Thumbs up carpentry with 'Beth Builds’
Beth turns dreams into reality by building joyful, bespoke spaces. She shares how she got started and drills home the importance of carving out a place for female tradies in the industry.
Q. Did you know you were interested in carpentry from a young age? What got you started?
I always loved working creatively but I never dreamed of being a carpenter. When I was a kid I actually thought I wanted to be an engineer or a fashion buyer. Considering I love being ‘hands on’ I decided to quit my job in fashion retail and try my hand at carpentry (my dad is a builder so that helped). Basically, I started it as a break from working in retail and then I ended up becoming really passionate about it, 9 years later, here I am with my own business.
Q. When was ‘Beth Builds’ born and what’s it like being your own boss?
BethBuilds was established in 2018 and it has slowly developed from there – I started out as a sole trader and then in 2020 switched to an actual company. Being your own boss is great, although it has its challenges. It can be pretty stressful and overwhelming at times, especially when you get home from a long day on the construction site and then have to do hours of paper work and quoting. But it also has a really high reward; I love being able to create the culture for my workplace and ensure that it’s a positive place to work. I also really enjoy working with clients and helping them to see their plans/dreams become a reality.
Q. What advice would you give aspiring female tradies?
Always be yourself and give things a go. Don’t feel like you need to fit a stereotype. You can still have glittery nails and work on a building site.
Q. We know it’s hard to play favourites but, if you could only use one tool for the rest of your life which would it be?
OH EM GEE this is a difficult choice to make. I don’t like to be locked into a decision like this, so if you asked me the same question in two weeks it might be a different answer depending on my mood. Right now, favourite power tool would be my router/trimmer. It’s a Makita cordless one and its perfect for making cute little rounds on the edges of a woodwork piece. I love using it.
My all-time favourite hand tool is a sharp chisel. There is something so satisfying and therapeutic about carefully paring back wood with a chisel.
Q. What tunes are played on high rotation on site?
Smooth FM is my favourite station to have on the radio, it’s got something for everyone. Lately I have been listening to a lot of 50’s and 60’s on Spotify,
feel-good tunes.
Q. How does your on-site-style and personal style differ?
On work site I try to keep things pretty professional. I have a work uniform that I like to wear each day – There’s a local Melbourne-based workwear company whose clothes I enjoy. Work wear for women has come a long way in the industry and its nice to be able to feel a little more feminine and work with clothes that actually fit a female body.
My personal style is a lot more colourful, I love using clothes as a way to express myself. Bright colours, prints and accessories are my favourite.
Q. How do you feel wearing Field Of View Boilersuit? What drew you to this piece?
I feel playful and fun wearing this boilersuit. I was immediately drawn to it because of the colours and print and LOVE a jumpsuit/overall situation (both on and off the worksite). The material is light and its easy to move around in!
Find out more about Beth's Melbourne based building & carpentry practice online here.
Beth wears the upcoming Field Of View Boilersuit, available late Feb.
----