Sharon Taylor, Viva Tiling London, UK It’s never too late to enter the tiling trade as stellar mosaicist Sharon Taylor of Viva Tiling (viva- tiling.com) in the UK has proven. After her packaging design job of 20 years was made redundant, she discovered tiling courses through a four-week course at Specialist Trade Courses (STC) in Harlow, Essex UK. That was 11 years ago, when she was in her 40s with bills to pay. Taylor said she “… didn’t have the luxury of time to do an apprenticeship or start laboring for another tiler. After the course, I went straight out on my own doing small jobs.” Learning the building trade proved to be a massive learn- ing curve and she kept learn- ing. When STC offered a beginner’s Bisazza mosa- ic course, she took it and Excellence, dedication, creativity and a passion for learning are the hallmarks of these female tilers By Lesley Goddin Women in Tile 2018 To quote a line from the theme song to the much-loved television show Cheers, “Making your way in the world today takes everything you’ve got.” You bet! It’s a challenge to develop a craft, establish a busi- ness, and infuse projects with creativity and excellence. These women have risen to the challenge and made their mark on the tile industry at home and across the pond. Each and every one is a credit to the trade, raising the bar with her own particular brand of brilliance and distinction. Let’s meet this year’s Women In Tile: Sharon Taylor of Viva Tiling installing paper- faced mosaics on a wall. 44 TileLetter | October 2018