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.

Follow me:

Instagram: @lifeofafemaletradie_

Tiktok: @loaftpodcast

Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie

Follow Guest:

Instagram: @sophiethesurveyor

LinkdIn: Sophie Atkins

Link to the Sophie collection

https://www.amblerssafety.com/collections/sophie-collection

Link to the directory of women’s ppe

https://ppethatfits.com

Chapters

00:00 Sophie Perkins: Journey to Becoming a Chartered Surveyor

08:55 A Day in the Life of a Building Surveyor

11:38 The Importance of Safety and Support in Construction

12:46 Choosing the Right Employer: Culture and Safety

13:39 The Shortage of Building Surveyors and Career Opportunities

15:06 Navigating Safety Concerns as a Woman in Construction

15:21 Experiences of Women in a Male-Dominated Industry

17:38 The Evolution of PPE for Women in Construction

22:18 Creating a Line of Women’s Safety Footwear

27:23 The Journey of Developing Female-Specific PPE

33:33 The Importance of Specialized Workwear

35:34 Balancing Work and Family Life

37:44 Navigating Work-Life Balance as a Parent

40:12 The Role of Exercise in Daily Life

42:16 Mentorship and Its Impact

46:07 Quickfire Questions: Insights and Preferences

49:28 Future Aspirations in the Industry

53:54 Thank

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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.

Follow me:

Instagram: @lifeofafemaletradie_

Facebook: Life of A Female Tradie

Follow Guest:

Instagram: @mary.plaster.mouldings.direct

TikTok: @mary_pmd

Chapters

00:00 Mary's Journey into Traditional Plastering

06:05 The Art of Restoration and Craftsmanship

11:22 Unique Projects and Notable Collaborations

14:27 Legacy and Family Traditions in Craftsmanship

17:38 Empowering Women in Trades

19:14 Struggles in the Trade as a Woman

21:24 Customer Engagement and Business Growth

22:12 The Power of Social Media

24:03 Balancing Social Media and Privacy

25:47 Brand Collaborations and Authenticity

27:51 The Importance of Quality Workwear

30:40 Networking and Community in the Trade

34:58 Quickfire Questions and Personal Insights

39:10 1. Thanks for listening

39:25 Outro

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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.

Follow Me:

Instagram: @lifeofafemaletradie_

TikTok: @loaftpodcast

Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie Podcast

Follow Guest:

Instagram: @pamelaspaintedspaces

TikTok: @pamelas.painted.s

Facebook: Pamelas Painted Spaces

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:20 Transition to Self-Employment

03:47 Finding Work-Life Balance

06:35 Embracing Technology in Art

09:00 The Impact of VR on Murals

15:39 Creative Process and Artistic Freedom

21:35 Navigating Challenges in Painting and Decorating

24:58 Adjusting to Change: Passion and Pain

26:33 The Importance of Physical Fitness in Trades

27:10 Exploring Artistic Growth and Life Drawing

31:45 Quickfire Questions: Personal Preferences and Insights

35:38 Future Guests and Collaborations

40:10 Thanks you

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