About Carla Marie Studios

Carla Marie Studios is a watercolor studio based in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

A lifelong lover of art, sidewalk chalk, and crayons, founder Carla Hesseltine grew up drawing on anything and everything she could find. She later studied Visual Communication and began her career as a graphic designer and art director. Throughout that career she blended creativity with entrepreneurship, most notably as the founder of Just Cupcakes, a boutique bakery that appeared multiple times on the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars. She created and developed the full visual identity of the brand, from packaging and store design to marketing and product presentation.

Today, the studio reflects a return to her first creative passion: drawing and painting. Her approachable watercolor work is inspired by gardens, the beach she loves, and the quiet beauty of everyday life. From flowers and birds to seashells and whimsical designs, the paintings celebrate warmth, place, connection — and sometimes just plain fun.

Through original watercolor paintings, art prints, and thoughtfully designed paper goods—including greeting cards and small gifts—her work aims to bring a small moment of beauty into everyday life. Many pieces are inspired by coastal Virginia and the places people call home, making them ideal for gifting, collecting, and sharing.

Looking ahead, the studio will continue to grow through new collections, illustrated books, and collaborations with boutique retailers and specialty shops.

At its heart, the work celebrates the simple things that make life meaningful: home, nature, travel, and the everyday moments we share with the people we love.