Meet the Maker: Beth Builds

Tell us about how you got started.

I actually kind of fell into it. I’d been working in retail since I was a teenager, managing big stores, running teams and all that, but I wasn’t passionate about it. I kept joking that I wished I’d done a trade, I loved the hours and being active. One night, I was at my parents' for dinner and my dad (Greg, he’s a builder and now works with me!) asked if I wanted to give carpentry a go. It felt like a bit of a wild idea at first, but I thought, why not? I figured I’d do it for a year, see how I felt. Fast forward, I finished the apprenticeship, worked as a carpenter and then started Beth Builds, and now I genuinely love it. I get to create something real every day, and I get to be myself and create the workplace I love. 

What are your ambitions for work and life?

Honestly, I just want to build a life and business that feels good. I don’t need to be the biggest builder on the block, I want to work with great clients on meaningful projects, grow a team that actually enjoys turning up each day and keep creating work I’m proud of. Oh, and make enough time for a wine with my mates. Balance, right?

What’s the best thing about being skilled and qualified?

Confidence. Having the skill set means I can walk onto a site and know I’ve earned my place there. I can problem-solve, manage teams, quote jobs and talk to clients; it’s empowering. And it's a good feeling knowing that I can build my own life (literally and figuratively).

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced as a woman in labour roles?

Ohhh, where do we start? It’s better now, but early on, being the only woman on site felt lonely and sometimes unsafe. There were definitely times I’d raise a concern and get told I was “too sensitive” or felt like I had to work twice as hard to be seen as competent. And don’t get me started on the lack of basic facilities. No toilets, no running water… fun times when you’ve got your period. But the industry is changing, slowly, and it helps when you speak up and also surround yourself with people who have your back.

What are some of the unexpected joys?

I’ve met some of my favourite people through this job. There’s something about working hard together, being on site in all kinds of weather, that bonds people. Also, it’s still a bit of a buzz when someone messages me on Instagram saying I’ve inspired them to get into the trade; that never gets old. And then there are the small wins, like when a cut fits perfectly on the first go. Magic.

What would you say to any women out there looking to get into a trade?

Do it. You can always quit later if you hate it (you won’t). Don’t wait until you feel “ready” or “qualified enough” because honestly, half the guys on site are just winging it too. Find good people to learn from, back yourself even when it feels hard and don’t dull who you are to fit in. If you want pink nails and sparkly tools, own it. You can be both tough and girly; they’re not mutually exclusive.

Tell us about what you and the team are currently working on.

Right now, we’ve got a few renos on the go, that’s kind of our bread and butter. I work with a small, close-knit team, and we’re in this nice rhythm where we’re balancing client jobs with some passion projects. 

What has been your favourite project you’ve worked on so far? Any dream projects out there?

Oof, that’s tough… my own house! Due to having full creative control. I would love to be able to do one larger project each year and then spend the rest of my time doing my own smaller passion projects. I’d love to redo an old pub as a passion project, full fit out and design, making it up as I go along (which is what I tell my own clients never to do, hahahaha). 

Check out all of the Beth and her teams incredible work on their website and their Instagram.