Here at Tide, our members are front and centre of everything we do, and our Member Spotlight series is no different! In this series, we share a little bit more about some of our brilliant members.
Today, we introduce you to Nathalie! Nathalie is the founder of Pods & Pavilions, a high-end garden pod business, with the aim of redefining the outdoor experience. Nathalie and her team have been selling these premium pods since 2013, through a previous venture, and then went on to launch Pods & Pavilions in February 2024.
Hi Nathalie, can you tell us what inspired you to start Pods & Pavilions, and how your journey has been since launching?
Pods & Pavilions was born from a passion for beautifully designed outdoor spaces that seamlessly blend functionality with style. We saw a real gap in the market for high-end, fully kitted-out garden pods that not only look stunning, but also serve a real purpose – whether for work, relaxation or entertaining.
Since launching, the journey has been incredible. We have our pod show garden at the beautiful Sculpture by the Lakes botanical garden in Dorset, which is the perfect setting for potential customers to see how our pods seamlessly blend with nature. Seeing our pods transform spaces for clients has been truly rewarding.
What does a day in your life look like running Pods & Pavilions?
Running the business is a mix of strategy, sales, marketing, and operations – no two days are the same! My morning starts with a run or yoga, followed by coffee at my desk by about 8 a.m.
The first task of the day is tackling emails – responding to customer enquiries, confirming orders with installation dates, and keeping suppliers updated. I try to take a quick break around 10 a.m., for another coffee and a walk with the dog – a rare moment of calm before the busy day!
Mid-morning, I check in with the factory to confirm installation dates, make sure colours and fabrics are correctly ordered, and accessory deliveries are on track.
Often, I’ll head over to Sculpture by the Lakes, our official show garden, where we have several of our garden pods on display.
My afternoons are a blend of marketing and sales. I update the website, refine digital ads, and create content to drive traffic. I also use this time to reach out to potential clients, follow up on leads, and work on closing deals.
Once a week, I sit down with our bookkeeper to go over finances. Then, often with a glass of wine in hand, I take care of any payments due, because some rituals are non-negotiable!
Each day is a balance between the creative world of marketing and the practical demands of logistics and customer service. Some days, I’m crafting campaigns. Others, on-site after an installation. At the heart of it all, it’s about delivering luxury garden pods that wow our customers.
You started with residential rotating pods, and now offer commercial pods too. How did you expand your product range over time?
It all started with residential rotating garden pods, but as demand grew, our range expanded into commercial solutions. Hotels, restaurants, and event venues were looking for unique, high-end outdoor seating options, so we developed a range of commercial pods designed for alfresco dining, private lounges, and VIP experiences.
We’ve just launched the Oval Bar pod, which includes a bar serving and storage area, bar optics and spirit measures, a bar fridge with ambient cooling technology, a Bluetooth soundbar, and heating.
Our rotating pods have also been a game-changer – they offer a dynamic experience, allowing guests to adjust their view and move out of the wind while enjoying different aspects of their surroundings. Expanding this side of the business has been an exciting journey for us.
What has been your most memorable customer experience since you first launched?
There have been so many! One that really stands out is a couple who wanted a garden pod to celebrate their wedding anniversary. They wanted a space where they could relax, entertain, and create new memories together. When we installed it, they were overwhelmed with emotion – it was a beautiful reminder of why we do what we do. Seeing our products bring joy to people’s lives is what makes it all worthwhile.
You’ve also been featured in several publications, including The Sunday Times and The Telegraph. What has that been like?
It’s been fantastic! Being recognised by such reputable publications has helped elevate our brand and reach a wider audience. It’s always a proud moment to see our work showcased and to hear the positive feedback from readers who are inspired by our designs. It’s a testament to the hard work and passion that goes into every pod we create.
What has been the biggest challenge in growing Pods & Pavilions, and how did you overcome it?
Like many businesses, we’ve faced challenges, from navigating supply chain issues to dealing with market fluctuations. One of the biggest hurdles was re-establishing ourselves after financial setbacks, but resilience is key. We focused on rebuilding, staying true to our vision, and continuously improving our products and customer experience. The support from our clients and the belief in our brand kept us going!
What advice would you give to someone looking to start their own business?
Believe in your product and your vision, but also be prepared to adapt and evolve. Surround yourself with a great team, don’t be afraid to take calculated risks, and always prioritise quality and customer experience. Resilience is everything – there will be setbacks but if you’re passionate and persistent, you’ll find a way through.
What’s next for Pods & Pavilions?
We’re constantly innovating! We have some exciting new designs in the pipeline, including more eco-friendly options and smart technology integration for our pods.
We’re also expanding our commercial range to offer even more bespoke solutions for businesses. Our goal is to continue pushing the boundaries of outdoor living and providing our clients with extraordinary spaces that enhance their lifestyles and businesses.
