How One Beach Hut Became a Successful Small Business in Holland-on-Sea
What started as a spontaneous purchase became the beginning of something much bigger
Carla Edwards didn’t set out to become an entrepreneur - especially not one running a coastal business in Essex. But when she and her partner Phil spotted a small, weathered beach hut for sale in Holland-on-Sea, something shifted.
“We’d just had this amazing summer with the kids. I was ready to head back to my design work, but Phil said, ‘Why not?’ So we bought it. A mouldy little hut by the sea.”
They called her Stripey.
Holland-on-Sea beach hut owner, Carla Edwards
What began as a renovation project turned into something more: a place families return to year after year. A business that grew from one hut into four. And a career built not in an office, but by the sea.
A Beach Hut That Feels Like a Deep Breath
Carla’s approach to beach hut hire in Essex isn’t about volume - it’s about experience. Each of the four huts (Stripey, Lily, Blue and Yellow) is designed to be more than just a place to sit.
“I wanted it to feel like a sanctuary. Somewhere you can show up, exhale, and just be.”
Each hut includes private changing rooms, stocked kitchenettes, comfy seating, board games, and beach essentials - the kind of small touches that make a seaside day effortless.
“We get so many returning guests,” she says. “Some families book the same week every summer. We’ve become part of their yearly rhythm - and that’s really special.”
From Side Hustle to Coastal Life
As a former graphic designer, Carla knew how to create a beautiful brand - but building a service-based business from the ground up required more than aesthetics.
“I had to learn everything else - how to manage bookings, streamline operations, and deliver a consistent guest experience. The behind-the-scenes is just as important as the Instagram grid.”
Speaking of which, Instagram became a powerful tool. By sharing seaside views, customer testimonials, and glimpses of hut life, Carla grew an engaged audience - many of whom became loyal customers.
“Our best marketing has always been word of mouth. That - and the kind of photos people want to send to their group chats.”
Why Holland-on-Sea?
Nestled quietly between Clacton and Frinton, Holland-on-Sea is one of the most peaceful coastal destinations in Essex’s - and a key part of Carla’s brand story.
“It’s clean, calm, and unspoilt. After the regeneration in 2015, the beaches are wide and golden - and not overrun. It’s perfect for families.”
The huts offer people a chance to disconnect from busy schedules and reconnect with what matters: time, space, and sea air.
“We’ve thought about every detail, so guests don’t have to. They just show up - and everything’s there.”
PLANNING YOUR OWN BEACH DAY? SHOP OUR ESSENTIALS
A few small upgrades = a much more relaxed beach day.
“We didn’t plan to start a business - we just followed what felt right”
For any woman dreaming of a softer, slower, more intentional way to work - Carla’s story is a gentle reminder that starting a small business doesn’t have to come with a masterplan.
“We started with one hut. That’s it. We listened, improved, added another. You don’t need a five-year plan to get started - you just need to begin.”
“And stay close to the customer. That’s where all your answers are.”
Her vision for the future includes expansion - maybe more huts, maybe curated seaside experiences in Essex. But for now, she’s happy with what she’s built: a business that reflects the life she wants to live.
“That one hut changed everything. I’ll always be grateful I said yes to it.”
You can follow Carla’s journey on Instagram @beachhuthirehollandonsea - and get a little more sunshine in your scroll - or book one of her beautifully curated huts via www.beachhuthirehollandonsea.co.uk.
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