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 let have a chat! Follow me: Instagram: @lifeofafemaletradie_ Ti...

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 her business and attract customers. Laura also discusses the importance of health and r...

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 tree work safety insights, lessons learned on the job, and advice for anyone considering a career i...

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-on skills. My guest, Jasmin Benford, the Service Delivery Manager for the Apprenticeship Tea...

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 working as a woman in the trades, and the importance of building genuine, long-term relationships ...

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 passionate about encouraging more women to enter construction. She also discusses her coaching wor...

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...

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, 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 ...

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...

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...

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 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...