TRADE OFF
I’m a female plasterer – I took it up as a hobby & now I run my own successful business… here’s how
A WOMAN quit her job as a waitress to become a plasterer after taking it up as a hobby.
Madi Forrest, 24, has now been a plasterer for three-and-a-half years - and even runs her own business.
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The young plasterer set up her own business, She Plasters, after taking it up as a hobby - doing odd jobs for friends and family.
Madi, from Chester, Cheshire, had doubts going into the role, but was pleasantly surprised by the support she received - especially from the male-dominated industry.
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.
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"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!"
She used to work as a waitress, but quit her job during the pandemic as she couldn't see a future for herself in the industry.
She 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 the bold move led to a massive change - and a lucrative career move.
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She practised on a fake wall in her garage after completing her course and then offered to do odd jobs for people she knew 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.
Being a woman in a male-dominated industry can come with challenges, but Madi says they're few and far between.
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.
Madi Forrest
She said she also gets a lot of elderly customers, along with single parents, explaining she thinks they feel more comfortable with a woman being around the house.
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."
She added the likes the flexibility of having her own business.
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."
Madi loves her job and the work she does and is appreciative of those who have helped her along the way.
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 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."
Madi's not the only woman taking on a male-dominated industry.
Another female plasterer wowed her fans by revealing what she wears after she hangs up her hi-viz vest for the day.
Meanwhile, another woman spends her working life covered in muck and straw as a farmer.
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