How Sydney woman who couldn’t afford rent built $40m empire
A Sydney woman who couldn’t afford rent when she quit her job to launch her own business has revealed the “crazy” solution that paid off.
An Australian woman who once slept on a blow up mattress because she couldn’t afford rent has revealed how she turned things around, and is now running a multimillion-dollar business.
Hannah Drury couldn’t afford to put a roof over her head, essentially making herself homless in order to launch Peppermint Grove Fragrances, an idea sparked during a holiday to Hong Kong.
After quitting her job as a marketing specialist in Sydney and funnelling every cent she had into the business, Hannah was forced to sleep on the floor of the tiny factory she rented in the Southern Highlands.
The now 33-year-old pulled 18-hour shifts working on the brand’s signature scented candles, and after 12 months, her hard work began paying off.
Nearly 10 years on, Peppermint Grove is now a successful $40 million dollar fragrance empire that sells over 100,000 products a month.
“It truly is mind blowing to think about where it all started to where it is now,” Hannah told news.com.au.
“It’s wild to think how far and wide the brand has expanded.
“We now have thousands of stockists across 15 countries ranging from Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, Korea, the UK and UAE – the list goes on.”
Hannah was inspired to create an affordable home fragrance line after spotting a “huge line of people queuing for a personalised Dior perfume” while overseas.
“I knew I had to bring this into the home fragrance space,” she explained.
“I love diffusers, as they are no fuss. However, I found myself constantly hiding them as others on the market were overly branded.
“I set out to create beautiful vessels that are a piece of home decor in their own right.”
Despite her success, she said, “I have definitely stayed true to my roots”. She added that she’ll never forget what it took to get the business off the ground.
“The business demanded long hours and frankly, I couldn’t afford accommodation as the rent on the factory was all I could afford, so it really was the most viable option at the time,” she said.
“For me, my work feels like a ‘lifestyle choice’ – it’s relentless but I love it.
“When I hit one goal, I move the goalposts … it’s not hard but it’s hard work. Consistency is key.”
While Peppermint Grove initially launched with soy candles, the brand has now expanded to include bath and body care. Hannah also launched her second business, Moss St. Fragrances, a luxury candle and body care brand in 2018.
“We’re constantly evolving and working to expand our product offering. We’re developing 100s of products a year and always creating new and exciting fragrances,” she told news.com.au.
“We have our own perfumer and manufacturer our own fragrance, waxes and wicks with our own chemical supply chain from Europe and Asia. This means we can make products how we want them rather than what the market dictates.
“It also give us a unique position in the marketplace of supplying the industry and setting trends.”
In the almost decade of hard work, Hannah – who now employs 120 staff members across the warehouse, manufacturing and office – said her success comes at a cost.
“I’m yet to put on an ‘out of office’ for example … If I go on holiday, my work comes with me,” she explained.
“But I am incredibly grateful and thankful. This is the success of my entire team. Every staff member, every client, and every supplier. Everyone who has believed in the brands from the beginning to now.”
Hannah now also lives in a rented apartment, having moved out of the factory after spending nine months there on her blow-up mattress. She’s also traded up her manufacturing space and has three factories in Australia and internationally.
“It’s nuts to think about how far I’ve come,” she finished, while adding some tips for others who are thinking of taking the plunge.
“If you aren’t sure of something, reach out and ask for advice or get a second opinion, but always ensure you follow your gut instincts along the way.”