Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Surratt.
Hi Hannah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been cooking for as long as I can remember, always helping my mom in the kitchen. HANmade, LLC developed in the beginning of Covid in February of 2020 simply as a means to make money. I quickly started connecting with people from all over the DMV and the business just rolled from there. I’ve worked in great restaurants and am currently working in an amazing restaurant to continue to learn and grow in my skill set to better serve the community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like everything in life, it has definitely had its ups and downs. I’ve had an incredible support system along the way that made the downs not feel so unbearable.
I’ve struggled with hitting some creativity walls and trying to figure out my exact niche while also still giving my clientele/ community what they want.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m both a savory and pastry chef, something that I’m really proud to say. I work and dedicate time to be really good at both; but at this point in my career, I’m focusing more on honing my pastry skills. Doing desserts is what my business is more known for. I started it by just selling dinners/ platters. Once I added a dessert, I realized just how much of a sweet tooth people really had😂. I tried to run from pastry to be honest but it just wouldn’t let me go so here we are.
Aside from being ambidextrous in culinary, I’m really proud of the Harvest of Hope event that I was able to curate last December. It was an event to give back to those in need through food, something that I will definitely continue to be doing. I’m also proud of myself for working full time while still setting aside time to run and develop my business.
I think what sets me aside from others is that I really love the art of food for the art, not the accolades or popularity that may come with it. Don’t get me wrong, being acknowledged for how well you do something is amazing, but it’s not what I’m chasing. As simple as it sounds, I genuinely want to feed people really good food and expose them to a world they didn’t know existed through that. All while adding a little sprinkle of my personality with it😂
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I first give credit to God.
My family( parents and siblings) have always, and I mean ALWAYS, uplifted me and encouraged me to chase my dreams. From sending me to culinary school, to being there with me from beginning to end of my pop ups, to picking up last minute ingredients for me, the list goes on and on. All the chefs that I have worked for up to this point have all played a significant role in my growth and understand of food. Chef Ethan, Chef Tony, and Chef Susan to name a few. Chef Ethan was the first chef that I ever seriously worked for. He took a chance on me while I was still in culinary school and was beyond patient with me through all of my rookie mistakes. Chef Tony was really hard on me and showed me what it takes to be a chef and have ownership over what you call yours. I didn’t like it at the time, but I can appreciate it now. Chef Susan is showing me a whole new WORLD of pastry really means and how you can rewrite the definition while still upholding its tradition. There are other chefs that I haven’t worked for but are friends of mine that have been a guiding hand and listening ear for me. One in particular is Chef Armani Johnson. He truly pushed me out of my comfort zone and caused me to think about my career in a different way. I really wouldn’t be where I am today without him challenging me, pushing me to be more curious, listening to my ideas, supporting them when I didn’t think they could become a reality, and connecting me with other chefs that would do the same.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hanmadebookings.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_hannahshanmade_?igsi=MXF3ZGcwYTdscDIwOQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
