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Learn more at http://squareup.com/townsquare/build-her-up-2019

In honor of Women’s History Month, Square and Thumbtack hope to shed light on the trailblazing women starting small businesses in male-dominated industries. The roofers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and the industries where women make up less than 5% of the workforce. They are braving discrimination, racism, and stereotypes in an effort to chase their dreams and change the status quo. Not only do they bring a fresh perspective, but many are using their roles as owners to encourage more women to follow in their footsteps.

[TRANSCRIPT]

Krista, Co-owner of BuilderChicks
“I want people to know that we are women, we can do this and we can do it just as well as any man can.”

Women business owners in male dominated industries are 10x more likely than men to have their expertise questioned on the job.

Amy, Co-owner of BuilderChicks
“It just feels unfair at the end of the day that I have to prove myself because I am a woman compared to a man who is automatically trusted even if they have no experience.”

“We don’t know any other women in DC that build custom furniture”

Only 2.6% of roofing professionals in the US are women

Leticia Hanke is trying to change that with her nonprofit, the LIME Foundation.

Letitia, Owner of ARS Roofing
“I am a female roofer and I am also a black female roofer. So I experience racism. I experience sexism in this industry.”

58% of black women business owners say their expertise was questioned because of their race and gender.

“When I first started in roofing people just didn’t believe that I was the owner of the company. I’d have people call and say “Is Mr. Hanke available?” and I’d say I guess I’m Mr. Hanke today because I’m the owner!”

I had three potential female roofers in this class and that makes me excited because we usually have one or two so for me to make it to three that is an accomplishment for me.

When I hire my first female I will be so excited. I have been looking for a female for the longest time who wants to be a roofer!

I made a decision that I was going to show who I was and I started signing my real name, putting my face on everything and being proud that I was a black female woman in this industry.

70% of women say it's important to support other small businesses // owned and operated by women.
“It’s really fun to break the mold, break the stereotype.”

“There is just this camaraderie of we are in it together.”

“It becomes a little bit of this, we are women hear us roar kind of thing!”