Founder, Sugarpixel

Hi, I'm Kirsten

I design websites that open doors for small businesses, built for your brand and never boxed into a template.

Kirsten, founder of SugarpixelKirsten with a cup of teaHover me ☕

10 years in design → websites

I help small and micro businesses create a space online that's truly their own.

I didn't start out in websites. I spent years in the fashion industry designing bags, and people told me I had a real eye for it, but it slowly became a profession I didn't align with anymore. I kept coming back to one thought: I wanted to use my design skills to help people and make a real difference.

Then I discovered website design, and for the first time I felt real purpose. My design wasn't just about how something looked. It could help someone share their story and grow what they'd worked hard to build.

I ran a freelance business for six years, and it taught me how much a website can make or break a business. It also showed me how stuck you can get. I hit the limits of out-of-the-box platforms when I needed a customer portal, or a shop with extras. Most of them pigeonhole you. Some are built only for shops, others only for portfolios, and you end up bending your business to fit the software.

Having your own business gives you independence. You get to choose your days, your work, and where you're heading. Build it around something you love and you wake up happy to get going. That's what I want for myself, and for you.

Now I design websites around your business, not the other way round. You get a personal designer, a serious toolkit, and a site that grows with you. Not just a website, but a space that feels like you and shows what you care about. Website design feels like a far higher purpose than designing bags ever did, because I get to help someone build the life they want.

My story

From fashion floors to websites that work

The short version of how I got here — and why the work looks the way it does.

2015–2023

A career in fashion

As a teenager I dreamt about being a fashion designer. I completed my Fashion Degree and went straight into work as a bag designer. Over ten years I worked for brands including Burberry and Next, freelanced, learnt new skills like 3D design, and met wonderful people along the way — many of whom are still dear friends. That world trained my eye for detail, materials, and the quiet power of a strong first impression.

Fashion career chapter

2024

The pivot

I found myself at a crossroads, conflicted and struggling with my mental health. I took the year to find myself again — went to therapy, tried different creative avenues, and asked what this older, wiser version of me wanted next. The answer wasn’t “more of the same.” It was purpose meeting design in a way that helped other people grow.

The pivot chapter

2025–present

A web design love affair

What I love about website design is that purpose meets design and helps people gain exposure, launch side-hustles, and own a unique space online. I get to help people launch and grow their businesses through the power of design — with a toolkit that can keep up as they do.

Web design chapter

What I believe

A few things I won't compromise on

These aren’t slogans — they’re the filter I use on every project, from the first brief to the final handoff. Hover or tap a card to see what it means for your project.

Working together

Clear process. Human partnership.

You’re not buying a template pack or disappearing into a big agency queue. You’re working directly with me — with a toolkit built for serious websites, and a process designed to keep things calm and clear.

01

Discovery & brief

We get clear on what you do, who it’s for, and what success looks like. No vague moodboards without purpose — just enough structure to build something that earns its keep.

02

Design with intent

Layout, type, colour, and content working together so your brand feels premium and your visitors know what to do. You’ll see the thinking, not just the polish.

03

Build & launch

Built on Siteglide with room to grow — forms, content, performance, and the practical bits that make a site feel finished. Then we launch with confidence, not crossed fingers.

04

Aftercare mindset

A website isn’t a one-day event. I’ll leave you with something maintainable, and I’m here when you’re ready for the next chapter — new pages, new offers, new ambitions.

Before
After: Ella Lane Yoga
BeforeAfter · Ella Lane Yoga

We start with a proper brief so I understand your business, audience, and goals. Then we shape structure, design, and build in stages you can follow — with space for feedback without the chaos. The aim is a site that feels uniquely yours and keeps working hard after launch.

Kind words

Working with Kirsten has been a pleasure. It's so great to work with someone who truly wants to understand and portray your business in line with your values and vision. Nothing was too difficult or confusing and Kirsten worked completely collaboratively to produce a website that I could have only dreamt of, that functions seamlessly. I highly recommend her!

Ella Lane · Yoga teacher, Ella Lane Yoga
Bringing Ella Lane Yoga online

Case study

Bringing Ella Lane Yoga online

A calm, custom Siteglide website with class booking, member accounts and an admin Ella can run herself.

Read the case study

Off the clock

A few fun facts

My Chief of Fun is Luna, my Cockapoo

My Chief of Fun is Luna, my Cockapoo

She makes sure I work hard and play hard by getting me outside to throw her ball for a game of fetch.

Gardening is my 2nd Passion

Gardening is my 2nd Passion

I get out into my veg garden to relax & decompress.

I Enjoy a Good Sewing Project

I Enjoy a Good Sewing Project

In my spare time I enjoy making things and sewing up a storm.

I Love Travelling

I Love Travelling

I love exploring the world and learning about different cultures.

Ready to start?

Two easy ways in.

Pick whichever feels right; there's no wrong door.

Got a question?

Start a conversation

Not sure where to begin? Send me a message and I'll reply within 1–2 working days.

Ready to go?

Send your brief

A short guided questionnaire about your business, audience and goals. Takes about 5–8 minutes.

Prefer to chat first? Book a call →

Kirsten from Sugarpixel holding a mug of coffee

Let's have a coffee

Grab a cuppa and let's talk about your website. Whether you're just down the road from me in Lymington or on the other side of the world, I'd love to hear about your business and what you'd like your site to do for you. No jargon and no pressure, just a friendly chat.