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_ 
Tiktok: @loaftpodcast
Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie
Youtube: @lifeofafemaletradiepodcast
Email: [email protected]

Did you enjoy this episode?
Support the show
Thank you for listening! 
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!  
Thanks Again!
Ko-Fi Life Of 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 how social media marketing helps tradespeople win work and grow their business. Emma also opens up about the realities of self-employment, from managing time to staying motivated. 
If you're interested in women in trades, becoming a decorator, or starting a trade business, this episode is packed with practical insight and honest advice. 

Key Takeaways
Emma’s journey from school to becoming a self-employed decorator
Why hands-on learning and making mistakes are essential in the trades
How social media marketing helps tradespeople win more work
The realities and challenges of running a self-employed trade business
Emma’s advice for women starting a career in the trades 
 
Follow me: 
Instagram: @lifeofafemaletradie_ 
Tiktok: @loaftpodcast 
Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie 
Youtube: @lifeofafemaletradiepodcast 
Follow Guest:
Instagram: EmmasPainting1 
TikTok: Emmaspainting1

Chapters 
00:00 Emma's Journey into Trade 
05:37 Exploring the World of Decorating 
07:24 The Challenges of Self-Employment 
14:38 Van Troubles and Support Systems 
16:53 The Van Chronicles: Trials and Triumphs 
22:43 Navigating the Trade: Advertising Strategies 
23:36 Women in Trades: Overcoming Challenges 
27:52 Building a Customer Base: The Importance of Booking Ahead 
32:54 Finding Balance: The Need for Breaks 
37:24 Social Media: Building Community and Connections 
41:07 Embracing Vulnerability in Content Creation 
44:07 The Excitement of Transformation Projects 
45:39 Choosing the Right Jobs for Fulfillment 
48:27 The Importance of Preparation in Craftsmanship 
52:04 Navigating Customer Interactions and Responsibilities 
55:16 Quickfire Questions: Fun Insights and Preferences 
59:53 Thank you’s 

Did you enjoy this episode?
Support the show
Thank you for listening!
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!
Thanks Again!
Ko-Fi Life Of A Female Tradie

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 resilience when working in physically demanding trade roles, as well as the mindset required to succeed in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Her story highlights the empowerment that comes with learning practical skills, taking control of your career, and proving that it’s never too late to change direction. 
This episode is packed with insights for women in trades, aspiring handywomen, and anyone considering self-employment. Laura also shares practical advice on building confidence, managing work-life balance, and the power of community support among tradespeople. 
 
Key Takeaways 
Laura transitioned from a 27-year career in event management to becoming a handywoman. 
She found her passion for DIY and home improvement through personal projects. 
Networking and community support have been crucial in her journey. 
Social media is an effective tool for marketing her services. 
Health and wellness are important considerations in the trades. 
Laura emphasizes the importance of having the right insurance and business setup. 
She enjoys upcycling and helping clients see the potential in old furniture. 
The satisfaction of completing a job is a significant motivator for her. 
Laura encourages others to pursue their dreams, regardless of age. 
She aims to inspire young girls to enter the trades. 
 
Follow me: 
Instagram: @lifeofafemaletradie_ 
Tiktok: @loaftpodcast 
Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie 
Youtube: @lifeofafemaletradiepodcast 
Follow Guest:
Instagram: she.iy_sos
Facebook: SHE-IY SOS
LinkdIn: Laura Bartlett
 
Chapters 
00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties 
02:46 Background and Career Transition 
05:45 Starting as a Handywoman 
08:32 Types of Work and Skills Development 
11:45 Challenges of Self-Employment 
14:40 Health and Wellness in Trades 
18:29 Social Media and Marketing Strategies 
23:39 Quickfire Questions and Personal Insights 
44:45 Thank you's

Did you enjoy this episode?
Support the show
Thank you for listening! 
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!  
Thanks Again!
Ko-Fi Life Of A Female Tradie

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. 
Louise shares what it really takes to break into the male-dominated motor trade, the challenges women face in automotive careers, and how she built Womanic to empower more women to pursue skilled trades. From navigating industry stereotypes to creating inclusive education and community spaces, her story offers practical insight for anyone considering a career in mechanics, entrepreneurship, or vocational trades. 
We also dive into the realities of running a business while working in a physically demanding trade. Louise opens up about balancing mental health, menopause, physical wellbeing, and entrepreneurship, offering honest advice for women in trades who want long-term success without burnout. 
Whether you're interested in becoming a mechanic, starting a trade business, supporting women in automotive, or building confidence in a male-dominated industry, this episode delivers actionable advice, real-world experience, and motivation to take the leap. 
Key Takeaways: 
Louise Baker’s journey into the motor trade
Women in automotive careers and skilled trades
Overcoming barriers in male-dominated industries
Building Womanic and empowering women through education
Mental health and physical wellbeing for tradeswomen
Entrepreneurship in the automotive industry
Follow me: 
Instagram: @lifeofafemaletradie_ 
Tiktok: @loaftpodcast 
Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie 
Youtube: @lifeofafemaletradiepodcast 
Follow Guest: 
Instagram: Womanic_louise
TikTok: Womaniclou
Facebook: Womanic Ltd
Website: www.womanic.co.uk

Chapters 
00:00 Journey into the Motor Trade 
03:46 Challenges and Resilience 
07:39 Building a Business from Passion 
11:11 Empowering Women in the Trade 
14:56 Health, Well-being, and Work-Life Balance 
17:27 Understanding Personal Challenges and Growth 
19:36 The Importance of Community Support 
21:44 Navigating Daily Challenges in the Trade 
24:20 Customer Dynamics in the Automotive Trade 
25:41 Service Frequency and Maintenance Tips 
27:06 Future Plans and Community Engagement 
28:53 Quickfire Questions and Personal Insights 
33:07 Thank you’s 
 
Did you enjoy this episode?
Support the show
Thank you for listening! 
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!  
Thanks Again!
Ko-Fi Life Of A Female Tradie

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 in outdoor trades. Her passion for arboriculture, climbing, and the outdoors is infectious, in a good way!
Plus, hear the heartwarming story of Atlas — the puppy she and her partner rescued from the Atlas Mountains — and how adventure continues to shape both her life and career.

Key  topics:
Women in trades
Tree climbing safety
Brand ambassador journey
Follow me: 
Instagram: @lifeofafemaletradie_ 
Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie
Youtube: @lifeofafemaletradiepodcast
Follow Guest: 
Instagram: @Hollywood_trees 
Facebook: Hollywood Trees

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Holly Carroll, the Arborist
04:45 The Apprenticeship Experience
10:38 Safety and Close Calls in Tree Work
16:02 Customer Interactions and Experiences
20:55 The Thrill of Rigging
26:13 Dietary Choices and Their Impact
31:10 Becoming a Brand Ambassador
39:39 Finding Atlas: A Heartwarming Story
46:25 Exciting Opportunities at the Harrogate Flower Show
53:07 Exploring Alternative Trades and Future Guests
01:00:14 – Thank you’s
01:00:23 Follow Like Share

Resources:
Stein Workwear 
Harrogate Flower Show 
DART - Disaster Arborist Response Team 

Did you enjoy this episode?
Support the show
Thank you for listening! 
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!  
Thanks Again!
Ko-Fi Life Of A Female Tradie