Life Of A Female Tradie

After a non-stop run since starting recording in November 2024, I’m taking a short pause to reset and make the podcast more sustainable long-term.  This isn’t goodbye — just a step back to ensure the show can last long term.  I’ll be back in May with more incredible women and powerful conversations.  If you want to share your story on the show, get in touch with me via one of the below links and l...

Emma shares how she went from leaving school to becoming a self-employed decorator, and what it really takes to build a career in the trades as a woman.  We talk about the value of hands-on experience, learning through mistakes, and how social media marketing helps tradespeople win work and grow their business. Emma also opens up about the realities of self-employment, from managing time to stayin...

What does it take to reinvent your career and step into the trades later in life?  Laura Bartlett shares how she transitioned from a long career in event management to building a successful business as a handywoman. In this episode, she talks about the realities of becoming self-employed in the skilled trades, the lessons she learned starting over, and how she uses social media marketing to grow h...

In this powerful and inspiring episode, I sit down with Mechanic Louise Baker, founder of Womanic, to explore her journey from passionate car enthusiast to successful female mechanic and business owner in the automotive industry.  Louise shares what it really takes to break into the male-dominated motor trade, the challenges women face in automotive careers, and how she built Womanic to empower mo...

Professional arborist Holly Carroll shares her inspiring journey from working in a garden centre to building a successful career in arboriculture and tree surgery. Now a respected arborist and brand ambassador, Holly opens up about working in a male-dominated industry, representing women in arboriculture, and the realities of life in professional tree work. In this episode, she shares practical tr...

What does it really take to move countries, rebuild your career, and succeed in architecture and interior design?  Architect and interior designer Helga Hines shares her journey from Colombia to the UK, offering insight into international architecture, cultural differences in design, and working in the UK construction industry. She discusses adapting to a new professional landscape, navigating arc...

Going into National Apprenticeship Week I explore how Wickes, a UK nationwide retailer focused on trade environments, is investing in the future of skilled trades through its apprenticeship programme. Launched in 2019, the programme has already supported multiple cohorts and is designed to give apprentices real-world experience, with 80% of the 18-month apprenticeship spent on-site gaining hands-o...

Sophie Magee shares her powerful career transition from studying nursing at university to becoming an electrical apprentice. Sophie opens up about why she left healthcare, what drew her to the trades, and her passion for renewable energy, including her long-term goal of working on wind turbines.  This conversation dives into the realities of being a woman in the electrical trade, the importance of...

Melissa Hall, a Liverpool-based painting and decorating professional, shares her journey of building a successful career in a male-crowded industry. From overcoming early challenges to finding freedom through self-employment, she reflects on the resilience and mindset shifts that transformed both her work and personal life. The conversation explores Melissa’s diverse background, the realities of w...

I sit down with Ria Kirby, a professional decorator with over 23 years of experience, to talk honestly about life as a female tradie and business owner of The Female Touch. Ria shares her journey through multiple jobs, including being a zookeeper, before finding her calling in painting and decorating and building her own successful business.  She opens up about the realities of running a business,...

What does it really take to leave the corporate world and build a successful construction business?  In this episode, Melissa Potente shares her journey into commercial and residential construction, revealing the challenges, wins, and lessons learned along the way. We explore the realities of the construction and property investment industry, the importance of mentorship, and why Melissa is passio...

What does it take to become an award-winning stonemason working on one of Britain’s most historic landmarks? Well tune in and you might find out!  I speak with Rachael Wragg, a stonemason at Lincoln Cathedral and winner of the On The Tools Craftsperson of the Year Award 2025.  Rachael shares how she entered stonemasonry later in life at 29, reflecting on the growing number of people retraining and...

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 d...

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...

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 is...

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...

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 naviga...

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...

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 t...

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 speak...

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 challe...

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 t...

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 ro...

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...

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 liv...