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 carpenter, and the powerful sense of community among women in trades. With honest stories, practical insights, and a fun rapid-fire round to wrap things up, this episode is perfect for anyone curious about the life of a tradie, a career in carpentry, doing an apprenticeship and the challenges and rewards of being a woman in construction. 

Takeaways 

• Michelle transitioned from studying architecture to carpentry after discovering her passion for hands-on work. 
• The first winter as an apprentice is a significant challenge that tests resilience. 
• Injury recovery can be a long process, but it can also lead to personal growth and new perspectives. 
• Balancing work and personal life is a continuous learning experience for tradespeople. 
• Women in trades often face unique challenges but can find support and camaraderie among each other. 
• Building a personal brand can open up unexpected opportunities in the trade industry. 
• The importance of making the work easier for other trades, like decorators, is often overlooked. 
• Humor and light-heartedness can help navigate the challenges of working on site. 
• Networking with other tradespeople can lead to valuable advice and support. 
• Every job completed brings a sense of pride and accomplishment. 

Follow me: 

Instagram: @lifeofafemaletradie_

Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie 

Follow guest: 

Instagram: thecarpentrygirl

Facebook: The Carpentry Girl

Chapters 

00:00 Introduction and Background 

01:07 Journey into Carpentry 

03:47 Apprenticeship Experiences 

06:20 Starting a Business During Apprenticeship 

08:59 Injury and Recovery 

11:33 Balancing Work and Personal Life 

14:19 Recent Life Changes and Future Plans 

22:06 Navigating Gender Dynamics on Construction Sites 

25:28 The Joys and Challenges of Carpentry 

27:27 Pride in Craftsmanship and Job Satisfaction 

29:40 The Importance of Collaboration in Trades 

32:15 Experiences in the Spotlight: Working with Regatta 

36:48 Quickfire Questions and Personal Insights 

44:17 Thanks for listening 

44:31 outro 

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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 apprentices, balancing work and personal life, and some of her most memorable painting and decorating projects. Beth’s story is a must-listen for anyone in the decorating trade or considering self-employment. The episode wraps up with a fun quickfire round, giving listeners a glimpse into Beth’s personal tastes, insights, and personality beyond the paintbrush.

Key Takeaways

• Beth had no clear direction in high school.
• Her brother encouraged her to pursue painting and decorating.
• She has been self-employed longer than she was employed.
• Taking on an apprentice was driven by loneliness, not financial reasons.
• Beth considers her apprentice to be the best in the world.
• Balancing work and personal life is a significant challenge.
• Social media plays a crucial role in her business networking.
• She was a semi-finalist in a top tradesperson award.
• Good customer relationships are vital to her work satisfaction.

Follow Me: 

Instagram: @lifeofafemaletradie_  

Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie 

Tiktok: loaftpodcast  

Follow Guest:

Instagram: Bethyatesthepainter

Facebook: Beth Yates Decorating Service

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:03 Journey into Decorating

03:08 Taking on an Apprentice

05:14 Balancing Work and Life

07:35 The Role of Social Media

09:09 Awards and Recognition

11:05 Challenges in the Trade

12:11 Learning from Mistakes in the Trade

12:39 The Value of Good Customers

13:21 Creative Projects and Bold Colours

14:16 Challenges in Wallpapering

15:26 Satisfaction in Restoration Projects

16:10 Stepping Out of Comfort Zones

16:42 The Preference for Interior Work

18:01 Travel Aspirations and Future Plans

18:53 The Challenges of Hall Stairs and Landings

19:36 Brush Preferences and Tools of the Trade

20:39 Networking at Trade Shows

21:30 Upcoming Jobs and Customer Communication

25:48 Thank You’s

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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-dominated trade. Lisa also highlights the importance of community, mentorship, and support networks for tradespeople, along with how she balances her career, personal life, and growth in the industry. With a mix of humour, insight, and practical advice, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in plumbing apprenticeships, trade careers, or women breaking barriers in skilled industries.

