Mother-Daughter Ironworkers, Carolina and Kat in Seattle

Carolina Taylor has been an Ironworker for the past 22 years.

That statement is loaded with accomplishment. In the 1990s, becoming an Ironworker as a woman was no easy feat. How did Carolina pave that road for herself?

It started with a road trip, an 18 hour quest up the West Coast from Los Angeles to Seattle. Carolina packed all of her belongings into her ’65 Galaxy with her daughter, Kat, as her copilot. She searched for a job that would provide for her and Kat—but all the “female” jobs like clerk typist, medical translator, or assistant tax accountant paid very little and offered no benefits.

A friend of Carolina’s who worked on highway construction suggested she check out a new program at Renton Technical College that offered good wages and benefits. She signed up immediately. After seeing The Space Needle as an example of what Ironworkers could do, Carolina realized her calling. She wanted to be one of “The Cowboys of the Sky.”

The beginning of Carolina’s career had its obstacles. Her car gave out, and she had to wake up early every morning to ride the bus to work, often rising several hours before her work day began so she could drop her daughter off at day care.

“On the job training began when I first stepped on the job site. It was mental and physical. All my senses were on high alert to make sure what tasks I did were done well and showed that I wanted to be there and that I belonged there.

As an apprentice, I was the only women in the gang… My arrival on the job site meant behavior change. (ie: taking down calendars with naked women, using different language, stepping out of comfort zones, etc…)

Did I work my fair share? Was I worth the trouble?

I remember the sticker on a hard hat that said, ‘I won’t work with someone who squats to piss!’

I walked tall and fearless, focused on learning to work safe and efficient to make it another day and provide for my daughter. I gave no one permission to break me or make me feel like I did not belong there.” -Carolina Taylor

With such a hardworking mom as her example, Kat grew up to be self-sufficient. Obstacles weren’t so daunting—she had living proof of what was possible watching her mom overcome her own hardships.

It wasn’t until after Kat attended her first orientation that she told her mother that she too wanted to be an Ironworker. Carolina felt a rush of colliding emotions when she heard the news.

“I know what it’s like out there. So many feelings…proud, excited for her. I know she is capable of working in the field in a safe manner, however as her mother, I had to prepare myself in the event she got hurt. Being in the same union eased the fact that even though I was not working in the field with her, my brothers in the field that did work with her would let me know how she was doing and would keep an eye on her.” -Carolina Taylor

The Taylor women have come full circle in their work and personal lives. Carolina, who began her career after seeing how the Space Needle was built, worked on the recent remodeling of the structure. Kat became a Jorneyman Ironworker in 2018 and is now herself a loving mother and a first time homeowner.

Ironworker Carolina Taylor’s Advice for Aspiring Tradespeople:

• take good care of yourself
• spend quality time with your family
• continue making goals to achieve the next positions as a union member (ie: business agent, organizer, union president, apprenticeship instructor, coordinator)
• be a dream-chaser, goal-reacher, and butt-kicker

Carolina has taken her own advice, advancing her career as she kept her goals in mind. In 2013, she was asked to be an apprenticeship instructor, teaching fundamental trade skills to pre-apprentices and 1st year apprentices. In 2015, she was named Tradeswoman of the Year by Washington Women In Trades. Right now, she teaches a welding class for TERO (Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance) for Yakama Nation in Toppenish.

On top of it all, Carolina still works in the field, building the city she lives in, tapping into her inner strength and original intention for being on the job site in the first place. It is still a thrill to see the transformation generated by her own two hands, working together with the crew she now sees as part of the family.

Building beautiful cities like Seattle would be impossible without Ironworkers like Carolina and Kat.

If Carloina’s sacrifices and strength remind you of your mom, share this story with her and thank her for everything she’s done.

Women in Trades

A few months ago, I had the pleasure of meeting with a few of the outstanding Women in Trades in the Seattle area. It was exciting and uplifting. Booths were set up all around Seattle Center, the Space Needle hovering in the background–speaking to the feats that can be accomplished by the hard working folks who make up construction teams.

Over 80 exhibitors are there to speak to curious children and work-ready women hoping to find a career match. I have truly never seen such a sense of community and encouragement. Women who have put so much at stake to pursue a career off the beaten path are there to embolden anyone who’s been considering that new job with a living wage. They are there to introduce the idea to a younger generation that women can do anything–and they will have a built-in family with camaraderie on the job that few other professions can boast.

