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.

Tugboat Captain Michelle Walford

Meet Tugboat Captain, Michelle Walford. She’s been in the industry for 10 years and currently works for Pacific Tug Boat Service out of Long Beach, California.
Michelle was born and raised in Bakersfield, CA. After high school, she applied for colleges all over her home state, with her sights set on International Relations so she could travel and work in other countries. This dream was fueled by her desire to explore and be by the water.

“I applied for Cal Maritime with a Global Studies Major and was accepted. My very first day of orientation someone in the grade above me asked my major. I replied, ‘Global Studies,’ and he immediately shook his head and said, ‘You don’t want that. You want to be Deckie. You want to drive boats.’ I immediately walked over to the orientation table and changed my major to Marine Transportation. I’m pretty sure I didn’t know what a ship really was.

I graduated with a BS in Marine Transportation and a 3rd Mate Unlimited License. Since then I have upgraded to a Chief Mate Unlimited along with my 1600 Ton Master.” -Walford

“I can be treated differently because of my gender, usually when I first start a new company, and not necessarily treated negatively, just different. I overcome that with mountains of patience.” -Walford 

“I believe if you have to tell people how great you are at something, you’re generally not that great at it. I’m not a yeller, especially with a crew I’ve never worked with. I treat everyone with respect and ask for the same in return.” -Walford 

Michelle encourages women with a bit of wanderlust and a penchant for adventurous vocations to consider maritime professions. 

“I don’t think our career is advertised as much as it should be. Lots of women want to travel and do something outside the norm, we just need to get the word out.” -Walford 

As captain of her own tugboat, Michelle gets to be her own boss, use her gut and her knowledge to make tough calls, and occasionally bask under the northern lights if the location is right. 

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.

Five Marys Farms & Five Marys Burgerhouse

Today, we make our way back to Fort Jones, California to spend time with the crew at Five Marys Farms. Crafted in Carhartt visited a year ago, and we thought we’d check back in to see how they’re doing. Turns out, the team’s been busy!

Last New Year’s Eve, Five Marys Burgerhouse opened its doors just 5 minutes from the family farm. The menu is filled with all sorts of comfort food and local meats raised by the Heffernans.

The Heffernan family raises the beef, pork, and lamb served in the restaurant just a few miles down the road at Five Marys Farms. 

Meet Amanda Turner. She’s an outdoor adventurer and nature lover. Amanda works at 5 Marys Burgerhouse. Her favorite item on the menu is the Rancher Burger.

“Honestly what I love most about Five Marys is working for such an amazing family! I love being around the Heffernan’s can do attitudes, and watching and interacting with their incredibly talented and helpful girls. They truly embody the definition of a family business. I love that the girls are so involved whether it be feeding the animals, writing thank you notes for the shipments, or brightening the nights of guests at the restaurant taking orders.” -Amanda Turner

Meanwhile, back on the farm…

Mary Heffernan, mother to 4 daughters also named Mary, is constantly hard at work. If she’s not feeding the livestock, she’s at their new restaurant, 5 Marys Burgerhouse, or keeping her instagram followers up to date with the daily happenings of life with her family on the ranch.

Mary recently released an ebook “They Can Do It. What I Learned About Raising Kids by Moving to the Country.” In it, she highlights the ways her extraordinary daughters have grown and developed in their new lifestyle. The book is filled with insights, much like the Heffernan family motto, “Be Kind. Don’t Whine. Be Tough.”

Find out how you can get a copy for yourself here.

“I’m no expert at raising kids, but when our life changed pretty drastically by moving to the ranch almost four years ago, I started noticing changes in our girls and in our parenting. By necessity things work different on a ranch and kids have to be more independent and resourceful and more is expected of them.” -Mary Heffernan

There’s nothing quite like a quiet night with the family on the highest peak of the ranch–filling bellies with s’mores and the night air with mischievous giggles from the most adventurous of girls.

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!

Blue Wolf Studios in Tahoe

Amanda Dabel is co-owner of Blue Wold Studios in Kings Beach, California. This sweet little shop of locally crafted wares also has a backroom that serves as a fully functioning ceramic studio. It’s located right on the edge of Lake Tahoe. Stop in for goods handmade by Amanda and over 40 other artists in the area.

“The best part of owning a business is you get back what you put in, meeting local talented artists, and sense of accomplishment. The hardest part is never actually leaving. There’s always two million things to do.” -Amanda Dabel

“I fell in love with the ability to mold clay into anything you can think of. It’s so versatile.” -Amanda Dabel

Meet Belinda Quene. She also works at Blue Wolf Studios. Belinda has been in ceramics for 10 years. She was immediately drawn to how grounded she felt while making.

“It is so relaxing to throw on the wheel…Getting immersed into a project and losing track of time.” -Belinda Quene

After two years of serving their community, Blue Wolf Studios recently received the honor of 2017 Best New Business by North Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce.

“There will be a lot of long late stressful nights, push through, it’s worth it.” – Co-Owner Amanda Dabel

Welder Liisa Pine

Meet Welder Liisa Pine. She took her first welding class in 1991, thinking it would be a check off her bucket list. Instead, she found her path.