Key Takeaways

• Lisa transitioned from the fitness industry to plumbing during lockdown.
• The physical demands of plumbing require fitness and strength.
• Lisa enjoys the problem-solving aspect of plumbing the most.
• Balancing work and college is crucial for apprenticeship success.
• Gender dynamics in the trade can present challenges for women.
• Networking and competitions are valuable for career growth.
• Community support among tradespeople is essential.
• Lisa is proud of her accomplishments in her apprenticeship.
• She aims to become self-employed after completing her training.

Follow Me: 

Instagram: @lifeofafemaletradie_  

Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie 

Tiktok: loaftpodcast  

Follow Guest:

Instagram: Lptheplumber

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lisa's Journey

02:10 Transitioning Careers: From Fitness to Plumbing

04:32 Hands-On Experience: The Importance of Physical Fitness

06:38 Apprenticeship Insights: Learning and Growth

08:36 The Intricacies of Plumbing: Problem Solving in Action

10:41 Balancing Work and Life: The Apprenticeship Challenge

12:52 Overcoming Gender Stereotypes in the Trade

15:09 Competitions and Networking: Building a community

17:31 Proud Moments: Achievements in Plumbing

19:35 Social media and the Trade Community

21:36 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations 

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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 not only thrive in construction careers but also help shape the industry for the future.

If you’re passionate about women in construction, interested in building surveying, or curious about the future of safety equipment and inclusivity in the workplace, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Key Takeaways

• She started her career in building control and transitioned to building surveying.
• Travel is a significant aspect of her job, with experiences in unique locations like the Falkland Islands.
• She highlights the need for more women in the construction industry and the importance of representation.
• She believes in being authentic and encourages others to embrace their individuality in the workplace.
• The development of specialized PPE for women in construction is a key focus for Sophie. 
• Sophie Perkins has developed a line of female-specific work boots to address the needs of women in construction.
• Balancing work and family life can be challenging, especially for working mothers.
• Sophie believes in the importance of finding a job that one loves and is passionate about.
• The construction industry offers diverse opportunities for women, and they should not hesitate to pursue them.
• Sophie encourages women to seek mentorship and support in their professional journeys.

 Follow me: 

Instagram: @lifeofafemaletradie_ 

Tiktok: @loaftpodcast

Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie

Follow Guest: 

Instagram: @sophiethesurveyor

LinkdIn: Sophie Atkins

Link to the Sophie collection 

https://www.amblerssafety.com/collections/sophie-collection

Link to the directory of women’s ppe 

https://ppethatfits.com

Chapters

00:00 Sophie Perkins: Journey to Becoming a Chartered Surveyor

08:55 A Day in the Life of a Building Surveyor

11:38 The Importance of Safety and Support in Construction

12:46 Choosing the Right Employer: Culture and Safety

13:39 The Shortage of Building Surveyors and Career Opportunities

15:06 Navigating Safety Concerns as a Woman in Construction

15:21 Experiences of Women in a Male-Dominated Industry

17:38 The Evolution of PPE for Women in Construction

22:18 Creating a Line of Women’s Safety Footwear

27:23 The Journey of Developing Female-Specific PPE

33:33 The Importance of Specialized Workwear

35:34 Balancing Work and Family Life

37:44 Navigating Work-Life Balance as a Parent

40:12 The Role of Exercise in Daily Life

42:16 Mentorship and Its Impact

46:07 Quickfire Questions: Insights and Preferences

49:28 Future Aspirations in the Industry

53:54 Thank

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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, creative collaborations, and how platforms like Instagram and TikTok have helped her showcase her plastering skills to a broader audience. Mary also discusses the importance of mentorship in skilled trades and why passing on knowledge is vital to the future of construction and heritage work. To wrap up, we get to know her even better with a fun and light-hearted quickfire question round. Be sure to like, download, and follow for more awesome episodes. 

