Life Of A Female Tradie
Real stories. Real tools. Real women.
Welcome to Life Of A Female Tradie — the podcast that gives voice to the women breaking ground in the trades. We share the honest, gritty, and inspiring journeys of female tradies thriving in a male-dominated industry.
Each episode features real conversations with women in construction and the skilled trades, tackling topics like apprenticeships, jobsite culture, career progression, mental health, physical demands, tools of the trade, and what it really takes to build a future in the field.
Whether you’re already on the tools, just getting started, or curious about what it’s like to be a woman in the trades — this podcast is your crew. We’re building each other up and breaking barriers with every episode.
Episodes
37 episodes
A Quick Pause (But Not Goodbye)
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.
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Episode 37
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2:20
Becoming a Self-Employed Decorator | Emma Varley's Journey as a Female Tradie
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 ...
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Episode 36
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1:00:04
Becoming a Handywoman | Laura Bartlett on Career Change, Self-Employment & Women in the Trades
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, ...
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Episode 35
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45:08
The Reality of Being a Female Mechanic | Louise Baker, Founder of Womanic
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. Lo...
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Episode 34
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33:17
Professional Arborist Holly Carroll on Women in Arboriculture, Tree Surgery & Outdoor Careers
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...
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Episode 33
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1:00:38
Building a Career in Architecture & Interior Design From Colombia to the UK | Helga Heins
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 internat...
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Episode 32
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45:20
Inside the Wickes Apprenticeship Programme: Skills Training, Mental Health & Life in the Trades
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...
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Episode 31
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26:34
From Studying Nursing to Electrical Apprentice: Sophie Magee on Apprenticeships & Renewable Energy
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, inclu...
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Episode 30
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24:11
Painting Her Own Path with Purpose | Melissa Hall
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 th...
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Episode 29
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50:21
The Female Touch: From Zookeeper to 23 Years in the Decorating Trade
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 z...
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Episode 28
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1:01:03
Property Investment, Mentorship & Construction Success | Melissa Potente
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, an...
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Episode 27
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41:05
Award-Winning Stonemason: Rachael Wragg at Lincoln Cathedral
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...
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Episode 26
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42:34
Reflections on Home Decor, Colour Trends & Coping with Grief During the Holidays with Joanne Hay
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 change...
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Episode 25
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29:33
The Singing Brickie: Stage Lights and Building Sites with Female Bricklayer Holly Hudson
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. Fr...
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Episode 24
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54:46
Football to Carpentry: Yasmin Poole's Inspiring Story of Equality, Skill & Career Growth
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...
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Episode 23
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54:58
The Happy Digger: Georgina Williams on Her JCB Career Journey
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, a...
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Episode 22
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50:59
From Software Engineer to Electrician: Millie’s Inspiring Career Transformation
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 mothe...
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Episode 21
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1:09:47
Marketing, Mental Health & Women in the Trades: The Story Behind Trademark Digital
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 ...
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Episode 20
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49:28
Crafting Change: Caroline talks Inclusivity, Entrepreneurship, and Life in the Trades
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 furnitur...
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Episode 19
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32:57
Roofer, role model and business owner: Lily Struthers shares her journey
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
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Episode 18
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1:12:30
Part 2 - Wired For Success: Gina York; The Daughter, The Electrician
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-solvin...
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Episode 17
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48:32
Wired For Success: Gina York; The Daughter, The Electrician
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 work...
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Episode 16
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52:39
Lighting The Way: Kimmy The Sparks on Life as a Tradie
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...
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Episode 15
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46:57
Structural Carpentry: A Woman Who's Leading The Way - Meet Chippie Em
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 ...
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Episode 14
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37:55
Plumby Mummy’s Inspiring Take on Plumbing, Bias, and ADHD
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 bui...
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Episode 13
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46:47