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 for an episode that’s equal parts bold, inspiring, and brilliantly charged.

Key Takeaways

• Kimmy's journey began in Lithuania and transitioned to the UK.
• She became an electrician out of passion, not just for a pay check.
• Her experience includes working with vulnerable people in social housing.
• She emphasizes the importance of trying different aspects of the trade.
• Advice for aspiring electricians includes thinking long-term about their careers.
• Personal experiences can significantly impact professional growth.
• Social media has become a powerful tool for her brand and outreach.
• Kimmy is pioneering the presence of women in trades in Lithuania.
• She plans to expand her work internationally, focusing on smart home systems.
• Community support is crucial in the trades, especially for mental health.

Follow me:

Instagram: @lifeofafemaletradie_

Tiktok: @loaftpodcast

Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie

Follow Guest:

Instagram: @Kimmythesparks

TikTok: @Kimmythesparks

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kimmy the Sparks

02:02 Kimmy's Journey into Electrical Work

05:44 The Challenges of Social Housing Work

09:27 Balancing Personal Life and Career

13:19 Advice for Aspiring Electricians

16:50 Overcoming Personal Struggles

21:05 The Importance of Community Support

25:12 Navigating Life Between Countries

28:45 Building Authentic Client Relationships

31:43 The Evolution of Social Media Presence

36:06 Exciting Projects in Lithuania

40:26 Quickfire This or That Round

43:52 Connecting with Inspiring Tradeswomen

46:42 Thanks for listening

Did you enjoy this episode?

Support the show

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 the craft, the camaraderie that keeps job sites fun and supportive, and the joy of watching clients’ homes transform. Emily also talks about balancing demanding projects with personal time, building brand partnerships, and how social media has grown from a simple portfolio into a side career. Above all, she highlights the importance of community and solidarity among women in the trades.

Whether you’re curious about carpentry jobs, looking for tips on women in construction, or simply love inspiring career stories, this episode delivers practical insight and motivation.

Key Takeaways

• Emily's journey into carpentry began unexpectedly after a plumbing apprenticeship fell through.
• She found her passion for carpentry while labouring and learning from experienced tradesmen.
• Being a female carpenter comes with unique challenges, but also opportunities for connection.
• Emily enjoys structural carpentry the most, finding satisfaction in building from the ground up.
• The camaraderie among tradespeople can lead to deep friendships and support on the job.
• She finds joy in seeing clients' excitement as their homes are transformed.
• Brand partnerships have become a significant part of her career, enhancing her visibility.
• Social media has evolved from a portfolio tool to a what you could say was a second job for Emily.
• Emily emphasizes the importance of community and support among women in trades.

Follow Me:

Instagram: @lifeofafemaletradie_

Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie

Follow Guest:

Instagram: @chippie.em

Youtube: @Chippie_em

Chapters

00:00 Emily's Journey into Carpentry

02:03 Experiences as a Female Carpenter

04:49 The Joy of Carpentry Projects

07:41 Balancing Work and Personal Life

10:19 Favourite Projects and Client Relationships

13:06 Brand Partnerships and Future Plans

19:13 The Impact of social media on Tradespeople

22:15 Home Renovation Journey

28:15 Quickfire Questions and Personal Insights

37:41 Thanks for listening

Did you enjoy this episode?

Support the show

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 to pursue careers in plumbing and other construction trades.

Packed with humour, practical insights, and career advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in plumbing careers, trade apprenticeships, or empowering women in construction.

👉 Don’t miss a single episode! Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform and follow us on social media for more stories that inspire and inform.

Key Takeaways

• Sophie decided to pursue plumbing while pregnant with her youngest child.
• She faced challenges in college, feeling out of place among younger students.
• Sophie found her passion in plumbing after trying tiling and electrics.
• The plumbing course included a lot of theory, which surprised her.
• She struggled to find an apprenticeship due to lack of on-tool experience.
• Sophie learned practical skills from experienced plumbers she worked with.
• She enjoys the variety of work in plumbing, as no two jobs are the same.
• Sophie faces gender bias in the plumbing industry but remains determined.
• She emphasizes the importance of self-care and managing ADHD in her daily life.
• Sophie aims to educate homeowners on basic plumbing knowledge to prevent damage.

Follow Me:

Instagram: @Lifeofafemaletradie_

Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie

Follow Guest:

Instagram: @plumby.mummy

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Plummy Mummy

08:33 Journey into Plumbing: A New Beginning

11:31 Navigating College and Trade Skills

13:01 Challenges of Entering the Plumbing Industry

14:37 Building Confidence and Skills on the Job

16:52 The Excitement of a Varied Work Life

19:41 Facing Gender Bias in the Trade

22:45 The Importance of Representation in Trades

24:50 Future Aspirations and Learning Opportunities

27:18 Basic Plumbing Knowledge for Homeowners

28:47 Typical Work Week and Learning Experiences

31:13 Social Media and Community Support

33:17 Living with ADHD: Challenges and Strategies

41:36 Mental Health Awareness and Support

48:39 Quickfire Questions and Fun Insights

51:03 Advice for Future Tradespeople

Did you enjoy this episode?

Support the show

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 trades and how she wants to use social media to uplift and empower others. This episode is packed with insight, humour, inspiration, and a candid look at what it means to thrive as a woman carving her own path in the trades.

Key Takeaways

• Meg transitioned from hospitality to becoming an electrician by chance.
• She enjoys the practical aspects of her job and the variety it brings.
• Self-employment has its challenges, but Meg has had a positive start.
• Building trust with clients is crucial in the trades.
• As a female electrician, Meg has faced scepticism but has earned respect.
• Daily tasks include renovations and complex electrical systems.
• Health challenges have made Meg more resilient and appreciative of life.
• Powerlifting has become a significant part of Meg's life post-recovery.
• Meg's unique 30th birthday involved spending time with rescued cows.
• She aims to empower others, especially women, through social media.

