Graduate launches award-winning gin

Falmouth graduate Holly Challinor has applied the lessons she learnt from her university studies to become the Founder & Director of Cheshire Botanicals, a family-run micro distillery in the heart of the Nantwich countryside.  

Holly believes that the skills she learned while studying Photography BA(Hons) and Professional Writing MA courses at Falmouth were vital to her success. Her skills are immediately evident across the Cheshire Botanicals website and social media channels; beautiful photography is coupled with carefully crafted copy. As Holly reflects, “without studying at Falmouth, I wouldn’t have learnt some of the key elements of building a brand and marketing a new product.”  

Holly took advantage of the first coronavirus lockdown to perfect Cheshire Botanicals’ first product: Nantwich Gin. After six months of recipe trials, research and planning, the company’s debut gin was launched. 

Without studying at Falmouth, I wouldn’t have learnt some of the key elements of building a brand and marketing a new product.

Cheshire Botanicals is gathering serious momentum and has quickly established itself as a local’s favourite in Holly’s home county. As lockdown lifts and the hospitality industry begins to open up for the summer, Cheshire Botanicals will be celebrating their success by working with local pubs, restaurants and hotels. Before the company begins focusing on expansion further afield, their priority will be serving establishments close to home. As Holly says, “we look forward to sharing Nantwich Gin with more gin fans and are prioritising stock for local hospitality partners who are all keen to offer a taste of home on their cocktail lists!”