A woman who quit her job as a waitress during the Covid pandemic to become a plasterer has never looked back since – despite some people not taking her seriously.
Madi Forrest didn't plan on becoming a tradie (tradeswoman), but quit her job after failing to see any longevity in it. While on furlough she decided to take a four-day plastering course so she could use the skills she learned when she would eventually buy her own house.
Madi, from Chester, Cheshire, first practiced the trade on a fake wall in her garage after completing the course, and then offered to do odd jobs for friends and family, free of charge.
After finding she had a knack for it, the 24-year-old decided to make a massive change and a lucrative career move – and set up her own business.
Madi said: "Before I set up my business She Plasters, I thought that people, men in particular, would doubt my ability to plaster.
"But to my wonderful surprise, the majority of people have been extremely supportive and complimentary.
"I get the odd male tradie who thinks I can't do my job, but in my opinion they are just jealous that the women in trade are smashing it!"
Despite the fact that the male-dominated industry has some challenges, Madi says the doubters are few and far between.
She explained: "I face a few challenges being a woman in this job. It doesn't happen often.
"But I get the odd customer who doesn't take me seriously, or assumes that I wouldn't be capable of doing the job, but they are soon proven wrong."
In fact, she even thinks being a woman in the industry can have its advantages. For example, some people like that she offers something "different" to what they might have seen before.
She continued: "I also get a lot of elderly customers, along with single parents.
"I think they just feel more comfortable with a female being around the house, I know I would."
That being said, Madi admits that plastering is a "difficult job" – with challenges such as being labour-intensive, carrying all the materials herself and working to tight deadlines.
However, having her own business does offer some advantages, such as flexibility in not having to request holiday.
Madi now loves her job, and "hasn't looked back" since starting her own business. She added: "My favourite part of the job is the people I've met along the way.
"I've met some lovely people from different backgrounds and stories.
"My customers are usually very amazed and complimentary when they see what I do, it's such a confidence booster."
As her business continues to grow, Madi wants to expand. She explained: "I would love to expand my business in the future. I have a few ideas in mind.
"Since starting my plastering journey, I have met many other female tradies along the way.
"I actually have a group chat with a bunch of other female plasterers, we are all very supportive of one another and love seeing each other doing well."
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