Follow Me:

Instagram: LifeOfAFemaleTradie_

Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie

Follow Guest:

Instagram: Shes.electric.electrical

Facebook: Shes Electric - Electrical Contractor

Chapters

00:00 Trigger warning

00:30 Start of Megs Journey Into Becoming An Electrician

04:51 Transition to Self-Employment

10:27 Experiences as a Female Electrician

16:30 Health Challenges and Resilience

26:32 Journey into Powerlifting

33:36 The Addictive Nature of Strength Training

37:23 Unique 30th Birthday Experience

42:15 Social Media and Empowerment in Trades

47:30 Future Aspirations and Lifting Competitions

55:36 Thank You and Follow For More

Did you enjoy this episode?

Support the show

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, and a fun rapid-fire round to wrap things up, this episode is perfect for anyone curious about the life of a tradie, a career in carpentry, doing an apprenticeship and the challenges and rewards of being a woman in construction.

Takeaways

• Michelle transitioned from studying architecture to carpentry after discovering her passion for hands-on work.
• The first winter as an apprentice is a significant challenge that tests resilience.
• Injury recovery can be a long process, but it can also lead to personal growth and new perspectives.
• Balancing work and personal life is a continuous learning experience for tradespeople.
• Women in trades often face unique challenges but can find support and camaraderie among each other.
• Building a personal brand can open up unexpected opportunities in the trade industry.
• The importance of making the work easier for other trades, like decorators, is often overlooked.
• Humor and light-heartedness can help navigate the challenges of working on site.
• Networking with other tradespeople can lead to valuable advice and support.
• Every job completed brings a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Follow me:

Instagram: @lifeofafemaletradie_

Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie

Follow guest:

Instagram: thecarpentrygirl

Facebook: The Carpentry Girl

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:07 Journey into Carpentry

03:47 Apprenticeship Experiences

06:20 Starting a Business During Apprenticeship

08:59 Injury and Recovery

11:33 Balancing Work and Personal Life

14:19 Recent Life Changes and Future Plans

22:06 Navigating Gender Dynamics on Construction Sites

25:28 The Joys and Challenges of Carpentry

27:27 Pride in Craftsmanship and Job Satisfaction

29:40 The Importance of Collaboration in Trades

32:15 Experiences in the Spotlight: Working with Regatta

36:48 Quickfire Questions and Personal Insights

44:17 Thanks for listening

44:31 outro

Did you enjoy this episode?

Support the show

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 decorating trade or considering self-employment. The episode wraps up with a fun quickfire round, giving listeners a glimpse into Beth’s personal tastes, insights, and personality beyond the paintbrush.

Key Takeaways

• Beth had no clear direction in high school.
• Her brother encouraged her to pursue painting and decorating.
• She has been self-employed longer than she was employed.
• Taking on an apprentice was driven by loneliness, not financial reasons.
• Beth considers her apprentice to be the best in the world.
• Balancing work and personal life is a significant challenge.
• Social media plays a crucial role in her business networking.
• She was a semi-finalist in a top tradesperson award.
• Good customer relationships are vital to her work satisfaction.

Follow Me:

Instagram: @lifeofafemaletradie_

Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie

Tiktok: loaftpodcast

Follow Guest:

Instagram: Bethyatesthepainter

Facebook: Beth Yates Decorating Service

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:03 Journey into Decorating

03:08 Taking on an Apprentice

05:14 Balancing Work and Life

07:35 The Role of Social Media

09:09 Awards and Recognition

11:05 Challenges in the Trade

12:11 Learning from Mistakes in the Trade

12:39 The Value of Good Customers

13:21 Creative Projects and Bold Colours

14:16 Challenges in Wallpapering

15:26 Satisfaction in Restoration Projects

16:10 Stepping Out of Comfort Zones

16:42 The Preference for Interior Work

18:01 Travel Aspirations and Future Plans

18:53 The Challenges of Hall Stairs and Landings

19:36 Brush Preferences and Tools of the Trade

20:39 Networking at Trade Shows

21:30 Upcoming Jobs and Customer Communication

25:48 Thank You’s

Did you enjoy this episode?

Support the show

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 her career, personal life, and growth in the industry. With a mix of humour, insight, and practical advice, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in plumbing apprenticeships, trade careers, or women breaking barriers in skilled industries.

Key Takeaways

• Lisa transitioned from the fitness industry to plumbing during lockdown.
• The physical demands of plumbing require fitness and strength.
• Lisa enjoys the problem-solving aspect of plumbing the most.
• Balancing work and college is crucial for apprenticeship success.
• Gender dynamics in the trade can present challenges for women.
• Networking and competitions are valuable for career growth.
• Community support among tradespeople is essential.
• Lisa is proud of her accomplishments in her apprenticeship.
• She aims to become self-employed after completing her training.

Follow Me:

Instagram: @lifeofafemaletradie_

Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie

Tiktok: loaftpodcast

Follow Guest:

Instagram: Lptheplumber

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lisa's Journey

02:10 Transitioning Careers: From Fitness to Plumbing

04:32 Hands-On Experience: The Importance of Physical Fitness

06:38 Apprenticeship Insights: Learning and Growth

08:36 The Intricacies of Plumbing: Problem Solving in Action

10:41 Balancing Work and Life: The Apprenticeship Challenge

12:52 Overcoming Gender Stereotypes in the Trade

15:09 Competitions and Networking: Building a community

17:31 Proud Moments: Achievements in Plumbing

19:35 Social media and the Trade Community

21:36 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

Did you enjoy this episode?

Support the show

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

Did you enjoy this episode?

Support the show