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.

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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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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.

Follow me:

Instagram: @lifeofafemaletradie_

TikTok: @loaftpodcast

Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie Podcast

Follow Guest:

Intsta: @_thebenchjoinersdaughter_

Tiktok: @_thebenchjoinersdaughter

Facebook: The Bench Joiners Daughter

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sal's Journey

02:55 The Art of Handmade Joinery

05:57 Family Business Dynamics

09:01 Innovative Projects and Custom Requests

12:07 Social Media and Business Growth

14:55 Challenges in the Trade

16:46 Working with Listed Buildings

17:55 Personal Insights and Quickfire Round

23:30 Future Guests and Social Media Presence

25:06 Thanks for listening

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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.

Follow Me:

Instagram: @lifeofafemaletradie_

TikTok: @loaftpodcast

Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie Podcast

Follow Guest:

Instagram: @task.her

TikTok: @task.her

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

04:50 The Birth of TaskHer

09:51 Understanding TaskHer's Functionality

14:48 Verification and Trust in Tradeswomen

19:42 Challenges Faced in Building TaskHer

24:50 Mission and Goals of TaskHer

29:41 The Role of Social Media in Promotion

34:50 Future Plans and Expansion

39:39 Quickfire Questions and Personal Insights

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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.

Follow me:

Instagram: @lifeofafemaletradie_

Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie Podcast

Follow Guest:

Instagram: @sharontradehealthcoach

Instagram: @obsesseddecorating

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Decorating and Health Coaching

02:13 Mental Health Struggles in the Trade

05:22 The Importance of Normalizing Conversations

09:03 Active Listening and Emotional Awareness

11:47 Women’s Mental Health and Hormonal Changes

16:02 Health Coaching: Client Profiles and Approaches

24:41 The Role of Supplements in Health

36:24 Balancing Decorating and Health Coaching

40:33 Cravings and Comfort Foods

43:56 Injury Management and Strength Training

47:36 The Transformation of Mental Health through Spraying

52:38 Finding Balance in Work and Life

58:22 Community and Support in the Trade

01:04:02 Resilience and Learning from Setbacks

01:09:22 Future Aspirations and Trade Insights

Helpful Links if you need to support:

https://www.mind.org.uk/

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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.

Follow me:

Instagram: @lifeofafemaletradie_

TikTok: @loaftpodcast

Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie Podcast

Follow Guest:

Instagram: @yorkshire__rosie

TikTok: @yorkshire__rosie

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Stonemasonry and Family Legacy

03:08 The Art and Skill of Stonemasonry

05:59 Working with Natural Stone: Challenges and Techniques

08:56 Balancing Work and Personal Life in a Family Business

12:01 The Role of Social Media in Modern Stonemasonry

14:52 Navigating Gender Dynamics in the Trade

17:53 Creating Unique Art Pieces in Stonemasonry

24:28 The Art of Stone Carving: A Journey of Trial and Error

28:48 Challenges in Large-Scale Projects

31:03 Creative Highlights: Favorite Projects and Inspirations

33:26 Quickfire Questions: Personal Preferences and Insights

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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.

Follow me:

Instagram: @lifeofafemaletradie_

TikTok: @loaftpodcast

Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie Podcast

Follow Guest:

Instagram: @Joannehay_decorating

Facebook: Joanne Hay Decorating

Youtube: @JoanneHayDecorating

TikTok: @Joannehaydecorating

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Joanne Hay and Her Journey

02:43 The Impact of social media on Decorating

05:59 Balancing Work and Personal Life

08:54 Favourite and Challenging Jobs in Decorating

11:39 Customer Relationships and Quoting Process

14:36 Preferred Products and the Importance of Quality

17:45 The Joy of Decorating and Personal Preferences

27:25 Navigating the Evolving World of Paints

32:19 The Challenges of Choosing the Right Products

38:09 The Importance of Available Sundries

40:42 Building Trust with Clients

46:29 The Art of Transparency in Decorating

50:36 Social media and Community in the Trade

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