Stockport mum turns garden shed into a business that fits around the school run
A Stockport mum of two transformed her family’s garden shed into a reflexology clinic, motivated by the flexibility of being your own boss and the need to be there for her family.
Adele Locker runs Mindful Sole Reflexology from a converted garden building, allowing her to take her children to school, collect them at the end of the day and pursue a career she is passionate about.
Adele is just one of the many small business owners driving the UK’s growing backyard business economy. New research from garden building specialists Dunster House found that nearly half (47%) of home business owners started their ventures in search of a better work-life balance. This was followed by a desire to work remotely or from home (36%) and the need for greater flexibility (36%).
Flexibility for my family was the biggest reason
Adele’s story is a perfect example of people pivoting their careers to fit around their lives, not the other way around. The accredited clinical reflexologist changed her career in pursuit of a better family life and her own experience with reflexology.
Adele said: “Flexibility for my family was the biggest reason. After having children, I wanted a career that allowed me to be present for school runs, holidays and the everyday moments that matter.
Following the birth of my children during lockdown, my priorities shifted dramatically. I realised I didn’t want to return to my previous full-time career. I wanted to build something meaningful around my family life while helping others.”
As her children approached nursery and school age, Adele enrolled in a Level 5 Clinical Reflexology qualification and began developing Mindful Sole.
Family music room becomes a garden treatment space
When Adele first launched her business, she treated clients in the family living room, when a suggestion from her husband eventually gave the business a dedicated space of its own.
Adele explained: “My husband had a music room in our garden shed and suggested moving his equipment into the cellar to make room for my business. Together, we transformed the shed into a dedicated therapy room.What was once a simple garden building became a peaceful retreat where clients can step away from the stresses of everyday life.”
Having a separate treatment room in the garden allows Adele to maintain a clearer distinction between family life and work without sacrificing the flexibility she originally wanted.
She added: “Clients often comment that stepping into the treatment room feels like entering a completely different world.
“Running my business from home means I can take my children to school, collect them at the end of the day and be present for family life while still pursuing a career I genuinely love.
“The lack of a daily commute and lower business overheads are additional benefits that have helped make the business sustainable.”
Home businesses become significant sources of family income
Backyard businesses, according to the study by Dunster House, are not just a pursuit for a better work-life balance, the research found that home businesses are increasingly becoming financially significant enterprises.
Almost half (46%) rely on their venture as their primary source of income, while a further 28% say it makes a significant financial contribution to their household.
However, combining a business with family life can still come with challenges. More than half (55%) regularly work evenings and weekends, while 26% struggle to separate their professional and personal lives.
Adele said: “Learning to switch off and separate work life from home life can be challenging. When your workplace is only a few steps away, it’s easy to keep thinking about admin, marketing and future plans.
Running a business around family life definitely has its moments. There have been occasions where school pickups, deliveries, barking dogs or children unexpectedly needing something have added a little chaos behind the scenes.”
“Don’t overthink the space”
Almost two-thirds (62%) of British home business owners have invested in creating or improving their workspace, spending an average of £5,170.
However, Adele believes people considering a similar move do not need a perfect or expensive setup to begin building their business.
She said: “Don’t overthink the space. I spent so much time worrying about creating the perfect treatment room when, in reality, clients come because of you and the service you provide.
“Creating a warm, welcoming and safe environment is far more important than expensive décor or having everything look picture-perfect.”
Christopher Murphy MBE, founder of Dunster House, said: “For parents who want to build a career while remaining present for family life, running a business from home can provide a level of flexibility that traditional employment does not always offer.
“Adele’s story shows how an existing garden building can be transformed into a professional workspace that gives the business room to grow while keeping work close to home.”