Life Of A Female Tradie
Real stories. Real tools. Real women.
Welcome to Life Of A Female Tradie — the podcast that gives voice to the women breaking ground in the trades. We share the honest, gritty, and inspiring journeys of female tradies thriving in a male-dominated industry.
Each episode features real conversations with women in construction and the skilled trades, tackling topics like apprenticeships, jobsite culture, career progression, mental health, physical demands, tools of the trade, and what it really takes to build a future in the field.
Whether you’re already on the tools, just getting started, or curious about what it’s like to be a woman in the trades — this podcast is your crew. We’re building each other up and breaking barriers with every episode.
Life Of A Female Tradie
Reflections on Home Decor, Colour Trends & Coping with Grief During the Holidays with Joanne Hay
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In this episode Laura is back with Joanne Hay to look back on the past year in decorating, exploring the biggest color trends, evolving styles, and the challenges faced within the trade. They share honest reflections on what worked, what changed, and what the year taught them as professionals in the decorating industry.
The conversation also turns personal, as Jo opens up about coping with loss during Christmas, the emotional impact of the holiday season, and why self-care and mental wellbeing are especially important at this time of year. Laura and Jo discuss practical ways to support yourself and others through the festive period.
To keep things light and festive, the episode wraps up with a fun Christmas-themed “This or That” game, adding warmth, laughter, and holiday cheer to the discussion.
Perfect for anyone interested in interior design trends, life in the decorating trade, and navigating the holiday season with honesty and heart.
Key Takeaways
- Jo discusses the popularity of earthy tones in paint choices.
- The importance of self-care during the holiday season.
- Jo shares her experience with challenges in the trade, including issues with prep work.
- The conversation highlights the significance of being kind to oneself during difficult times.
- Laura and Jo reflect on the common areas of homes that have been decorated this year.
- Jo mentions the trend of color drenching and its popularity in larger spaces.
- The duo discusses the shift towards durable matte finishes in painting.
- Jo shares her thoughts on the impact of loss during the Christmas season.
- The importance of focusing on what one can control is highlighted.
- Laura and Jo engage in a fun Christmas-themed segment to lighten the mood.
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Instagram: @lifeofafemaletradie_
Tiktok: @loaftpodcast
Facebook: Life Of A Female Tradie
Youtube: @lifeofafemaletradiepodcast
Follow Guest:
Instagram: @joannehay_decorating
Facebook: Joanne Hay Decorating
Youtube:@JoanneHayDecorating
TikTok: @joannehaydecorating
Chapters
00:00 Recapping Color Trends of 2025
02:27 The Popularity of Earthy Tones
05:08 Durable Finishes vs. Matte Finishes
07:46 Color Drenching and Woodwork Finishes
10:10 Common Issues Faced in Decorating
12:56 Conclusion and Reflections on the Year
13:27 Injury and Recovery: A Personal Journey
19:19 Coping with Loss During the Holidays
24:17 Christmas themed this or that
29:09 Thank you and Merry Christmas
Thank you for listening!
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