Life Of A Female Tradie

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 joining the skilled trades as adults. She gives a behind-the-scenes look at working on heritage restoration projects, where craftsmanship, conservation regulations, and community expectations all play a vital role...

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 wellbeing are especially important at this time of year. Laura and Jo discuss practical ways to support y...

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 explore the importance of mental health awareness, the Lost City movement, and how social media shapes modern life. Holly also reflects on her experiences in the music industry, balancing performance with personal...

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-solving skills, offering her a unique edge on job sites. 

A major theme of the episode is the importance o...

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 the future, including her current home renovation project. 

If you’re interested in construction careers, women in trades, JCB machinery, or stories of bold career change, this episode is packed with ins...

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 and friends has been throughout her journey. 

Education and safety remain central to Millie’s phil...

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 online — from building authentic connections, tackling the challenges women face in the trades, to raising mental health awareness and using social media marketing the right way. 

Stacey and Jack’s chemistry and complementary skill se...

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, where everyone feels represented and empowered to bring their skills to life. 

We also dive into how social media...

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 speaks of the importance of hands-on experience in the trades and the need for effective communication. 

Balancing Duration: 01:12:30

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 anyone in the skilled trades community. The conversation also highlights the importance of customer loyalty, the growing influence of social med...

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 tools stolen and how the supportive trades community rallied around her in response. We discuss the the role of social media in shaping public perception of tradespeople and the negative comments a pres...

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 growth, mental health, and why helping others is the most rewarding current of all. Plug in f...

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 lows of being a woman in a male-dominated/crowded field, from navigating unique challenges to finding unexpected opportunities for connection and mentorship.

She reveals why structural carpentry is her favourite part of th...

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 supportive online community. 

Listeners will hear why Sophie loves the variety of plumbing work, her vision for the future, and how representation encourages more women...

Meg’s path to becoming an electrician is anything but ordinary. From overcoming health challenges to celebrating her 30th birthday hugging cows, she brings a refreshingly real perspective on resilience, integrity in the trades, and carving your own path as a woman in the electrical industry. 

Meg opens up about the realities of being a female electrician in a male-dominated field, the strength she’s built through personal health challenges, and how her love for powerlifting keeps her motivated. 

With honesty at the core of her work, Meg discusses why integrity matters so much in the tr...

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, an...

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...

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 he...

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...

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 me...

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. Pame...

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 po...

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:

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...

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...

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...