Breaking Barriers: Women in the Painting Industry

By A Girl and Her Brush Interiors

Let’s be real—when you think of a painting contractor, what image pops into your head? Probably a guy in paint-stained work pants, right? That’s because, for years, this industry has been overwhelmingly male. In fact, women make up less than 13% of contractors in the construction and painting trades. But here’s the thing—that number is growing, and I’m proud to be part of the movement making that happen.

At A Girl and Her Brush Interiors, we’re not just painting walls; we’re proving that skill, strength, and craftsmanship have nothing to do with gender. We’re here to shake things up, inspire other women, and show the world that a paintbrush in a woman’s hand is just as powerful as one in a man’s.

The Challenges—and Why They Don’t Stop Us

I won’t sugarcoat it—being a female contractor comes with its fair share of challenges. There have been times when I’ve walked onto a job site and felt the weight of people’s assumptions before I even said a word. I’ve had people question whether I could handle the physical demands or if I “really knew what I was doing.”

Spoiler alert: I do. And so do plenty of other women out here getting the job done.

Women bring a level of detail, precision, and artistic vision that makes all the difference. We’re patient, meticulous, and approach every project with a mix of skill and creativity that transforms spaces in ways people never expect. And let’s be honest—there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing a client’s jaw drop when they realize a team of hardworking women just knocked their project out of the park.

Creating a Space for Women in the Trades

At A Girl and Her Brush Interiors, my mission isn’t just about running a successful painting business. It’s about creating opportunities for women who might have never considered a career in the trades—women who are tired of being told what they “should” or “shouldn’t” do.

I want more women to see that this industry isn’t off-limits. I want them to pick up that brush, climb that ladder, and take up space in a field that has plenty of room for them—even if it doesn’t always feel that way.

And if you’re a woman reading this, wondering if you could ever do this work—let me tell you right now: you absolutely can.

The Future is Ours

The world is changing, and so is this industry. Every time a woman steps onto a job site, takes charge of a project, or starts her own painting business, we’re making history. We’re proving that talent, hard work, and passion have nothing to do with gender—and everything to do with heart.

So here’s my message to all the women out there: don’t let the numbers fool you. Just because we’re the minority now doesn’t mean we always will be. Change is happening, and we’re leading the way—one brushstroke at a time.

If you’ve ever thought about stepping into the trades, do it. If you’re already here, keep pushing forward. And if you ever need a little encouragement, just know there’s a whole community of women (myself included!) cheering you on.

Join the Movement!

If you’re a female contractor—or dreaming of becoming one—come connect with other like-minded women who are making waves in the industry! Join The Handy Her - Female Contractors community on Facebook, where we share advice, experiences, and support each other in this incredible journey. Let’s build something amazing together!

Join here: The Handy Her - Female Contractors

Here’s to strong women, bold moves, and a future where the painting industry isn’t just a “man’s world”—it’s ours, too.