Key Takeaways

• Mary started plastering at a young age, inspired by her family.
• Restoration work is a passion for Mary, as it brings history back to life.
• Mary emphasizes the importance of asking for help in a male-dominated trade.
• She has worked on unique projects, including work for films like Gladiator 2 and the Netflix series The Gentlemen.
• Social media has helped Mary connect with a wider audience and showcase her work.
• Mary believes in the importance of teaching and mentoring others in her trade.
• She faces challenges as a female tradesperson but remains determined to succeed.
• Mary values authenticity and only collaborates with brands she can provide value to.
• She enjoys the camaraderie of the trades and appreciates the respect from her peers.
• Mary hopes to inspire more women to enter traditional trades. 

Follow me:

Instagram: @lifeofafemaletradie_

Facebook: Life of A Female Tradie

Follow Guest:

Instagram: @mary.plaster.mouldings.direct

TikTok: @mary_pmd

Chapters

00:00 Mary's Journey into Traditional Plastering

06:05 The Art of Restoration and Craftsmanship

11:22 Unique Projects and Notable Collaborations

14:27 Legacy and Family Traditions in Craftsmanship

17:38 Empowering Women in Trades

19:14 Struggles in the Trade as a Woman

21:24 Customer Engagement and Business Growth

22:12 The Power of Social Media

24:03 Balancing Social Media and Privacy

25:47 Brand Collaborations and Authenticity

27:51 The Importance of Quality Workwear

30:40 Networking and Community in the Trade

34:58 Quickfire Questions and Personal Insights

39:10 1. Thanks for listening 

39:25 Outro

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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 integrating technology in her artistic workflow, including how using a VR headset has enhanced her mural planning and design process. Pamela also discusses navigating health challenges, the importance of work-life balance, and how continuous learning keeps her inspired in an ever-evolving industry.

We wrap up with a fun and revealing quickfire round, where Pamela shares her favourite tools, daily habits, and what drives her as a creative business woman.

Key Takeaways

• Pamela transitioned from visual merchandising to self-employment in painting and murals after being made redundant.
• The flexibility of self-employment has allowed Pamela to balance work and family life effectively.
• Embracing technology, like the VR headset, has transformed Pamela's mural creation process.
• Pamela emphasizes the importance of not overloading herself with work to avoid stress.
• Health challenges, such as osteoarthritis, have influenced Pamela's decision to focus on smaller jobs.
• Continuous learning and artistic growth are essential to Pamela's journey as an artist.
• Pamela enjoys the creative process and finds joy in her work, especially in murals.
• Building a supportive community through social media has been beneficial for Pamela's business.
• Pamela values happiness in her work over financial gain, prioritizing fulfilment.
• Yoga and physical fitness play a crucial role in managing Pamela's health and well-being.

Follow Me:

Instagram: @lifeofafemaletradie_

TikTok: @loaftpodcast

Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie Podcast

Follow Guest:

Instagram: @pamelaspaintedspaces

TikTok: @pamelas.painted.s

Facebook: Pamelas Painted Spaces

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:20 Transition to Self-Employment

03:47 Finding Work-Life Balance

06:35 Embracing Technology in Art

09:00 The Impact of VR on Murals

15:39 Creative Process and Artistic Freedom

21:35 Navigating Challenges in Painting and Decorating

24:58 Adjusting to Change: Passion and Pain

26:33 The Importance of Physical Fitness in Trades

27:10 Exploring Artistic Growth and Life Drawing

31:45 Quickfire Questions: Personal Preferences and Insights

35:38  Future Guests and Collaborations

40:10 Thanks you

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In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Sal, a skilled bench joiner from Nottingham, whose passion for woodworking runs deep through generations of family tradition. Sal opens up about her journey into the craft, painting a vivid picture of the artistry behind handmade joinery and the everyday challenges of sourcing quality materials.