For most, working in the trades is highly rewarding way to achieve financial independence and boost self-confidence. Working with your hands to build something tangible and substantial is empowering. That doesn’t mean there still aren’t disadvantages women meet on a day to day basis. Females make up a small percentage of the construction force, but as that number grows, the more their basic needs will be met. There is power in numbers and there is power in women finding the job that suits their skills and personalities.

Cynthia has been in the trades for over 20 years. To her, it meant financial independence for her and her 4 children. Her work has been the tool she needed provide well for her family in the present and pave a way for their futures. She now is the matriarch to 11 grandchildren, who will grow up knowing that their grandmother is strong and capable.

“Don’t be afraid to step out of the box.”
-Cynthia Garrett (pictured above)

Welcome to the Sisterhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, and Blacksmiths. These four are tightly knit, extremely supportive, and hope you’ll consider joining the trades. From their perspective, it’s imperative that you know how accomplished you can be with the right training.

“Follow your interests–do it today.”
-Kate Starling (second to left)

“You can do anything you want to. You are smart enough, tough enough, and you will look good doing it!!”
-Jennifer Matuika (far right)

“If you want to do it, do it!”
-Caitlin Batson (left)

“Do it even though no one else thinks you can. Always believe in yourself; only you can stop yourself from doing the impossible.”
-Kayla Santiago (right)

Kat Taylor was born into a legacy of strength. Her mom is also an Ironworker–in fact, she worked on the Space Needle (seen behind Kat in the picture above).

“You have to be confident in yourself and what you want because that’s what will get you through. Work harder than them if not more.”
-Ironworker Kat Taylor, Local 86

Meet a few of the fierce firefighters and EMTs of Tacoma, Washington. They are also a big part of Camp Blaze, a fire service camp where young women experience the firefighter life firsthand.

“Network. Look to other women to mentor you. Odds are, they’ve been down that path.”
-Erin Richardson

“Seek out opportunities. Don’t wait for them to seek you out.”
-Marja Stowell

Are you a woman in the trades? We’d love to hear your words of wisdom. Feel free to comment below.

Renata Bryant at Pike Place Market

Meet Renata Bryant. During the week, she’s a preschool teacher at Launch in Seattle. It’s a nonprofit oriented towards affordable childcare. On the weekends, she works at Farmers’ Markets, selling flowers for Alm Hill Gardens.

“I appreciate the exchange or intermingling of different folks, but also I really love bartering and trading. Markets are absolutely an important fixture in communities. It doesn’t get anymore local than that but in cities like Seattle with so many people moving in on a weekly basis its easy to feel a sense of loss when it comes to community but in a space like the market folk are not only there to do business but to keep the spirit of the city alive in a very provincial way. There’s a lot of ‘Hi, how are ya!’ with the intention of continuing conversation not just in passing or in a weird obligatory way. Folks look out for each other in a way that you don’t see in all of Seattle.” -Renata Bryant

Pike Place Market opened in 1907. Tourists love it due to its photogenic and exciting nature. The booths are lined with gorgeous flower bundles and fresh produce, fish mongers sling fish over the heads of customers, and it sits perched above the shores of Elliot Bay. The cobblestone streets, quaint architecture, and handmade goods almost entirely convince you that you’ve traveled back in time. Pike Place is the oldest continuously operated public Farmers’ Market, after all.

“Alm Hill is a great farm, owned by rad folk, and I recommend everyone stop by a booth at the Pikes, U District, West Seattle, or Ballard Market next season.” -Renata Bryant

If you’d like to spend your weekends as a vendor amidst all the excitement of a Farmers’ Market,

“Go to the ones in your neighborhood and check out what the space looks like. Some markets are in grocery store parking lots and some are on closed off streets, and the environment around the market definitely influences the vibe. While there are always staple vendors (produce, flowers, tamales or food trucks), there are also unique vendors who come in to different markets. Get really comfortable walking shoes.” -Renata Bryant

The Women of Seattle Urban Farm Company

Meet the women of Seattle Urban Farm Company.

