at 48 years!
“People often think that a 50 year old is at the end of his/her career. But we’re living in the year 2024, and may live up to 100 years or more. 50 is just the beginning of adulthood, it is the perfect time to leave a port.”
An inspiring leader in thought and action, what drives Megumi’s passion, we ask her. She tells us that a ‘Eureka’ moment can strike her any time – during vacuuming, while walking down the street, when looking at the passing scenery from the window of a cab, etc. She never thinks of her goal, but only believes in her mission from the sky.
What she does have infinite faith in, is people and connection. She does not think of herself as a leader, but is always committed to herself and the people around her. More importantly, she is not afraid to trust people, or stand up for them.
Her sole passion behind every work she engages in, is to make people happy. And she achieves this through the power of ‘sharing’. Her mentor is Richard Branson, whom she had the chance to work with closely when she was in her 20s. “He is a super generous person. I also love India as people in that country know how to share. My mantra to people is – share things if you can. If you can share things, it means you are lucky enough. You can see the sparkle in the receiver’s eyes when you share, and it is the most beautiful thing in the world.”
