This week on ‘Behind The Door With…’ I’m really excited to visit a wedding business that’s all about the boys for a change, Hank in Chief. Owner and creator Ashley Grace was inspired to create Hank in Chief in 2013 after making the bow ties for her own wedding. “I was searching and searching for the perfect bow tie” says Ashley Grace “and ended up settling for the perfect fabric to make my own.” The bow ties were a hit and Ashley Grace found herself with requests from friends and family to make the bow ties for their own weddings, and soon enough the business was born.
Hank in Chief is run from a studio in Ashley Grace’s own home in Sydney, but they have stockists all over Australia. Ashley tells me she especially loves to find stockists out of the main cities where her brand can be truly appreciated in a handful of specialty stores. Hank in Chief also has a beautiful website and online store.
The studio is set up with a sewing machine, desk and cupboards overflowing with fabric and sewing supplies which Ashley Grace uses to create handmade bow ties, pocket chiefs and cufflinks. It can get pretty busy in there and Ashley Grace tells me there can be a lot of juggling involved when she is snowed under with custom orders. I love that Hank in Chief can make special bow ties to match your wedding theme or colour palette.
Ashley Grace tells me that when she first started the business, packaging was very important to her. “I really loved the idea of grooms giving the bow ties to their groomsmen as a gift” she says “so I needed something that looked dapper while still keeping the bow ties clean and safe.” The result was a handmade calico drawstring bag with a fabric swatch sewn on, which is also perfect for keeping the bow tie in after the special occasion is over.
Of course I’m curious about any unusual wedding party members Ashley Grace has made bow ties for and she tells me that she has made many for babies, cats, dogs and even a rabbit! Hank in Chief also makes bow ties for women who might be playing the part of best woman or just enjoy wearing bow ties to weddings.
I ask Ashley Grace what her favourite part of her job is and, like many vendors, it’s when she receives some wedding photos back from happy couples. “I love to spot my bow ties in people’s weddings” says Ashley Grace. “I feel as though I’ve played a small part in their very big day.”
Images by Jeremy McGrath and Hank in Chief
Ms Chinoiserie Says: Perfect bow ties and accessories made with perfect fabrics; so smart for the suave groom!
About Amelia Waddell of Make Your Day Wedding Styling: I’m a wedding stylist and proud store owner who loves to chat weddings with everyone and anyone! I love to talk shop with other business owners (particularly over some chocolate cake!) and am the first to try and have a sticky beak behind the scenes of any event. My free time is spent ‘investigating’ new cafes, stores and events.
Join the conversation