How a Hully Pod Transformed Laura’s Work–Life Balance

Laura Taylor, award-winning Lead Virtual Assistant and founder of The Collaborative VA, runs her business from a Skipjack Pod in her garden. As her business grew, working inside the house blurred work and home life. She wanted a place she could really go to work in, and leave at the end of the day.

Laura’s garden office at a glance

Pod: Skipjack, 3m deep, 2.4m wide and 2.3m high
Used for: her virtual assistant business, as an office, creative nook and quiet retreat
Inside: desk and office chair, a grey sofa, artwork and plants against the pine walls
Installed: April 2024, delivered fully assembled

Why a ready-made pod worked for a growing business

Laura did not want weeks of builders on site. The Pod arrived fully assembled and was simply positioned and ready to go. She also valued that it is handmade and built using recycled materials. Having a separate office now gives her a proper start and finish to the working day.

It’s been an absolute game changer for my husband and I. Evenings and weekends feel like ours again.
Laura Taylor, The Collaborative VA

Running a business from home? Compare sizes on our garden office pods page, or read Laura’s full answers below.

Laura Taylor,

February 2025

Laura with her dog at the door of her garden office pod

Our Customer’s Experience

How did you first hear about Hully Pods?

I discovered Hully Pods while researching garden office solutions that were affordable, durable and ready to use without the stress of traditional building work.

What challenges/problems necessitated the purchase of a Hully Pod?

As my virtual assistant business grew, working inside the house meant there was no clear divide between work and home life. I needed a dedicated space I could truly “go to work” in – somewhere separate from the house that would allow me to properly switch off at the end of the day.

What were you looking for in terms of a garden room solution?

I wanted something versatile, durable and affordable that would arrive ready to use. I didn’t want weeks of disruption or builders on site – I needed a simple, stress-free solution that still looked beautiful in the garden.

What made Hully Pods stand out over other solutions that you researched?

The fact it arrived fully assembled was a huge plus – no stress, no building work, just positioned and ready to go. The design is stylish but practical, and knowing it’s eco-friendly and built using recycled materials made it feel like the right choice. The quality and craftsmanship really stood out compared to other options.

How has your Hully Pod helped you since it arrived?

It’s been an absolute game changer for my husband and I.Having a completely separate workspace means I now have a proper start and finish to my working day. Evenings and weekends feel like ours again. It’s improved my focus, productivity and, most importantly, my mental health.It’s not just an office – it’s my creative nook, my calm space, and somewhere I genuinely love spending time.

What plans do you have to use your Hully Pod in the future?

It will continue to be the home of my business as it grows. It’s the perfect foundation for expanding my work while keeping that healthy work–life balance.

Is there anything else we should know?

The pod sits beautifully in our garden and still feels special every single day. It’s handmade, thoughtfully designed and incredibly durable. If anyone is considering transforming their outdoor space into something meaningful, I honestly couldn’t recommend Hully Pods enough.