Building a Business by the Sea: How Carla Turned a Spontaneous Purchase into a Thriving Beach Hut Empire
From graphic designer to beach hut entrepreneur, Carla Edwards’ journey proves that sometimes the best business ideas start with a leap of faith.
When a Side Project Becomes a Calling
When Carla and her partner Phil stumbled upon a “For Sale” sign on a weathered beach hut in Holland-on-Sea, they had no idea it would change their lives.
“I was hesitant at first,” Carla admits. “We’d had an incredible summer with our kids, but returning to my graphic design career felt safer than taking on a mouldy hut!”
But Phil’s spontaneity won out. They bought the hut - affectionately named “Stripey” - and spent weekends scrubbing, sanding, and restoring it. What started as a passion project soon transformed into an in-demand rental business.
“After fixing up Stripey, we decided to rent it out to help cover the costs. Friends started asking, then friends of friends, and before we knew it, we had bookings rolling in.”
Fast-forward six years, and Carla now manages four stunning beach huts along Holland-on-Sea’s coastline (Blue J31, Lily J6, Stripey J13, and Yellow J3) each designed to offer the perfect seaside retreat.
Creating an Experience, Not Just a Rental
Unlike traditional beach hut hires, Carla’s approach is rooted in hospitality.
“I wanted to create something more than just a place to sit,” she explains. “Each hut is designed for relaxation - spacious seating, private changing rooms, a kitchenette stocked with essentials, and even little details like buckets, spades, and board games for families.”
It’s these thoughtful touches that have turned first-time visitors into loyal customers.
“We get a lot of returning guests. Some book the same week every year. It’s amazing to know we’re part of their family traditions.”
From Passion to Profit: Scaling a Lifestyle Business
Turning a single beach hut into a full-fledged business required more than just a love for the coast. Carla had to master marketing, customer service, and logistics.
“I knew how to make things look beautiful thanks to my design background, but running a rental business meant learning how to manage bookings, streamline operations, and market to the right audience.”
A key driver of success? Social media and word-of-mouth.
“Instagram has been huge for us. Sharing behind-the-scenes updates, guest experiences, and those stunning beach views helps attract new customers. But ultimately, our best marketing tool is happy customers recommending us.”
Why Holland-on-Sea?
Nestled between Frinton and Clacton, Holland-on-Sea is one of Essex’s best-kept secrets.
“People don’t realise just how beautiful this stretch of coastline is,” Carla says. “After the £36M regeneration in 2015, we now have a five-kilometre stretch of golden sand, protected by sleek rock groynes. It’s clean, quiet, and perfect for families.”
For those seeking a staycation or a peaceful seaside escape, her beach huts offer a stress-free way to enjoy the coast.
“We’ve thought of everything, so all you have to do is turn up, breathe in the sea air, and relax.”
Advice for Aspiring Lifestyle Entrepreneurs
For anyone looking to turn a passion into a business, Carla’s advice is simple: start small, listen to your customers, and embrace the learning curve.
“You don’t have to have it all figured out from day one. We started with one hut, learned what worked, and grew from there. The key is to stay adaptable and always think about how you can create the best experience for your customers.”
And as for her own future plans?
“I’d love to expand, maybe add more huts or even offer curated seaside experiences. But for now, I’m just grateful that a spontaneous purchase turned into something so special.”