Hilary Dahl is co-owner and host of the Encyclopedia Botanica podcast. The podcasts are quick lessons in farming, each one is easy to access—you can listen to them online and read the highlights. For example, this week’s tutorial is about harvesting and storing garlic and onions.

Seattle Urban Farm Co. offers many services, and they differ from customer to customer. Their knowledgeable team can plan, build, and maintain the urban farm you always wanted but never thought you could personally manage—perfect for those of us who may not have a green thumb, but love the idea of homegrown tomatoes.

The all female maintenance team includes Sarah Bolton and Emily Barry. Together, they care for over 60 urban vegetable gardens across the city. Daily tasks include planting the crops, keeping an eye on the soil, fertility, irrigation, pest management, pruning, weeding, and harvesting.

Garden Maintenance Manager, Sarah Bolton, hanging a string trellis for tomatoes

Hilary’s background is in Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning. As a 4th generation Seattleite, she has watched her home expand as people flock to the city. And of course, with change comes growing pains. Hilary wrote her undergrad thesis on “the human experience of density,” in an effort to maintain a small town feel as the population grows.

“I think that green spaces are essential in a modern city. Every day in my work, I see that food-producing green spaces create opportunities for people to meet their neighbors, get exercise, eat vegetables, connect with nature, and have fun…

I hope that we can continue to elevate the conversation around food production. As people become more interested in the environmental and health benefits of local, organic food, I want to make sure that they also consider the social impacts of their food choices. I think that farmers deserve more respect for the work that they do. I wish that everyone had a personal relationship with a few farmers and could keep in mind what an essential job they have.” – Hilary Dahl

“I love being able to live in the city while still spending every day outside working in unique and beautiful garden spaces. Every day is different, and we are always changing and evolving to adapt to the challenges of urban farming and gardening. I love the planning and problem solving aspect of customizing gardens to excel in the diverse spaces we grow in. Also, I just really love watching plants grow and the way working with plants gives you appreciation for all of the seasons.” – Garden Maintenance Manager Sarah Bolton

“It is amazing how much food a small space can produce and how successful a garden can be with bi-monthly maintenance. I am really excited about this high-yield, low-maintenance approach to growing, and growing food in more spaces where people can have awesome food connections!” – Emily Barry

In Hilary’s podcast, Encyclopedia Botanica, she dives deep into farming issues. The subjects vary, and each one is filled with valuable information and tidbits she’s learned along her journey as a farmer. For example, many people consider radishes to be a spring crop. Truth is, these little bulbous beauties can be planted throughout the entire growing season. If you’d like to learn more about radishes, check out this episode of Encyclopedia Botanica about the amazing edible root.

This Friday is Hilary’s due date. She’s been busy growing a business, crops across the entire city of Seattle, and a whole new life—further proof that women are thoroughly amazing.

“I’m 9 months pregnant with my first child. I’m really excited to see how this next phase will take shape and how I’ll blend my new role as a mom with my role as a business owner and gardening educator and storyteller.” – Hilary Dahl

Follow the work of these talented women on instagram here: @seattleurbanfarmco.

Seattle Potter Megan Sarraf

Meet ceramic artist, Megan Sarraf. Years ago, through scheduling mishaps, she ended up in a ceramics class. After getting her hands dirty on the wheel, Megan was hooked. Following an internship at Saratoga Clay Arts Center in New York, Megan sold all of her belongings, got in the car, and made her way to the Pacific Northwest.

“My only thoughts were; If I land somewhere between San Francisco and the Canadian border I would be alright. AND… If I run out of money before I find a place to live, I can just go back. Right?… It became the most romantic cross country adventure. I camped across the States for 4 weeks. Traveling the eastern coast south to South Carolina, with stops along the way. Then west to Arkansas, Texas, New Mexico. The scenic route north to Colorado, then Utah, Arizona and over to LA. I drove up the PCH for a ways, finally making it to Seattle. I had never been here before but as soon as I saw the skyline I just knew. Three days later, I had a job and a room in a house. And of course called my mom to let her know I was going to stay and in fact was not living out of my car anymore. Now I’ve been here a month-ish shy of 2 years. This past year has been the most exciting. I will be finally finishing my AA and applying to BFA programs. I was welcomed as a resident artist at Blue Cone Studios for 6 months and am now a resident artist at the Pugmill Society on the Equinox Studio’s campus. Also doing this crazy life thing while lucky and in love with my partner who is so crazy supportive it blows my mind some days.” -Megan of @meganashleyart

