Women in Drywall: Why We Love the Trades

As part of Trim-Tex's ongoing “Women in Drywall” program, we’ve spoken to dozens of female professionals who have made careers in the trades. And while these women have very different stories from one another — different hometowns, different backgrounds, different reasons for getting up in the morning — they all have something in common: a love, a pride, a passion for their work.

To celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month this year, we decided to reach out to several of the drywall pros we’ve spoken to for our “Women in Drywall” series — as well as a few we haven't just yet — to ask them all the same question: why are you proud to work in the trades? Read on to find out what they had to say!

Maddie Lawrie, Maddie Drywalls

“I feel so proud to work in the trades because it gives me an opportunity to learn something new and change and grow, and also grow in determination. There's something so special about being able to build homes, empower cities and also keep society running. It's the best feeling to say, ‘Hey, look, I built that.’ 

“In male-dominated trades, I'm able to showcase my skills and let other women see that they can also enjoy these opportunities as well. I emphasize the word ‘enjoy’ because truly it is enjoyable. It might be hard sometimes, but it's so fun.

“One piece of advice I would give a woman considering a job in the trades is to be humble and willing. It makes a world of difference when you put your head down at work and you push forward. It might take a while to see the success you desire or the passion that you long for to grow. Remind yourself that good things take time.”

Check out Maddie's work here!

Kaïla Gilbert, Gilbert Taping

We feel proud to work in the trades because it allows us to push ourselves, reach new goals and acquire new skills.

Allison Gilbert, Gilbert Taping

One piece of advice we would give to women considering joining a trade is don't be afraid to ask for help, and never underestimate yourself — you're just as capable as everyone else onsite.

Check out Kaïla and Allison's work here!

Stephanie Tkaczuk, Raidō Tiling

“I'm proud to be in the trades because I work for myself in a field that's constantly evolving. This allows me an opportunity to continuously learn, adapt and improve my skillset, and I get to use my mind and body in dynamic ways.”

Check out Stephanie's work here!

Amber McRae, Muddy Girl

“I'm really lucky to have had the opportunity to learn this trade. I'd say I feel proud, but there's a lot of work and dedication and patience and persistence that came along with learning a trade. I can say after all of that patience, perseverance and keeping at it, that now I have a skill that I can make good money doing. Working independent and coming up 10 years for me this coming March is a huge accomplishment, and I am so proud of that.

“I feel proud to work in the trades because, for hundreds of years before us, we've never had an opportunity to work independent and to be able to use our hands the way that we do as women now.

“A piece of advice I’d give to women is to look at different avenues — maybe a friend that you know that has a trade that you want to try out, or you want to get into — people in the trades are always looking for someone to help them. Usually, if you have a vehicle and you're willing to show up and work hard, I think that's pretty well what you need if you want to get into a trade. You need a vehicle and your tools, and you need to be able to work hard and keep at it and have patience and perseverance.

“I would say, how I got to where I am right now, is hard work, patience, perseverance, finally deciding to get my license and get my vehicle. Then, having all the tools, of course, it's also the experience. It's so rewarding. Once you have those things, once you have a trade that you know you want to get into, and you have somebody that will hire you and teach you, then the world is your oyster!”

Check out Amber's work here!

Cathy Bear, The Tiniest Taper 

“I feel proud to work in the trades because I feel included and equal in a workplace that wasn't originally designed for me.

“One piece of advice I would give any woman considering joining a trade would be always remember that you're strong and capable, and you're always welcome here.”

Check out Cathy's work here!

Jacqueline Hesser, Hesser Drywall

“I feel proud to work in the trades because not everyone expects to see a woman doing this type of work. The trades have given me confidence. Every job is proof to myself that I can do it. It's a proud feeling walking into a finished project and being able to say, ‘I did that.’ 

“One piece of advice I would give women considering joining a trade is this: If you're curious about a trade, try it. You don't have to know everything. You just have to be willing to learn. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it. Give yourself a chance because you're more capable than you think, and the trades need more women who are willing to show up and prove it.”

Check out Jacqueline's work here!

Thank you to everyone who took the time to talk to us for this story! To learn more about the women who are changing the face of the drywall industry, check out more from our "Women in Drywall" by hitting the button below!