A woman who quit her job as a waitress to become a plasterer reveals that being a woman in a male-dominated industry is a huge advantage. Madi Forrest, 24, has been a plasterer for three-and-a-half years now and runs her own business.
She used to work as a waitress and never intended to become a tradie, but quit her job during the pandemic as she couldn't see any longevity. Madi decided to take a four-day plastering course while on furlough, hoping this would help with home improvements when she eventually bought a house.
But that bold move led to a massive change and a lucrative career move. She practised on a fake wall in her garage after completing her course and then offered to do odd jobs for friends and family, free of charge. But when one of the jobs for a family friend ended up with a surprise payment of £150, Madi started to build a customer base of her own.
Madi had doubts going into the industry, but was pleasantly surprised by the support she received. She 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."
Being a woman in a male-dominated industry has a few challenges, but Madi says they're few and far between and there are more advantages than people might think. Madi added: "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. I think I have a huge advantage being a woman in this industry. First off, it’s different, and people like different.
"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."
Plastering is difficult and labour-intensive work, as Madi has to carry all of her materials herself. But the flexibility of her work makes it worth it.
"Carrying bags of plaster is a job and a half in itself! The job itself is very tiring - so I tend to aim to finish my day by 2 pm, most plasterers do the same," she said.
"It’s a difficult job, but sometimes when I need to get the job done on a deadline I do end up working into the early evening. "Plasterers, along with all other trades really, make a very decent wage.
"The flexibility of having my own business is great - knowing I don’t need to request holidays etc. With anyone who has their own business, you can work quite literally whenever you want!"
Now an experienced tradie, Madi's running her own business and hasn't looked back since. She said: "If you had told me a few years ago that I would have my own plastering company today, I never would have believed you!
"My grandad, before passing, had his own home improvements business. I would sometimes work with him when I was much younger; removing tiles and wallpaper, painting etc. His hard work rubbed off on my mum who is also very handy around the house, always making new things and upcycling.
"I guess that got passed down to me. I was working in a restaurant when the idea came to mind of doing a plastering course.
"I just wanted to learn a new skill which I thought would help me in the future with buying my own house etc. Little did I know it would end up becoming a career."
Madi loves her job and the work she does and is appreciative of those who have helped her along the way. She added: "When I first completed the plastering course, I would go out with other plasterers - that taught me a lot.
"I’m very grateful for the plasterers who have helped me along the way. More recently, if I need a hand with a job, I’ll just ask one of my friends to help me out with labouring, and of course in return pay them a good wage.
"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 be successful, she plans to develop her company and has even started a group chat with other female tradies who she has met along her journey. Madi said: "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."