She shares what it’s like working side by side with her father, offering a heartfelt glimpse into the dynamics of a family-run trade. Sal also champions the push to empower more women in skilled trades, and reveals how social media has become a powerful tool in growing her business and connecting with a wider audience.

From preserving a traditional craft in a modern world to celebrating standout projects that make her proud, Sal’s story is full of insight, passion, and purpose. Plus, don’t miss the quickfire round at the end—where we get to know the woman behind the bench with some light-hearted, personal questions.

Key Takeaways

• Sal grew up in a family business, learning joinery from a young age.
• She emphasizes the importance of handmade craftsmanship in her work.
• Sourcing materials has become more complex due to local closures.
• Working with family can be challenging but rewarding.
• Sal is part of a movement empowering women in trades.
• Social media has significantly helped grow her business.
• Traditional skills in joinery are at risk of dying out. 
• She takes pride in notable projects he has completed.
• Sal enjoys sharing tips and insights through social media.
• She believes having a trade is a valuable skill for the future.

Follow me: 

Instagram: @lifeofafemaletradie_

TikTok: @loaftpodcast

Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie Podcast

Follow Guest: 

Intsta: @_thebenchjoinersdaughter_

Tiktok: @_thebenchjoinersdaughter

Facebook: The Bench Joiners Daughter 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sal's Journey

02:55 The Art of Handmade Joinery

05:57 Family Business Dynamics

09:01 Innovative Projects and Custom Requests

12:07 Social Media and Business Growth

14:55 Challenges in the Trade

16:46 Working with Listed Buildings

17:55 Personal Insights and Quickfire Round

23:30 Future Guests and Social Media Presence

25:06 Thanks for listening

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In this conversation, Anna Moynihan, co-founder of TaskHer, shares her journey from a varied background in television production and marketing to creating a platform that connects homeowners with tradeswomen. She discusses the challenges faced in building Tasker, the importance of verification for tradeswomen, and the mission to normalize women in trades. The conversation also touches on the role of social media in promoting TaskHer and future plans for expansion.

Key Takeaways:

• Anna has a varied background in television and marketing.
• TaskHer was born from personal experiences in finding tradespeople.
• The platform aims to connect homeowners with tradeswomen.
• Verification of tradeswomen is crucial for customer safety.
• Building TaskHer involved overcoming significant challenges.
• The mission is to normalize women in trades and change perceptions.
• Social media plays a key role in TaskHer's marketing strategy.
• Future plans include expanding to new cities and enhancing the platform.
• TaskHer offers a free platform for tradeswomen to use.
• Community support and partnerships are essential for growth.

Follow Me:

Instagram: @lifeofafemaletradie_

TikTok: @loaftpodcast

Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie Podcast

Follow Guest:

Instagram: @task.her

TikTok: @task.her

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

04:50 The Birth of TaskHer

09:51 Understanding TaskHer's Functionality

14:48 Verification and Trust in Tradeswomen

19:42 Challenges Faced in Building TaskHer

24:50 Mission and Goals of TaskHer

29:41 The Role of Social Media in Promotion

34:50 Future Plans and Expansion

39:39 Quickfire Questions and Personal Insights

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Sharon Norton-Marshall shares her journey from being a decorator for 25 years to becoming a health coach focused on improving the mental health and well-being of decorators and tradespeople. She discusses her personal struggles with mental health, the importance of active listening, and the need for mind expansion. Sharon emphasizes the significance of nutrition and supplements in maintaining health, particularly for women experiencing hormonal changes. The conversation also touches on the balance between her dual roles as a decorator and health coach, highlighting the importance of self-care and community support. Laura and Sharon discuss the balance between indulgence and achieving health goals, the importance of nurturing clients through their journeys, and the significance of movement and recovery in maintaining physical health. They explore how spraying has revolutionized the decorating trade, allowing for better time management and improved mental health. Along with the evolution of community support among female decorators. Finally, they share quickfire questions that reveal personal preferences and insights into their experiences in the trade.

