Jersey businesswoman honoured by the Queen

Monday 13 June 2016

Connect magazine's June cover, Dr Tessa Hartmann, insists she is “humbled” after being recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

The Jersey resident and founder of the Scottish Fashion Awards has been appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the Birthday 2016 Honours List.

A ground-breaking marketer, Dr Hartmann has supported many types of business innovation throughout her varied career in the last 20 years. Her award is primarily in recognition for her services to the Scottish fashion industry and in particular the creation of the Scottish Fashion Awards.  

By establishing the awards, she has delivered one of the most effective and successful marketing campaigns north of the border, helping to promote and celebrate Scottish fashion, design and marketing.

The 46-year-old mother of four is married to Sascha Hartmann, a composer and film director, and recently moved her family to Jersey. 

Through her ability to garner the support of leading international brand sponsors, Dr Hartmann has been able to provide an international platform for the Scottish fashion industry that has transformed the prospects and opportunities of many Scottish designers, textile manufacturers and brands.

Dr Hartmann said: “As a woman in business I feel very proud to be recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List on this most special year. 

“It’s very gratifying that the work we have done to showcase the Scottish fashion industry around the world has been recognised and acknowledged in this way. I have spent many years showcasing and raising awareness to the wealth of Scottish fashion, design, creative and textiles talents and never expected to receive anything like this, so it’s very exciting. I couldn’t be more delighted.

“It’s also incredible to see so many women being honoured today and I’m humbled to be amongst so many inspirational and strong female role models. Ultimately women need to support women so if you know of any inspiring role models, it’s really up to you and I to nominate them. I just never expected it to happen to me.”

Dr Hartmann has provided advice and support to new and established Scottish suppliers, such as Harris Tweed Hebrides. 

She has also served as a highly committed mentor and role model to a new generation of young people from Scotland and the UK who aspire to a successful career within the fashion industry, in particular through her frequent participation in master-classes at Glasgow Caledonian University.

Three other Jersey residents were recognised by the Queen in this year's Birthday Honours: Sally Minty-Gravett, Paul Owen and Pauline Graham all received the MBE.