prove themselves as well. “That said, I have had situations of being placed under more of a microscope and also have expe- rienced double standards,” she added. “If sexist or degrading com- ments are said – whether intention- al or not – I have learned to speak up and handle it. Sometimes it takes one person’s perspective to show another what theirs looks like. “I am not a woman on a mission to set tile with a point to prove,” she added. “I do it because I love it and it helps to support my fam- ily… I don’t look at men or women installers and say ‘Wow, I can’t believe he/she knows how to use a wet saw!’ But I have experienced this sort of attention. It’s not some- thing you need special anatomy to do, so what’s the big deal really?” Carrizosa added, “Once [men] see what I can do – my skill set, and once I start talking the lingo with some of the guys on the jobsite – they are ready to work with me.” In fact, the industry has pro- vided a lot of support, allowing for the development of friendships and partnerships. Halford credits Facebook groups like Tile Geeks, Global Tile Posse, Tile Love 2.0, and mosaic groups with providing education and support, as well as NTCA and its workshops, Coverings – and family and friends too. Carrizosa said longstanding rela- tionships with builders and working with their subs and superintendents have provided stability. She has met and worked with Bart Bettiga and Jim Olson of NTCA and both have been supportive and helpful. Friendships made through NTCA also have bolstered Carrizosa’s career – including Erin Albrecht of J&R Tile in San Antonio, who reached out to her – as well as the support of Angie Halford herself. “It’s amazing meeting other women who do what I do,” she said – “meeting them in person and seeing them at the show. I didn’t know that there were many other women who did what I did. “There’s a lot of support out there,” she said. “We’ve only been on Tile Geeks for three years – women could use that to get into the mix of it all. People are very friendly. When I was first starting out, this kind of thing didn’t exist, but [online groups] allow you to ask questions and get support. For instance, William White at ARDEX – I can call him and it’s like talking to a friend.” She also credits her husband Jamen with his support and encour- agement for her to challenge her shyness and put herself more in the public eye. It’s worked! She was named one of the Coverings Rock Stars this past spring at the show – a celebration of up-and-coming young leaders in the industry. “I was totally shocked that I was nomi- nated but it was amazing, “she said. Women encouraging women Both contractors recommend the profession for other women. WOMEN IN TILE ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 98 TileLetter | October 2017