It's 2020, yet we're still faced with a significant gender imbalance when it comes to working in a skilled trade. That's why we're showcasing some of our favourite tradeswomen on Instagram to celebrate their work in the industry.
1. @melbournchippychick
First up we have Stefanie. She calls herself a carpenter and site manager, but with a following of over 140k, she's definitely earned the title of trade-influencer.
Stefanie's account is full of great content demonstrating her skilled work and attention to detail. She's also extremely knowledgeable about the tools and products that are worth investing in for her line of work. To top it all off, Stefanie pairs her content with positive and thought provoking messages to inspire and motivate her audience - who doesn't love that?
2. shebuildsbro
Our second pick is Queenstown resident and carpentry whiz Chelsea. At 26, she's inspiring fellow female builders to take joy in every grain of woodwork and every stroke of a paintbrush.
Building is in her blood and a respect for it runs deep in her family. Often spotted up a ladder with a power tool, or spending Christmas with a sledgehammer (we're not making it up), Chelsea is outspoken about the importance of women in trades. So much so, she's worked closely alongside seven other ladies in her field to craft a bespoke workwear range that's for and by women.
3. flowdecorating
Next, we're celebrating sisters Lucy and Naomi who run a Bristol based decorating business. They have a sharp eye for detail and colour - and photography by the look of their Instagram account! Together they're the dynamic duo who are transforming people's homes and workspaces in the west of England. And, if you want some insight into the best brushes and colours to select, then you're in for a treat with Flow Decorating.
4. tradiegal
Here we have Tegan from Auckland. She's a champion of equality in the trades. Her mission being to inspire, motivate and encourage all she can with her painting projects.
Catch her offering advice on how to test, mix, match and work with colours. Witness her projects come to life and be sure not to miss her tips and tricks on getting the most out of your brushes.
5. the_blonde_plumber
Moving on to Carly Steele. She's a gas engineer and plumber with 15 years of experience under her tool-belt. She balances the glam alongside the grit like a true pro.
With over 10k followers to her name, she's a local celebrity with a steely van that's just as recognisable. You can catch her sharing tips on how to do an efficient boiler change in an emergency. And when she isn't stripping out old combi boilers, you might also spot her cleanly taking up a floorboard and notching joists for fun (and work, of course).
6. thattilechick
Meet Schannon. Her passion for tiling might have inspired her moniker, but her interests extend to a love for the construction industry as a whole.
When Schannon isn't cutting, filing, grouting and sealing, she's usually showing off her meticulously completed restoration projects. On her profile, you can catch before and after shots of some of the homes she's restored and flipped, alongside the equipment and work-ethic she swears by. A clear trade-influencer in the making.
7. carolanpainting
Born in Birmingham, based in Sydney, Harriet can usually be found giving exteriors a much needed makeover and interiors a transformational touch.
Whether it's a splash of red for the gym bathroom, or the crisp white of a newly painted door, every update Harriet shares is a look into the intricacies and ultimately fruitful results of her process. When her inspired eye tackles tired walls and faded woodwork, they often end up unrecognisably gorgeous.
8. charlottelectrics
It's all about progress, as Charlotte puts it. Our next tradie is an apprentice sparkie who casually juggles college life with her passion for all things electrical. At 18, she's already installing electric showers in 20 minutes flat and letting followers into her journey towards certification.
If you want a motivational boost out, she's one to follow. If you want to see a shimmering chandelier, seamlessly installed, she's one to check out. And if you're in the mood for a trunking measurement so precise it'll make you say 'gosh they learn fast' then, well, you know what to do...
9. jenthedecorator
Decorating is an art form, and few make it as fun as our next tradie — Jen from Stevenage. Learn how she brings her painting projects to life (whispers indicate she possesses a dedicated spray room).
Experience the ins-and-outs of her journey as she gives tired old spaces a face lift, breathing new life into them. When she isn't helping clients choose earthy, element-inspired colour schemes, she can be spotted transforming skateboards with bold shades of black, red and yellow. See it to believe it.
10. theprincessplasterer
Last but not least, meet Billie-Jo. On a meteoric rise towards trade-triumph, she hasn't let stereotypes inform her choice of profession, showing off some serious qualifications in the plastering game.
She's also not afraid to show off the unglamorous side of it all — the dirt, the muck, the grime — all towards her pursuit of perfection. She's learned to love the cons of her profession, because it makes the pros all the more sweet.
At Plentific, we're passionate about supporting the unrepresented in housing, property and PropTech industries, so it's great to be able to celebrate the work of these ten fantastic tradeswomen. We wish them every success in growing their businesses and trademarks.