In this episode Laura is back with Joanne Hay to look back on the past year in decorating, exploring the biggest color trends, evolving styles, and the challenges faced within the trade. They share honest reflections on what worked, what changed, and what the year taught them as professionals in the decorating industry. The conversation also turns personal, as Jo opens up about coping with loss during Christmas, the emotional impact of the holiday season, and why self-care and mental we...

This episode takes you inside the life of Holly Hudson, the singing brickie, who shares her inspiring journey from performing on stage to becoming a bricklayer and opening up about the challenges of working on sites as a woman in the trades. From family influence and overcoming doubts to navigating mental health, COVID-19, and workplace dynamics, Holly brings honesty and humour to every topic. We explore the importance of mental health awareness, the Lost City movement, and how social media s...

Today we dive into the inspiring story of Yasmin Poole, who entered the world of carpentry later in life after first pursuing a career in football. Her transition into the trades was shaped by resilience, passion, and the determination to carve out a place in an industry still battling inequality. Yasmin opens up about facing significant pay gaps as a female apprentice, highlighting the ongoing issue of pay inequality in construction. She discusses how her neurodiversity enhances her problem-...

In this episode, I chat with Georgina Williams — The Happy Digger, a leading voice for women in construction and a skilled machine operator. She shares her journey from drama school to the construction industry, her passion for JCB machinery, and what it’s like succeeding in a male-crowded industry. Georgina also talks about career changes during COVID, her love of travel, and her aspirations for the future, including her current home renovation project. If you’re interested in co...

In this episode, we explore the inspiring journey of Millie, whose upbringing instilled in her a deep sense of discipline and a strong work ethic that continues to guide her career. From a young age, she learned electrical skills from her mother, planting the seeds of a passion that would later shape her professional life. Now self-employed, she opens up about the determination required to navigate the unique pressures of working for herself, emphasising how vital the support of family ...

Ever wondered how trade professionals can turn their real-world skills into a thriving online brand? In this episode, Stacey and Jack from Trademark Digital share their incredible journey from Jack working in the trades industry to launching a successful digital marketing agency with Stacey’s expertise, that helps tradespeople grow their businesses. They get real about what it takes to stand out online — from building authentic connections, tackling the challenges women face in the trad...

From designing kitchens to crafting custom furniture, Caroline’s journey is one of creativity, courage, and community. In this episode, she opens up about what it really takes to leave a stable career and step into self-employment as a furniture maker. Caroline shares the highs and lows of building her own business — from overcoming self-doubt to finding support within a community of makers and tradespeople. She talks about the importance of creating inclusive spaces in the trades, wher...

Lily Struthers owner of Bear House Build & Roofing Ltd; a successful roofer, role model, and business owner, joins me to share her inspiring journey with you awesome listeners! From her initial desire to work outdoors to founding her own successful company, Lily shares the importance of following your passion, the value of mentorship, and the joy of teaching the next generation. Lily speaks of the importance of hands-on experience in the trades and the need for effective communication.&nb...

Last time, Gina and I left you wondering — did Gina actually know how to solve the wiring issue? Part 2 is here! We get right into the realities of being tradeswomen in the electrical industry, talking everything from problem-solving on the job to managing customer expectations and maintaining a professional image in a competitive field. Gina opens up about job anxiety, self-doubt, and the challenges of working in a male-crowded trade, offering honest reflections that will resonate with...

Part 1 of 2 – In this episode I sat down with my friend Gina York, a self-employed female electrician, who shares her inspiring journey through the electrical trade. Gina opens up about her early experiences on the tools, the challenges of working with different customers, and what it’s really like to be a woman in a male-crowded industry. Gina also reflects on the emotional impact of having her tools stolen and how the supportive trades community rallied around her in response. We discuss th...

From Lithuania to London and back, meet Kimmy the Sparks, the electrifying force rewiring what it means to be a female electrician. In this honest chat, Kimmy opens up about her personal development, breaking into what’s known as a male-crowded industry, finding her spark in the electrical trade, and using social media to empower and connect with others in the skilled trades community. From her roots to her rising influence in Lithuania’s electrical scene, Kimmy shares real talk on career gro...

Discover how female carpenter Emily aka Chippie Em turned an unexpected career twist into a thriving profession in the skilled trades. After a plumbing apprenticeship didn’t pan out, Emily discovered her true calling in carpentry. What started as a labouring job turned into a thriving career as she learned from seasoned tradespeople and honed her skills. In this episode, Emily shares the highs and lows of being a woman in a male-dominated/crowded field, from navigating unique challenges to fi...

Discover how Sophie Keepence, “Plumby Mummy” is breaking barriers as a female plumber in a traditionally male-dominated trade. In this inspiring interview, Sophie shares her path into the plumbing industry, from navigating trade college and building confidence to overcome challenges when learning in mid-life, whilst confronting stereotypes about women in skilled trades. She talks openly about living with ADHD, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness and the power of a sup...

Meg’s path to becoming an electrician is anything but ordinary. From overcoming health challenges to celebrating her 30th birthday hugging cows, she brings a refreshingly real perspective on resilience, integrity in the trades, and carving your own path as a woman in the electrical industry. Meg opens up about the realities of being a female electrician in a male-dominated field, the strength she’s built through personal health challenges, and how her love for powerlifting keeps her mot...

Ever wondered what it’s really like to swap textbooks for tool belts? In this episode of Life of a Female Tradie, Michelle aka The Carpentry Girl; shares her career journey from leaving university to jump into the world of carpentry. She dives into the realities of her apprenticeship, the ups and downs of working in a male-dominated industry, and how an awful knee injury created a tough road ahead. Michelle also talks about finding work-life balance, building her identity as a female carpente...

In this episode I sit down with Beth Yates, a self-employed painter and decorator, as she opens up about her journey from traditional employment to running her own successful decorating business. Beth shares the real-life challenges of being self-employed, from finding consistent work to managing clients’ expectations, while highlighting how social media marketing has been an important part of growing her brand and connecting with new customers. She also reflects on her experiences mentoring ...

This week I talk with Lisa, an apprentice plumber and gas engineer, about her incredible journey from the fitness industry to the plumbing trade as an apprentice. Lisa shares the challenges and rewards of a plumbing apprenticeship, from mastering the physical demands of plumbing and gas engineering to building confidence through hands-on experience. She opens up about gender dynamics in the skilled trades, competing in plumbing competitions, and what it’s really like to be a woman in a male-d...

This conversation with Sophie Perkins is more than a career story — it’s about driving change in the construction industry. From women’s safety gear and PPE to mentorship and representation. We discuss the challenges and advancements in personal protective equipment (PPE) for women in the construction industry, and the need for better-fitting gear, and Sophie shares her journey in creating a line of female-specific work boots. Her story highlights why representation matters and how women can ...

Let me introduce traditional fibrous plasterer Mary-Havana Little, she shares her remarkable journey into the world of heritage plastering and restoration craftsmanship. As a passionate advocate for traditional trades and one of the few women in the traditional plastering industry, Mary opens up about the challenges she’s overcome, the beauty of working on historic buildings, and the importance of preserving artisanal techniques. This episode dives into her standout restoration projects, crea...

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Pamela from Pamela’s Painted Spaces, a professional house painter and mural artist, to explore her journey from working in visual merchandising to building a fulfilling career as a self-employed creative professional. Pamela shares what it’s like to transition into the world of residential painting and wall mural design, including the challenges, rewards, and creative freedom that come with running your own painting business. She opens up about integ...