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.
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Chisel, Mallet and a killer Mullet: Rosie the Stonemason and Carver
Episode 2
Tuesday, July 8, 2025 • Duration 41:18
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.
If you are enjoying the show and wish to show some support for it's growth, please head over to my Ko-fi page below and buy me a virtual coffee! Oat milk please!
In this episode, Jo shares her journey in the decorating industry, discussing her background, emphasising the importance of social media in building her business, and the challenges she faces as a self-employed decorator. She shares the importance of balancing work and personal life, building trust with clients, and the creative freedom that comes with bold decorating choices. Jo also reflects on the significance of transparency in her work and the evolving nature of decorating techniques, while providing insights into managing time and workload effectively. Overall, the discussion provides insights into the realities of being a self-employed decorator and the skills required to succeed in the trade.
Key Takeaways
Jo has been a self-employed decorator for 19 years.
Building trust with clients is essential for long-term relationships.
Jo believes in sharing knowledge to help others in the trade.
Transparency in her work helps clients understand the process.
Jo emphasizes the importance of work-life balance.
Managing time effectively is key to avoiding burnout.
The decorating trade is evolving with new techniques and products.
Transform your Health and your Home with Sharon Norton-Marshall - Decorator & Trade Health Coach
Episode 3
Tuesday, July 15, 2025 • Duration 01:11:18
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.
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TaskHer: Your Go-To for Female Trades Professionals
Episode 4
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 • Duration 41:43
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.
A Bench Joiners Story of Skill, Social Media and Generational Trade - Meet Sal
Episode 5
Tuesday, July 29, 2025 • Duration 25:30
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.
From Visual Merchandiser to House Painter & Mural Artist – Pamela's Creative Career Journey
Episode 6
Tuesday, August 5, 2025 • Duration 40:34
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.
Restoring Heritage one mould at a time: Fibrous plasterer Mary-Havana Little
Episode 7
Tuesday, August 12, 2025 • Duration 39:34
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.
Surveying Sites to Safety Boots: Sophie Perkins’ Construction journey as a Chartered Building Surveyor
Episode 8
Tuesday, August 19, 2025 • Duration 54:41
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.
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.
Beth Yates Talks Burn-Out, The Best Apprentice, and a Nightmare job in the Decorating Trade
Episode 10
Tuesday, September 2, 2025 • Duration 29:49
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.
If you are enjoying the show and wish to show some support for it's growth, please head over to my Ko-fi page below and buy me a virtual coffee! Oat milk please!
If you are enjoying the show and wish to show some support for it's growth, please head over to my Ko-fi page below and buy me a virtual coffee! Oat milk please!
If you are enjoying the show and wish to show some support for it's growth, please head over to my Ko-fi page below and buy me a virtual coffee! Oat milk please!
If you are enjoying the show and wish to show some support for it's growth, please head over to my Ko-fi page below and buy me a virtual coffee! Oat milk please!
If you are enjoying the show and wish to show some support for it's growth, please head over to my Ko-fi page below and buy me a virtual coffee! Oat milk please!
If you are enjoying the show and wish to show some support for it's growth, please head over to my Ko-fi page below and buy me a virtual coffee! Oat milk please!
If you are enjoying the show and wish to show some support for it's growth, please head over to my Ko-fi page below and buy me a virtual coffee! Oat milk please!
If you are enjoying the show and wish to show some support for it's growth, please head over to my Ko-fi page below and buy me a virtual coffee! Oat milk please!
If you are enjoying the show and wish to show some support for it's growth, please head over to my Ko-fi page below and buy me a virtual coffee! Oat milk please!
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