“Practice and practice and patience and practice and trying to keep one foot grounded in reality. Also, play. Play all the time. Not everything has to be a finished product. Most things won’t be.” -Sarraf

“I hope the feeling of joy that I have when I’m making the work translates into as much love and enjoyment for the person that ends up using the piece.” -Sarraf

“I’m really into bowls lately. I’ve been making some prototypes for large nesting mixing bowls. Quite the challenge but has definitely rewarded me with some interesting forms that I plan on continuing to pursue and refine.” -Sarraf of @meganashleyart

Robyn Schumacher from Stoup Brewing

Meet Robyn Schumacher. She’s a brewer and an owner of Stoup Brewing in Seattle’s Ballard Brewing District. After teaching high school biology for many years, Robyn turned her career path upside down. In 2012, she became a certified cicerone (that’s basically a sommelier, but for beer)–making her the first woman in the state of Washington to hold that title. Robyn’s refined palate and background in science give her a unique perspective on brewing.

“There are a lot of women in all aspects of the beer industry here in Seattle. Two out of the three owners here at Stoup are women. There are fewer women on the production/brewing side, but we still have a really strong community. We meet regularly to discuss different aspects of the industry and share our knowledge with each other. Women are naturally collaborative so it’s a great way to learn from and support each other.” -Seattle Brewer Robyn Schumacher

“Be honest with yourself about what you know and what you don’t know. It’s not as simple as scaling up from homebrew. It’s also a full time commitment to run a business. Be prepared for that!” -Robyn Schumacher of Stoup Brewing

“I love creating something that makes people happy. It’s really fulfilling to work with your hands and produce a product. At the end of the brew day, the taproom opens and I get to finish brewing while watching our beer drinking community enjoy themselves,and each other, over a beer.” -Robyn Schumacher

Robyn’s Favorite Beer: Stoup Citra IPA

Visit Stoup Brewing the next time you’re in the Seattle area. Click here to learn more.

Happy American Craft Beer Week

As you may know, Crafted in Carhartt has been in Seattle this week gathering stories about the amazing women of the Pacific Northwest. On Monday night, Pike Brewing Company hosted an event to celebrate Women in Beer. Talented folks from all over the Washington area showed up with plenty of beer to share.

Pike Brewing is located in Pike Place Market, Seattle’s original Farmer’s Market.

Crafted in Carhartt did a shoot with the talented women who work and brew there 5 years ago. (click here to see the photos)

Pike Brewing is located in Pike Place Market, Seattle’s original Farmer’s Market. Crafted in Carhartt did a shoot with the talented women who work and brew there 5 years ago. (click here to see the photos)

Here are a few of the people we met this week while celebrating the hard work women are doing in the American Craft Beer Scene.

Cheyenne Weishaar of Dru Bru, aka @brewingbabe

Cheyenne is a nature junkie who lives in Snoqualmie Pass, Washington. In college, she was a biology major–so the science behind the beer is the passion that drives her craft. Her first job in the industry was a floor scrubber and keg washer–since then, she has worked her way up to Professional Brewer. Follow her on instagram for an inside scoop on the scientific side of brewing, pictures of her sweet pup, and other beer adventures.

“The most valuable lesson I have learned as a woman in the brewing industry is that creativity and critical thinking are your two most important tools. The job is tough—tanks are large, kegs are heavy, and brew days don’t always go as planned—so a willingness to step back from a problem situation and find an innovative solution is immeasurably valuable. Modifying your surroundings to fit your needs is often the best possible solution. Sheer physical strength doesn’t always make a great brewer, but creativity and the willingness to be flexible about your surroundings does.” –Cheyenne Weishaar

Gay Gilmore of Optimism Brewing

Gay and her husband met while working at Microsoft, they left and started a popular recipe website, Recipezaar. Eventually, the two sold it and started a brewery. Gay and Troy now use techniques they learned during their time in the tech industry to set their latest venture, Optimism Brewing in Capital Hill, apart from the rest.

