Part Two: The Hut & Cottage Eyam – Crafting a Serene Retreat

Words by Charlotte Wilkinson

Meet Rachel Smith

Rachel Smith owns The Hut Eyam and The Cottage Eyam, two peaceful retreats in the Peak District designed to help guests escape everyday life and unwind in a tranquil setting.

‘A little slice of escapism from people’s everyday lives, somewhere with a little bit of peace & quiet… to relax & unwind’.

Rachel is part of Helen’s Twelve-Month Personal Branding Programme—an investment that has transformed the way she markets her business.

Walking into Rachel’s kitchen, I immediately felt as if I already knew her, thanks to the warmth of the images she shares online. Her branding perfectly reflects her personality, making her business feel welcoming and personal.

Why She Chose Brand Photography

Rachel transitioned from corporate life over twelve years ago to create a unique guest experience that fosters connection and relaxation. Initially, she used her own photos for marketing, but she knew professional branding could take her business to the next level.

You can read about the early days of Rachel’s business here, on her blog and in her own words.

The Hut was an immediate success, and was eventually joined by the Cottage Eyam. Both offer something beyond a simple over-night stay – as well as the fantastic location, Rachel crafts experiences that bring people together a create memories that last a lifetime.

Rachel had used her own photographs to initially market her business, and while it had worked well, she always had the feeling it could be better. However – like many of us – she wasn’t sure if a professional shoot would be the right thing for her or her business and it took her a while to make her initial booking.

After working with Helen, she knew she had made the right choice. The images capture not just the space but the feeling of being there, whether it’s sipping hot chocolate by the fire or enjoying a glass of wine outdoors.

The Impact

Helen’s relaxed yet organised approach made the entire process enjoyable. The images have:

Strengthened Rachel’s brand identity
Helped potential guests envision themselves at The Hut Eyam
Created a consistent and polished online presence

Running a business can sometimes feel lonely, but Helen’s enthusiasm and support reminded Rachel why she started in the first place.

Throughout the shoot, Rachel told me she felt valued, relaxed and confident. At the end of our meeting, I asked Rachel what advice she’d give to those considering working with Helen. She told me

“Don’t worry about the cost – the benefits far outweigh it. It’s a true investment.” – Rachel Smith

Ultimately, what the experience goes beyond a series of photos. It’s about self-esteem, confidence and providing a fresh angle and perspective on you and your business that you may never have really considered before.

Follow Rachel on Instagram: @thehuteyam_thecottageeyam for peaceful retreat inspiration.

What’s Next?

In the next post, we’ll dive into Mel Archbould’s story How she transitioned from the corporate world to running Cloud-Busting and why brand photography became a crucial part of her journey.