Key Takeaways

• Sharon has been a decorator for about 25 years
• She transitioned to health coaching to help tradespeople improve their lives.
• Mental health is a significant issue in the trades community.
• Active listening is crucial for emotional support.
• Women face unique health challenges, especially during hormonal changes.
• Sharon enjoys working with clients on weight loss and health improvements.
• It's essential to get regular health check-ups and blood tests.
• Health should be prioritized over appearance in the journey to wellness. It's all about balance when it comes to indulgence and health goals.
• Small changes can lead to significant health improvements.
• Spraying can enhance efficiency and mental well-being in decorating.
• Finding joy in work is crucial for mental health.
• Sharing experiences can help others in the industry.
• Time management is essential for decorators to maintain work-life balance.
• Community support among tradespeople is invaluable. 

 Follow me: 

Instagram: @lifeofafemaletradie_

Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie Podcast 

Follow Guest: 

Instagram: @sharontradehealthcoach

Instagram: @obsesseddecorating

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Decorating and Health Coaching

02:13 Mental Health Struggles in the Trade

05:22 The Importance of Normalizing Conversations

09:03 Active Listening and Emotional Awareness

11:47 Women’s Mental Health and Hormonal Changes

16:02 Health Coaching: Client Profiles and Approaches

24:41 The Role of Supplements in Health

36:24 Balancing Decorating and Health Coaching

40:33 Cravings and Comfort Foods

43:56 Injury Management and Strength Training

47:36 The Transformation of Mental Health through Spraying

52:38 Finding Balance in Work and Life

58:22 Community and Support in the Trade

01:04:02 Resilience and Learning from Setbacks

01:09:22 Future Aspirations and Trade Insights

Helpful Links if you need to support:

https://www.mind.org.uk/

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In this conversation, Rosie, a skilled stonemason and stone carver, shares her journey into the trade, the skills and tools required, and the importance of patience in her work. She discusses the challenges of working with natural stone, the balance between carving and masonry, and the dynamics of working in a family business. Rosie also touches on the impact of social media on her trade, the unique challenges faced as a female mason, and the significance of family support in managing stress and burnout. Throughout the conversation, she highlights her passion for her craft and the joy of creating bespoke pieces of art from stone. She shares her favorite projects and the excitement of customization in her work, along with insights into the challenges she faces as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field.

 Key Takeaways

• Rosie's journey into stonemasonry began unexpectedly through her father's influence.
• Patience is essential in stonemasonry, as it is a slow and meticulous process.
• Each piece of stone has unique characteristics that affect the carving process.
• Working with natural stone requires understanding its properties and how to adapt to them.
• Rosie enjoys both carving and masonry, with a preference for carving in the summer.
• Balancing work and personal life can be challenging in a family business.
• Social media plays a significant role in promoting her work and connecting with others in the trade.
• As a female mason, Rosie has faced challenges but feels that mindsets are changing.
• Pricing for bespoke stonework can be misunderstood by customers.
• Rosie's favourite projects are those that allow for creative expression and unique designs.

Follow me:

Instagram: @lifeofafemaletradie_

TikTok: @loaftpodcast

Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie Podcast

Follow Guest: 

Instagram: @yorkshire__rosie

TikTok: @yorkshire__rosie

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Stonemasonry and Family Legacy

03:08 The Art and Skill of Stonemasonry

05:59 Working with Natural Stone: Challenges and Techniques

08:56 Balancing Work and Personal Life in a Family Business

12:01 The Role of Social Media in Modern Stonemasonry

14:52 Navigating Gender Dynamics in the Trade

17:53 Creating Unique Art Pieces in Stonemasonry

24:28 The Art of Stone Carving: A Journey of Trial and Error

28:48 Challenges in Large-Scale Projects

31:03 Creative Highlights: Favorite Projects and Inspirations

33:26 Quickfire Questions: Personal Preferences and Insights

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