Just how do you keep things smooth in the world of plastering? We talked to Jess and Naomi about getting started and staying ahead of the game – as well as banter and boozers.
Tell us, how did you get started in your trade?
Jess: I started off labouring for a local building company. It was such a lovely atmosphere to work in, I decided to give plastering a try. I have a background in art and plastering is an art form, after all!
Naomi: I blame my Dad! He is a long-serving plasterer and I admired his skill. He would sometimes take me along to jobs as a kid and teach me the basics. By the time I left school I had a lot of interest in plastering so I enrolled into Blackpool and Fylde College and got my NVQ Level Two whilst working with my Dad. After that I gained more experience working with other plasterers and set up on my own doing small jobs.
And what do you do now?
J: I am the Director of Tomboy Plastering.
N: And I am also the Director and Founder of Tomboy Plastering.
Describe a typical day at Tomboy Plastering
J: On a typical day, we get to the job, sheet up, and then have a brew! We then prep and spend the rest of the day plastering and having some good old banter. Then it’s a case of cleaning up, getting back in the van and doing some quotes – unless it’s a Friday, then we will normally head down to our local boozer!
N: Very much the same! Except I’m on my phone between each coat of plaster and brew time, catching up on social media and emails. Or looking at funny memes on Facebook (but shhh, Jess doesn’t need to know that!)
How would you say you go that extra mile for your customers?
J: We are always very considerate of our clients’ homes. We always take our shoes off before sheeting up. Cleaning off windows and doors, even washing down the driveway. It’s a messy trade and we try our best to be as clean as possible.
N: Yes I agree with Jess! Just taking out the extra few minutes to clean up really helps. We care a lot about our clients so we will always keep everybody informed especially when it comes to organising the diary or going to price up a job. We will always discuss our clients’ projects in detail and help out with any advice they need.
If you had to choose, what’d be your favourite bit of kit?
J: My trowel. It’s an extension of my body, like a fingerprint. There’s nothing more personal to a plasterer than their trowel!
N: Yes it’s got to be the Marshaltown trowel! But I do love the SDS Drill as well.
How do you unwind offsite?
J: I love catching up with my friends and eating nice food. In the summer time you will find me in a beer garden. If I can wangle a holiday then happy days!
N: I tend to do absolutely nothing. I like to relax and take it easy, spending time with friends and family. It’s a good life!
What are you most proud of?
J: Basically the graft I have put in over the years. Everything I own I have achieved through this business. And we’re always looking to the future.
N: I’m proud of myself for sticking with plastering and not giving up!
We’re brewing up – what’s yours?
J: Tea no sugar please!
N: Coffee, two sugars and a splash of milk.
Finally, what’s your top bit of advice for anybody thinking of starting out in a trade?
J: Go for it! Grab it by the horns and give it a whirl.
N: There’s a lot of satisfaction in plastering. All the hard work and graft does pay off. Keep at it and don’t give up!