“We’re trying to bring more people to beer, and not just make something that is for beer snobs. I find it a great success whenever I’m working the counter and someone comes in and says, ‘I’m usually a wine drinker. What should I have?’…and I’m like, great! That’s a challenge. That’s fun–and tasting them through all of these beers and they’re shocked because normally they’ve only had one kind. All they’ve ever had was macro beer in college, and that doesn’t have the same kind of flavor of what they are looking for. Exposing that is fun for us.” –Gay Gilmore

Holly Ihrig of Sumerian Brewing

Holly and her husband, Mark, founded Sumerian Brewing in Woodenville, Washington. They opened in 2015 and have been making a name for themselves ever since. With a background in marketing and design, Holly drives the branding of the brewery.

“Our commitment is to brew great tasting, quality, and impressionable West Coast style beers. Big, bold in character and flavorful.”

Holly Brieger of Icicle Brewing Company

Holly works at Icicle Brewing Company in Leavenworth, Washington. As a company, they are devoted to using local ingredients in all of their products. Follow Icicle on instagram to stay up to date on this family owned business in the heart of the Bavarian-style village in the Cascade Mountains.

“Do it even though it’s scary. Get outside of your comfort zone and don’t stop.” –Holly Brieger

 

Jen Nicosia of Georgetown Beer

Brewer Jen Nicosia has been in the beer scene for many years. She moved to Seattle in 2014 for more opportunities in the industry. As a member of the Seattle chapter of the Pink Boots Society, an organization of female brewers created to inspire and encourage, she is a champion for women joining the beer workforce.

“My advice for others looking to get into the beer game is to learn as much as you can all the time – read, attend seminars, try sensory evaluations, get on a canning line. This game is ever evolving and learning about every part of the job, from keg cleaning to mashing in, is incredibly important to maintaining a great product. Always try to be more efficient every day, too.  It is super helpful and will get you brownie points. But most of all, be in this game for the beer – not to prove a point. At the end of the day, the beer doesn’t care who you are just as long as you take care of it.” –Jen Nicosia

 

Robyn Schumacher of Stoup Brewing

Robyn is an owner of Stoup Brewing in Ballard’s Brewing District. She is a brewer and a certified Cicerone. Her refined palate, love of science, and commitment to the traditions of the trade set her skills above and beyond.

“I love creating something that makes people happy. It’s really fulfilling to work with your hands and produce a product. At the end of the brew day, the taproom opens and I get to finish brewing while watching our beer drinking community enjoy themselves, and each other, over a beer.” –Robyn Schumacher

As American Craft Beer Week is drawing to a close, make sure to thank a brewer while you kick off your work boots and relax this weekend. If you ask me, all fine people working in the beer industry are quite deserving of an entire week of recognition. Cheers!

Rain Rain, You Can Stay

One of my favorite things about Carhartt as a brand is their realness. I don’t mean that in the fluffy sense of the word. If we know anything, it’s that this gear is rugged. It’ll take a beating and last a lifetime. It’s not meant to be worn lightly. It’s the kind of clothing you never tire of wearing. You’re not tossing it out the next season because of flippant fashion trends. You hold onto it for years because it’s reliable.

That brings me to the point. Maybe you’ve seen the most recent Rain Defender® commercial. If not, check it out. The photos above are behind the scenes from the making of that spot. None of those people are actors. They aren’t pretending to get dirty. That’s what a normal day is like for them. Carhartt is a brand of the people. Carhartt is dedicated to the folks who get their hands dirty and those who outwork them all.

The Perfect Rainwear

If you’re headed to Seattle, don’t forget your rain gear. With an average of only 71 sunny days a year, you have to be prepared at all times. The Carhartt Women’s Cascade Jacket is perfect for the region’s weather. Storm Defender™ waterproof breathable coating, a detachable hood, and fully taped waterproof seams protect you from the elements. Trust me, that’s the only outerwear I took with me on my trip to Seattle last week– and I stayed nice and dry.  Grab one for yourself so you can keep your mind on your job and the view instead of the weather.

The Women of Pike Brewing

Meet the lovely ladies of The Pike Brewing Company in Seattle, Washington. The brewery sits smack dab in the middle of Pike Place Market. It was a blast getting the tour from the girls— what a great work environment. I have such mad respect for women who drink good beer. And these ladies don’t just drink it, they make it! If you’re ever in the lovely city of Seattle, make sure to stop by Pikes for a beer. (Try the Pike Stout, it’s my favorite.)