We've finally convinced Hannah, our Communications & Content Manager (always on brand with her mint green watch!) to step out from behind the camera and take part in our Meet the Team series!
Before embracing all things minty at Summerdown, Hannah led Recovery Communications at Help for Heroes, supporting recovery initiatives for veterans. Prior to that, Hannah was based at the British Embassy in Saudi Arabia, where she set up and led the marketing team for UK Trade & Investment, promoting UK interests across the Middle East. Earlier in her career, Hannah worked across both agency and in-house marketing roles, building a solid foundation in strategic communications.
Favourite Summerdown product?
I love Summerdown’s peppermint and lemongrass bath soak because it’s incredibly refreshing and calming at the same time. The cooling peppermint wakes me up, while the lemongrass adds a gentle, uplifting citrus scent - perfect for relaxing and recharging after a long day.
Most interesting fact you've learnt about Summerdown since joining?
That every single Black Mitcham peppermint plant that we grow is directly related to that first cutting that our founder Sir Michael and Master of Mint Ian brought back from America over 30 years ago! I also love that camomile oil is actually blue.
Favourite place on the farm?
My favourite place on the farm is definitely the distillery. The atmosphere there is absolutely mesmerising - the heat, the steam, the sounds and the incredible aroma of our pure essential oils being distilled create an experience like no other. What Ian and Rosie create in there is pure magic.
Proudest PR moment at Summerdown?
My proudest PR moment was winning the BBC Food and Farming Award for Best Drinks Producer. It was incredible to see the hard work and dedication of the farm team recognised for our peppermint tea, it was truly well deserved and the smile on Ian's face said it all.
Most frequently asked question whilst working at Summerdown?
Which Hannah are you? Rather confusingly there are two of us in the Summerdown Marketing team - often simply referred to as the Two Hannahs, like a less amusing version of The Two Ronnies! We also happen to live in the same village which adds further to the confusion!
What content do followers engage with most on Summerdown's social channels?
Everyone enjoys spotting the wildlife that calls Summerdown home, from our resident peacocks, graceful deer and barn owls, to wildflower meadows and bluebell-filled woodlands. Harvest content is also a big hit, as followers love getting a behind the scenes insight into how their favourite peppermint treats are lovingly made.
Best part of working at Summerdown?
Aside from the endless supply of peppermint chocolates (!), the best part of working at Summerdown is being part of a passionate team that’s dedicated to creating something truly special, from the farm to the finished product. Plus, getting to work in a magical place, surrounded by nature and seeing the peppermint come to life throughout the seasons is pretty amazing.
Where would you most like to see Summerdown in print?
We're very fortunate that lots of big titles have shared our story already but we'd love to see the story of Summerdown come alive in a Sunday supplement again.
Worst part about working for Summerdown?
The overwhelming temptation to eat nothing but peppermint chocolate, all day, every day. Our chocolates are just too moreish!
Funniest story when creating content?
There are a few memorable moments, such as the time we lost a set of cutlery in the peppermint fields (don’t tell Ian!) We were conducting a photoshoot with a laid table among the peppermint plants and suddenly the cutlery disappeared - I like to think the hares and stone curlews have put them to good use when they have friends round for supper! We’ve also had some pretty funny times trying to film content fully clothed in the shepherd huts’ hot tubs!