Who’s Who in 2022, tourism: Hannah Worthy

Samford’s Store of Requirement celebrated a magical birthday in July 2022, with hundreds of young witches, wizards and muggles taking the opportunity to live out their fantasy of attending Hogwarts.

Managing Director Hannah Worthy planned a full day of enchanting activities, such as potion making, wand decorating, spell-making classes, market stalls, a scavenger hunt and a Quidditch game.

The store’s grand opening five years ago on July 31, 2017, was strategically set to coincide with Harry Potter’s birthday – and the 20^th anniversary of the franchise’s first book and movie, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

About Hannah Worthy

Hannah Worthy is the Managing Director of Samford’s Store of Requirement, and a huge fan of the Harry Potter franchise.

She has been working at the Samford wizard-inspired store since July 2019, which sells an extensive range of licensed memorabilia and collectables.

Some of the store’s biggest sellers include wands, clothing, jewellery, toys and games, accessories, homewares and books.

Hannah described working at the store as the “best job in the world”, as she loves talking to the Harry Potter fans who visit.

She also loves helping people of all ages come in and find that special item, whether it be for themselves and their collection, or a gift for a loved one.

Her two full sleeves of Harry Potter tattoos are a strong talking point for all visitors, who are keen to see what characters she has inked on her body.

Hannah loves hosting big community events for Harry Potter fans to enjoy, such as the store’s 5th birthday in July, which attracted hundreds of people.

The store first opened its doors on July 31, 2017 – the same date that coincides with Harry Potter’s birthday in the books.

It also coincided with the 20^th anniversary of JK Rowling’s first book in the series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Being the Managing Director of a small business in Moreton Bay, Hannah came on board to support Council’s Back a Local campaign – a six-week campaign that encouraged locals to eat, drink, shop, play and spend money at local businesses.

The widespread campaign, which kicked off on February 16, 2022, was designed to help businesses that had been affected by the COVID-19 Omicron wave which left businesses short-staffed, and struggling with supply chain issues and loss of visitation.

Hannah said while the Store of Requirement was able to keep its doors open during the wave, it did affect the business financially.

She said working in a small community like Samford, the locals knew it was important to support their fellow businesses and friends.