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Empowering Women in Skilled Trades: Diane Finnegan's Journey
In this episode, Diane Finnegan, CEO of The Dirty Seahorse, shares her inspiring journey from being a retail sales manager to founding a company that makes women's workwear for skilled trades. Diane describes how her daughter's challenges in finding suitable workwear sparked the idea, leading her to create a business focused on durable, functional, and comfortable workwear for women. Diane discusses overcoming obstacles like imposter syndrome, learning essential skills from sewing to fabric sourcing, and the importance of community and feedback from women in trades. The company aims not only to produce quality workwear but also to support and advocate for women in trades, highlighting issues like suitable daycare and employer hiring practices. Diane expresses her commitment to changing the industry for the better and her plans for future growth, including a potential storefront.
00:00 Meet Diane Finnegan: CEO of The Dirty Seahorse
03:22 The Birth of The Dirty Seahorse
07:33 Building the Business and Overcoming Doubts
10:26 Community Feedback and Product Development
19:32 Supporting Women in Trades
22:06 Challenges in the Trades
26:11 Social Media and Outreach
27:12 Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated
31:13 Final Thoughts and Future Goals