I run my business from an 18-square-foot shed in my parents' backyard. It cut my rent and childcare costs.

Katie Vale in her millinery studio, which was converted from a shed in her parents' back garden.

Courtesy of Nigel Glasgow

• Katie Vale runs her millinery business out of a tiny shed in her parents' garden.
• She doesn't pay rent but regularly treats the family to takeout as a thank-you.
• The single mom benefits from free childcare if she needs to work outside her child's nursery hours.

This interview is based on a conversation with Katie Vale, 46, a milliner from Essex, UK.