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.<br /><br />Madi Forrest, 24, has been a plasterer for three-and-a-half years now and runs her own business. <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />But that bold move led to a massive change and a lucrative career move.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Madi, from Chester, Cheshire, had doubts going into the industry, but was pleasantly surprised by the support she received.<br /><br />She said: "Before I set up my business She Plasters, I thought that people, men in particular, would doubt my ability to plaster.<br /><br />"But to my wonderful surprise, the majority of people have been extremely supportive and complimentary.<br /><br />"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!<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Madi added: "I face a few challenges being a woman in this job.It doesn’t happen often.<br /><br />"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.<br /><br />"I think I have a huge advantage being a woman in this industry. First off, it’s different, and people like different.<br /><br />"I also get a lot of elderly customers, along with single parents.<br /><br />"I think they just feel more comfortable with a female being around the house, I know I would."<br /><br />Plastering is difficult and labour-intensive work, as Madi has to carry all of her materials herself.<br /><br />But the flexibility of her work makes it worth it.<br /><br />Now an experienced tradie, Madi's running her own business across Cheshire and hasn't looked back since.<br /><br />Madi loves her job and the work she does and is appreciative of those who have helped her along the way.<br /><br />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".
