The carpentry and construction industries are often seen as a man’s game, and that’s what Build Like A Girl Canada is looking to combat. Founder Nikki Rhea aims to help women build beautiful woodworking pieces for their homes and self-confidence so they can realize their full potential. Since 2017, Build Like A Girl Canada has empowered thousands to try a new hobby in DIY construction and bridge the gender gap, one workshop at a time. 

How Nikki Rhea turned wine rack requests into a successful business

It all started with a demand for Nikki Rhea to build small items like shelves and wine racks. Known in her community for her woodworking and carpentry talent, she quickly became unable to keep up with the demand, with projects and requests only growing. 

Instead of tackling everything herself, Rhea took to teaching a workshop. This way, the women would get the items they requested, learn a new skill, build confidence, and remove some of the barriers women typically encounter when it comes to building and construction. An evening dedicated to fulfilling one order turned into an output of 10+ items, and with Rhea still generating revenue with teaching, everybody won. 

The outpouring of positive feedback was unexpected, according to Rhea. Women were walking in timidly and walking out with a completed project they wanted and a sense of accomplishment. 

These workspaces, also called SheShops, quickly snowballed into what is now known as Build Like A Girl Canada. Rhea’s vision is to inspire and empower each woman who leaves a SheShop. 

What to expect from a workshop

Each workshop varies in scope, and builders can sign up for a drop-in workshop using an online form to start small. All necessary materials will be prepped upon arrival, and tools will be available for each student.

Workshop attendees will have all of the information about what they are building from the online form and can even choose custom sizing by emailing the team directly. Build Like A Girl stocks many paint brands and fusion mineral paints in colors like picket fence, chocolate, coal black, and trophy. 

New builders should arrive in comfortable clothing, expect to learn a lot, and make a sizeable mess.

Current workshops 

Workshop types vary depending on the time of year, project demand, and other factors. Some examples of workshops that new builders could expect include:

• Tiny Home Build (SOLD OUT): This tiny home build course teaches builders how to build a tiny home, from design to blueprints to cutting, framing, and final touches. It even gives students information on working with a plumber and an electrician and how to install a well and septic system. 
• Custom Build 5-week course (SOLD OUT): In this custom build course, builders can get creative by finishing their own woodworking project over five weekly sessions. 
• Knowledge of Tools Crash Course: This one-day crash course teaches builders the fundamentals of tools such as circular saws, table saws, jig saws, miter saws, and more. Students then take home a small project, thanks to their newly developed skills. 
• Drop-in and Build: The aptly named drop-in and build course allows students to choose a project, choose a day that works for them, and show up and build it! This course offers 50 different project options, making it a fun workshop to attend again and again. 

What the community is saying

Build Like A Girl Canada has been involved in various ways in the local community and greater Canada. Not only does it host workshops, but Rhea also speaks at events around the country, advocating for women in construction and carpentry disciplines and making a difference by speaking up in these surrounding communities.

Build Like A Girl Canada has long supported Girl Guides Canada and worked with them to help younger girls learn the basics of power tools. This allows them earn their “tool belt badge” and fosters an empowering, can-do spirit in our next generation of women. 

They have also worked with school boards like Trillium Lakelands, appearing at speaking events and teaching woodworking classes. Schools like the ones in Trillium often lack these types of programs, and when they are offered, they are typically dominated by men. Build Like A Girl aims to show young women that carpentry and other trades are great career choices in a stable industry. 

“The workshops are fun and rewarding. What a great experience to start with a pile of wood and to leave with a beautiful home decor piece that I built myself. The instructors are knowledgeable and very inspiring. Looking forward to attending more workshops in the future.” – Janet Moreira, workshop participant.

The workshops are also promoted as deeply therapeutic, and mental health awareness is an important cause for the team at Build Like A Girl Canada. The concentration and mental focus in each SheShop help students achieve a state of meditation and clear their minds. 

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