Sarah Osborne has been running her plumbing business,
JustSoPlumbing for a little over six years. Her business has, understandably
grown over that time and she now employs an apprentice. Art of Clean contacted
her recently to ask a little more about her life as a plumber, a female plumber
in a male plumbing world…well, Cambridge.
When and why did you start working in this area?
"I started
my business in jan 2009 after training the previous year"
·
What has been your biggest challenge?
"Running
my business whilst also trying to be a mum to my 14month old!"
·
Have you found being a woman and a plumber has
been a hindrance or a help?
"As with
most things it's both, many people prefer a woman in their house and feel
safer, but there are also plenty who as a woman I may not be strong enough to
do a job"
·
How has your business changed over the years?
"I don't
feel my business has changed much, it's grown and I now have an apprentice, but
in general the business is still the same, offering a friendly professional
service"
·
What do you find most enjoyable about working in
your chosen field?
"The
customers, every day is different, 90% of my work is word of mouth, so I have a
great customer base of wonderfully interesting people"
·
Do you have any anecdotes about your life in the
industry?
"There are
many, but I sadly can't think of a shareable one"
·
How has social media affected your business?
"It hasn't
yet, but there's still time!"
·
Would you recommend more women to become
plumbers?
"Of
course, it's a great industry and it’s always good to keep the men on their
toes!"
