Becoming a Self-Employed Decorator | Emma Varley's Journey as a Female Tradie

A Quick Pause (But Not Goodbye)

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_  [https://www.instagram.com/lifeofafemaletradie_/?hl=en] Tiktok: @loaftpodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@loaftpodcast] Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie [https://www.facebook.com/people/Life-Of-A-Female-Tradie-Podcast/61579195406975/?_rdr] Youtube: @lifeofafemaletradiepodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@Lifeofafemaletradiepodcast] Email: loaftpodcast@gmail.com Did you enjoy this episode? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2407451/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://ko-fi.com/lifeofafemaletradie] 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  [https://ko-fi.com/lifeofafemaletradie]

Becoming a Self-Employed Decorator | Emma Varley's Journey as 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_  [https://www.instagram.com/lifeofafemaletradie_/?hl=en] Tiktok: @loaftpodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@loaftpodcast]  Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie [https://www.facebook.com/people/Life-Of-A-Female-Tradie-Podcast/61579195406975/?_rdr]  Youtube: @lifeofafemaletradiepodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@Lifeofafemaletradiepodcast]  Follow Guest: Instagram: EmmasPainting1 [https://www.instagram.com/emmaspainting1/]  TikTok: Emmaspainting1 [https://www.tiktok.com/@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? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2407451/open_sms] Support the show [https://ko-fi.com/lifeofafemaletradie] 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 [https://ko-fi.com/lifeofafemaletradie]

Becoming a Handywoman | Laura Bartlett on Career Change, Self-Employment & Women in the Trades

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_  [https://www.instagram.com/lifeofafemaletradie_/?hl=en] Tiktok: @loaftpodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@loaftpodcast]  Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie [https://www.facebook.com/people/Life-Of-A-Female-Tradie-Podcast/61579195406975/?_rdr]  Youtube: @lifeofafemaletradiepodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@Lifeofafemaletradiepodcast]  Follow Guest: Instagram: she.iy_sos [https://www.instagram.com/she.iy_sos/?hl=en] Facebook: SHE-IY SOS [https://www.facebook.com/people/She-IY-SOS/61576398890111/?mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=7QsEVsC7mIe1JXxi&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F12G31U1qJ8U%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr%26utm_source%3Dig%26utm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_content%3Dlink_in_bio] LinkdIn: Laura Bartlett [https://uk.linkedin.com/in/laura-bartlett-283b5b15a?trk=people-guest_people_search-card]   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? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2407451/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://ko-fi.com/lifeofafemaletradie] 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  [https://ko-fi.com/lifeofafemaletradie]

The Reality of Being a Female Mechanic | Louise Baker, Founder of Womanic

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_  [https://www.instagram.com/lifeofafemaletradie_/?hl=en] Tiktok: @loaftpodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@loaftpodcast]  Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie [https://www.facebook.com/people/Life-Of-A-Female-Tradie-Podcast/61579195406975/?_rdr]  Youtube: @lifeofafemaletradiepodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@Lifeofafemaletradiepodcast]  Follow Guest:  Instagram: Womanic_louise [https://www.instagram.com/womanic_louise/] TikTok: Womaniclou [https://www.tiktok.com/@womaniclou] Facebook: Womanic Ltd [https://www.facebook.com/womaniclou/?locale=en_GB] Website: www.womanic.co.uk [http://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? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2407451/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://ko-fi.com/lifeofafemaletradie] 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  [https://ko-fi.com/lifeofafemaletradie]

Professional Arborist Holly Carroll on Women in Arboriculture, Tree Surgery & Outdoor Careers

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_  [https://www.instagram.com/lifeofafemaletradie_/?hl=en] Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie [https://www.facebook.com/people/Life-Of-A-Female-Tradie-Podcast/61579195406975/?_rdr] Youtube: @lifeofafemaletradiepodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@Lifeofafemaletradiepodcast] Follow Guest:  Instagram: @Hollywood_trees  [https://www.instagram.com/hollywood_trees/] Facebook: Hollywood Trees [https://www.facebook.com/people/Hollywood-Trees/61561038863456/] 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  [https://www.steinworldwide.com/] Harrogate Flower Show [https://www.flowershow.org.uk/]  DART - Disaster Arborist Response Team  [https://dartinternationaluk.org/] Did you enjoy this episode? [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2407451/fan_mail/new] Support the show [https://ko-fi.com/lifeofafemaletradie] 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  [https://ko-fi.com/lifeofafemaletradie]