Storm waves washed away Sarah Lynch's seafront shop and cafe business on Cromer's west promenade.
But she is aiming to be back this summer, in a temporary home on the seafront which is still a place where she says it is a joy to work.
'It is great. Sometimes I stay on late in the evening just to enjoy it.'
But on the evening of December 5 she stayed on for a different reason - to watch the surge smash her business to bits.
'The sea was getting worse and I got a phone call from my dad at 4pm saying 'you have got to get out'.
'When I went out of the door the wind blew me 15ft along the promenade. It was a battle to lock the door.'
When she returned late at night after the tide had reached its peak she discovered the full extent of the damage.
'All my stock including £3,000 worth of Crocs and beach shoes had been swept away,' she explained.
Six months on, North Norfolk District Council has now said the cafe will not be repaired for this year - due to other priorities - but has just given her permission to have a mobile unit on the prom.
Her return to business has been helped by a £2,000 grant from the EDP Norfolk and Lowestoft Flood appeal.
'It has really helped me,' said Miss Lynch who is now tracking down an affordable van, summer house or temporary building she can put on a 12ft pad - along with equipment such as tables and chairs, to help restart her season. Miss Lynch, 42, said: 'We are doing our best with what we have got and are rebuilding slowly.'
Anyone who can help equip Sarah's Shack should contact her on sarahlynch17@yahoo.com
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