Lorna Scott had a career change in her mid-50’s and created an industry revolution! In 2012 she launched her popular Gin ‘Inverroche’ using Fynbos.
Lorna Scott is dynamic, driven and authentic, these qualities are what has driven her to be a big contender in the craft gin revolution.
In 2012 she launched the Gin ‘Inverroche’, a big career change from what she was doing. Lorna didn’t have experience in the liquor industry and had never worked in a distillery. Her curiosity about craft gin inspired her to learn. Together with her son Rohan and daughter Lauren, they created their signature Gin.
“My background includes marketing and as Deputy-Mayor of the Hessequa Municipality where I became involved in sustainable development. I believe that if you have a passion for something, which in my case is telling a story by making gin, then you can achieve anything if you put your mind and hard work to it. And you can have a career change in your mid-50s!”
Lorna created an entirely new category of Gin by infusing fynbos with it, a complete first. It all started in 2007 when she first started experimenting and building her recipes. After years of learning about fynbos she managed to select 35 species of fynbos to work with.
Inverroche has three types of gin, each one with its own unique combination of fynbos.
Inverroche Classic is infused with fynbos harvested from the limestone-rich hills and cliffs, Inverroche Gin Verdant with fynbos selected from the mountainous, rocky terrain and Inverroche Amber from fynbos scattered along the dunes.
Her passion for sustainability has led to a successful eco-friendly business where 70% of the staff are women employed from the local community. She hopes that her gin brings a new dynamic to the industry, which is predominantly a male dominated industry.
“I believe that women bring a fresh perspective to the industry and also to entrepreneurship in general. We don’t only find success whilst providing for our families but also contribute through our accomplishments positively to the upliftment of communities.”
Lorna believes that aspiring entrepreneurs should learn everything about their chosen industry to ensure they have the confidence and the insight to make calculated decisions.
“Surround yourself with people who are experts in their respective fields and who can assist you to shape your idea and help you to get your idea off the ground. It’s impossible to start and run a business on your own. Make sure you have a team that share the same vision as you and who can motivate you during the tough times.”
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