Alumni Spotlight: Hannah Coppin

Matric Year: 2020

School: Trinityhouse Little Falls

Hannah has swapped sunny South Africa for the misty Highlands of Scotland, where she now works as a Visual Merchandiser at Primark in Inverness. With her eye for detail, creative flair, and a talent for making displays that shoppers can’t resist, Hannah is proving that hard work and a little imagination can open doors to exciting adventures.

Hannah, you’re currently working as a Visual Merchandiser at Primark in Inverness. What does a typical day look like for you?
I start bright and early at 6am! First, I take a walk around the store to check the visual merchandising stands, cleaning up re-styling mannequins if stock has sold out, and making sure everything looks polished. Every week trends change, which means I get the freedom to style and set up new looks that appeal to customers. No two days are the same, and that keeps it exciting.
 

Styling mannequins and creating displays sounds creative! What’s been your favourite project so far?
Definitely the “In Denim We Can” launch on 1st September. It was my first big project without my co-worker (who was away for three weeks), so I had to set up the entire trend section solo. Picture denim blues, earthy browns, greens and whites. It was a huge undertaking and such a proud moment for me.
 

What do you love most about visual merchandising?
I love that it’s hands-on and never repetitive. The sense of accomplishment after setting up a fixture is amazing, especially knowing that customers interact with my work every single day. And if my displays convince someone to buy something? That’s the cherry on top!
 

You mentioned you’re looking for additional opportunities. What’s next for you?
I’ve always been drawn to the arts. With my degree in Information Design, I’m exploring roles in graphic design or film, and even considering hairstyling for movie sets, how fun would that be? Anything creative where I can keep experimenting excites me.
 

Looking back at your Trinityhouse days, what subjects prepared you most for what you do now?
Art, without a doubt, it taught me to see things from different perspectives and apply principles like colour and balance to create appealing looks. And believe it or not, Maths Literacy! It’s all about predicting trends and managing stock, no over- or under-ordering. Those probability skills are golden.
 

Were you always interested in fashion and styling?
Yes and no! As a kid, I wanted to be a famous fashion designer. I had every “Top Model” book, layered outfits like nobody’s business, and wore the funkiest hats. That interest faded a bit as I grew older, but it’s come full circle now.
 

What advice would you give future Trinitonians?
Don’t stress over missed opportunities. What’s meant for you won’t pass you by. Every experience, even rejection, is valuable practice. Life has a funny way of surprising you when you least expect it.
 

Living in Scotland must be an adventure! What’s been the biggest adjustment?
Walking everywhere! In SA it wasn’t always practical, but here I get in at least 10,000 steps a day. My 20-minute walk to work is actually shorter than my old walk to university.
 

If you had to style a mannequin in true Trinityhouse spirit, what would it look like?
It would radiate care and pride, qualities I felt throughout my time at Trinity. Care from the teachers who truly had our best interests at heart, and pride in the value of education that South Africa holds dear.
 

10. Quick Fire. Let’s Go!
Tea or coffee? Coffee
Sweet or salty? Salty
Heels or trainers? Trainers
Style icon? Harry Styles. I love his fearless edge!
Primark must-have? Basics: cropped tees, sweats, crewnecks.
Best Sunday? Family exploring day, complete with a Greggs sausage roll.
South Africa or Scotland? SA will always be home, but Scotland’s cool weather is winning right now.
Favourite song? On The Square by Mac DeMarco – calming vibes!
Quote you live by? “Embarrassment is an underexplored emotion, go out there and make a fool of yourself.”
On your nightstand? A lamp, an empty coffee cup, coloured pencils, and a photo I developed myself.
Fun fact? I’ve dyed my hair every colour under the sun, currently rocking red!

Hannah’s story shows how curiosity, creativity and courage can take you far beyond your comfort zone. Whether she’s styling mannequins in Inverness or dreaming of film sets and design studios, she is proof that life after Trinityhouse is full of exciting possibilities and that sometimes, the journey is just as stylish as the destination.