A Q&A with Hanna Herrin, Communications Consultant at Plum & Parcel

Earlier this summer, we introduced you to Plum & Parcel’s founder, Austin Kapur. Today, meet Hanna Herrin – a marketing and communications enthusiast that leverages her expertise as a consultant for Plum & Parcel. Learn more about Hanna’s motivation, how she got connected with Plum & Parcel, and advice she’d give future communications professionals. 

Let’s get to know you personally. Share a little about yourself. 

Hey everyone, I’m Hanna! I’m a soon-to-be wife (we’re getting married this spring) that resides in beautiful Central Oregon. Prior to our move this year, my fiance and I spent just shy of a decade in the Portland area. 

Over the years, I’ve worked in various communications roles at PR and advertising agencies, as well as in-house PR management positions. Each experience has helped mold me into a more well-rounded communications professional and I’ve had the opportunity to bring this unique perspective to Plum & Parcel’s clients. 

How did you get connected with Plum & Parcel? 

I had the opportunity to serve as Plum & Parcel’s first intern in my last semester of college. Meeting Austin and working alongside her as she built up her company was a formative experience and critical to me landing my first role out of school.  

Fast forward years later, after Austin decided to restart Plum & Parcel, she reached out. She was looking for support, both with her latest client and to develop and execute a comprehensive integrated marketing communications plan for Plum & Parcel, and here we are now!

Why work at Plum & Parcel

“One of my favorite parts of this role is engaging directly with our clients, and the strong partnerships we forge with them. This is not something you always see in the agency world and I’m constantly reminded of how special Plum & Parcel and its clients are.” 

What do you like most about your work at Plum & Parcel?

At its core, Plum & Parcel is a mission-driven company like no other, deploying a unique approach to integrated marketing communications that allows clients to shine. Working closely with our purpose-driven clients has been incredibly inspiring.

Additionally, I appreciate that every day presents a new opportunity and a new challenge. One of my favorite parts of this role is engaging directly with our clients, and the strong partnerships we forge with them. This is not something you always see in the agency world and I’m constantly reminded of how special Plum & Parcel and its clients are. 

Who are the people who have been most helpful in getting you to where you are today? How have they impacted your life and career? 

I had an excellent mentor early on in college that helped guide me toward a career in PR and gave me a much-needed reality check on what to expect in the “real world.” Her guidance led me to take as many journalism classes and internships as I could squeeze into my schedule. Getting hands-on experience early on and learning how to think like a journalist are helpful aspects to a dynamic career in communications and PR. 

My parents were an incredible support system for me throughout college and as I kick-started my career. Thanks, mom and dad!  

Any advice for folks looking to pursue a career in communications? 

Any opportunity that comes your way can mold you into a better communicator, even if it isn’t directly in your field of choice. I spent my early 20’s questioning my career choice and decided to jump out of the PR field temporarily to try something new. It helped reinforce that a career in communications was my calling and reinvigorated my interest in the profession. Don’t be afraid to take a career detour…it could be just what you need.

Be curious. Question everything. It’ll make you a better writer and communicator, which are skills that will serve you well, wherever you land. 

Pre-work morning rituals

“A hot cup of coffee [gets me up in the morning]. I cherish this time to myself to be still, spend some time with God, and (if I’m lucky) catch one of the beautiful sunrises we experience, here, in the high desert."

What gets you up in the morning? 

A hot cup of coffee and the stillness that comes with waking up before anyone else. I cherish this time to myself in the morning to be still, spend some time with God, and (if I’m lucky) catch one of the beautiful sunrises we experience, here, in the high desert.  

Anything else you’d like to share? 

This is an exciting time for Plum & Parcel (spoiler alert: podcast coming soon) so be sure to stick around!