At Sugarhill Brighton, we’ve always believed that what makes our brand truly special isn’t just the colourful prints or the feel-good designs — it’s the people who dream them up, sketch them out, and bring them to life. Behind every joyful jumper, playful print and perfectly cut dress is a small but mighty team of creative minds, each adding their own spark to what we do.
With our new blog series, In the Sugarhill Brighton Studio With…, we want to shine a light on the brilliant bunch who work their magic behind the scenes. From design and production to marketing, customer care and everything in between, this is your chance to meet the humans who make Sugarhill Brighton… well, Sugarhill Brighton.
Each post will introduce you to a different member of the team — sharing their stories, inspirations, favourite pieces, and maybe even a few surprises along the way.
So, pop the kettle on and join us as we pull back the curtain, celebrate our people, and show you the heart behind the brand. We can’t wait for you to meet them!
In the Sugarhill Brighton Studio With… Carla🌟
You'll spot Carla in the office easily enough — she's the one in the brightest outfit in the room, and she leans into it fully. It's her thing, and she owns it.
As part of the Sugarhill web team, she keeps the website up to date and is a dab hand at ads too. She also puts her stamp on the brand through style blogs, sharing tips and inspiration for anyone who needs a little nudge in the right direction when it comes to getting dressed.
- HARTLEY ZIP UP FLEECE- BLACK, COLOURFUL SHAPES- this is the perfect transitional piece into Autumn. I cannot wait to go for long walks along the Downs in this one.
- HARTLEY ZIP UP FLEECE- BLACK, COLOURFUL SHAPES- this is the perfect transitional piece into Autumn. I cannot wait to go for long walks along the Downs in this one.
- VANDER QUILTED WAISTCOAT- BLACK/ TEAL, TWILIGHT GINGHAM- this is great to just throw over when the weather is uncertain. It can go with anything but just a baggy pair of jeans and plain top, it will jazz the whole outfit up.
- VANDER QUILTED WAISTCOAT- BLACK/ TEAL, TWILIGHT GINGHAM- this is great to just throw over when the weather is uncertain. It can go with anything but just a baggy pair of jeans and plain top, it will jazz the whole outfit up.
Can you tell me about your role at Sugarhill Brighton? What does your typical day look like?
Can you tell me about your role at Sugarhill Brighton? What does your typical day look like?
As the Studio Manager of Sugarhill Brighton, I am responsible for the day to day running of the in-house design studio. Each day can be quite different, whether it is assisting with fittings and sample management with the production team, or helping the design team with research and CAD work. I also assist with both in-house and location photoshoots which appear across our website, social media and catalogues.
My role is pretty varied, which I love! Every week follows a similar pattern — I start off by adding copy, images and product information to our new styles that are coming up for launch, then I move on to creating videos for ads and TikTok.
Wednesdays are all about our customers, where I help out with Customer Service. Towards the end of the week, I switch into writing mode and get the blogs done. On top of all that, SEO work gets dotted throughout my week — just making sure everything is working as it should behind the scenes so customers have a smooth experience on the site.
I'm part of the web team, and all of our roles feed into each other, so there's loads of crossover, and we work pretty closely together!
How would you describe your style? Are you influenced by anyone?
My main thing is that it needs to be colourful. You will never see me in black, ever! Getting a job at Sugarhill was a natural fit for me as I love bold & bright styles. I flit between street style, with a huge amount of Adidas in my wardrobe, and then a more retro styles with a lot of vintage clothes too. And I love a sequin or two!
I love @lauraintechnicolor and @novasistas for their bold looks.
What's your favourite thing to do right now? Hobby? TV? Book?
I've just started a pottery throwing class, which I am really enjoying. I love anything crafty and love sewing. I'm also a big sauna girl, and try to go at least once a week.
And at home, I love period dramas. Anything set pre-war is my jam. I'm currently watching Harlots, which is a winner.
Where is your favourite place to go in Brighton and why?
The beach. Any opportunity I get, I will walk along the coast. Our office is a 5-minute walk, so I go down and just walk for an hour on my lunch break, come rain or shine. The coastline is very soothing for a busy brain.
Also, Great Escape Festival! I go every year, and it's the highlight of Brighton’s calendar!
If money didn't matter, where would you travel to?
I would love to go to Sri Lanka. It looks so beautiful, and I think my kids would love it. Or back to Mexico or Thailand. Anywhere with beautiful beaches!
Tell us a fun fact?
I used to have my own brand, making festival clothes for kids.
What's your top pick from the new collection and why?
- Chay Midi Skirt
- Annabeth Jumpsuit
- Sonya Shorts & Magda Sweatshirt
- Daphne Shirred Dress
- Hartley Zip Up Fleece - Black, Colourful Shapes
- Kacy Tunic Dress - Black Cord
- Annika Turtleneck Jersey Top - Tan, Classic Leopard, Heart
- Vander Quilted Waistcoat - Black/Teal, Twilight Gingham
- Vienna Jersey Top - White/Black, Striped Ringer
- Trixie Mini Skirt - Deep Blue Denim
- Hartley Zip Up Fleece - Black, Colourful Shapes
- Kacy Tunic Dress - Black Cord
- Annika Turtleneck Jersey Top - Tan, Classic Leopard, Heart
- Vander Quilted Waistcoat - Black/Teal, Twilight Gingham
- Vienna Jersey Top - White/Black, Striped Ringer
- Trixie Mini Skirt - Deep Blue Denim
Chay Midi Skirt - Pink, Tropical Crush Stripe
The colour combo of the stripes is so me, and it looks super cute with a plain tee tucked in for relaxed vibes.
Annabeth Jumpsuit - Blue & Green, Peacock Check
I've been waiting for this to arrive in our warehouse for weeks, so I can get my hands on it! It will be perfect in summer!
Sonya Shorts - Green, Rainbow Stripe & Magda Sweatshirt - Green, Rainbow Stripe
This set is great for when I'm WFH; when I need to be put together enough for calls, as well as the kids' pick-up and drop-off, but want to feel comfortable.
Daphne Shirred Jersey Midi Dress - Navy, Kaleidoscope Daisy
A shirred midi dress looks so flattering on me, where I am 5ft2, it skims my ankles and it's so comfy with the stretchy bodice.
Kat, Studio Manager