“The most common misconception people have about my work is that it doesn’t provide challenge or a rewarding career path for intelligent people. The welding field is huge, more like a tree than a ladder. It includes not only hands-on welders, but welding engineers, equipment salespeople, contractors, artisans. I use my university degree every day, whether I am building something, discussing metallurgy, or writing a grant.”-Liisa Pine

“The biggest thing that I hope my son learns from seeing me in my field is that it is absolutely normal. I would love for him to take it completely for granted.” -Welder Liisa Pine

“My son Rowan is 5. I can’t wait to get him started welding. Learning it teaches you so much about yourself and about learning, like a martial art. At the same time, he’ll let me know when he’s ready. I’ve seen too many kids start at the wrong time in their personal development, and it’s amazing how ineffective that is. In general though, he’ll grow up making and repairing things, as much for curiosity’s sake as for practicality. In our family, the hands and brain are a team.” -Welder Liisa Pine

“The best part of my job is working with dangerous tools and permanent materials. They don’t care who you are, you’d just better handle it right. Your work ethic is obvious, and your results don’t lie.” -Liisa Pine

“Get started, meet people. Find the ones you like and become someone they can depend on. Join the American Welding Society, get involved in your local chapter. And stretch the hell out of your comfort zone, every day.” -Welder Liisa Pine, @sparksorwhatever

Skeet Shooting Advice

We met outdoor adventurers Tessa Wyatt and Mikki Clayton a while back. They both live (and play) in Park City, Utah. Today, they are sharing a few tips concerning skeet shooting:

“Get comfortable with where you place the butt of the gun on your shoulder (everyone is a little different)  and prepare or anticipate the recoil so it doesn’t startle you. When I first started shooting one of my biggest problems with accuracy was rushing the shot. Once I slowed down, got comfortable and confident with my stance, and followed with a little more patience, my accuracy seriously improved.” -Tessa Wyatt

“Just practice, getting out there enough. I also try to shoot with people that are comfortable or familiar with and around guns. There’s nothing that will distract your shot more than someone that jumps at every pull of the trigger. Safety is obviously important but having skiddish energy around you can be just as.” -Tessa Wyatt

Art Shack Brooklyn

The Artshack in Brooklyn is a women-owned-and-operated ceramics studio. It was founded in 2008 by McKendree Key and Dany Rose. We got to spend the day with a few of the artists who teach and make there including Laura Protzel, Alayna Wiley, Zena Pesta, and Ash Donnelly.

“Artshack is a community-based not-for-profit ceramics center. We use our creative skills to helps kids hone their own ideas. We then collaborate with our students to fabricate molds, and create casts of their work to sell in our shop. 100% of the profits from those casted replicas sold goes towards raising money for scholarships for kids to take art classes. We believe that all kids deserve access to quality arts education and strive to make that readily available to young artists in Brooklyn.” –Ash Donnelley of @artshackbrooklyn

Alayna Wiley is a ceramicist, an art educator, and a craft curator. When she’s not working at The Art Shack, she’s a studio assistant at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Her education is impressive and extensive. She’s studied at Oberlin College, Germantown Academy, and Harvard University to name only a few. Visit her website to take a closer look at her work.

“When I was a teenager, my wildest dream was to move to New York City to become a practicing ceramics artist and a fighter for social justice. I could only dream of running a nonprofit community ceramics art space in my neighborhood, I had been told by so many people that such a job didn’t exist. My advice to young women who want to make a difference in others’ lives or want to be artists, is to always push yourself to keep making things. Never allow yourself an excuse, we as women are never too weak to do or be anything we desire. Be confident in what you believe and what you want, and always consider the ways you can use your creative practice to make a difference in someone else’s life.” –@ashdonnellyceramic of The Art Shack in Brooklyn 

“ArtShack has a really unique atmosphere. There is a strong community here of adults and children making art. Adults are inspired by the kids and vice versa. It was through this community that I found my own interest in clay. It sort of just fell into my lap, I am so glad it did. 

I have been at ArtShack for about a year. I am currently the Director of the Kids Program. I design the curriculum and teach the weekday kids courses… 

I am a 31 year old kid, so kids truly are my people. The best part of my job is getting closer with these young artists and learning from them. Kids have incredibly insightful perspectives on the world around them, that they bring to their ceramic creations. I feel so lucky to spend my days with a wonderful community of artists of all ages especially in these turbulent times.” –Laura Protzel of @artshackbrooklyn 

“I’ve been working in Ceramics for 15 years! I had a very thorough education in ceramics at my undergrad in Cleveland, Ohio at the Cleveland Institute of Art under William Brouillard and Judith Salomon. So thorough, that the Pratt Institute hired me straight out of undergrad to run their Ceramics Department. At Pratt i taught undergraduate and graduate level courses, it was a great place to continue to pursue and share the alchemy of clay and glazes through chemistry and experimentation. While at Pratt I took time to travel to Jingdezhen China and participate in a Ceramic residency at the Pottery Workshop. This place is the incredibly wild porcelain capital of the world; 2.8 million people working in ceramics. The magical dirt of clay has also taken me to Australia where a great concentration of potters live!” -Zena Verda Pesta of @orangepopsiclesandle

The Artshack offers classes to children and adults. If you’re interested in learning more about hand building, wheel throwing, glazing, plaster mold making or slipcasting—head on over to @artshackbrooklyn for more info.

Visit http://www.artshackbrooklyn.org/kidstest/ to sign up for kid classes & visit http://www.artshackbrooklyn.org/adults/ to sign up for adult classes.