Top Tradies to Follow (Part 2): Women in the Trades
A follow-up to our popular list, this edition highlights the trailblazing women using their platforms to showcase expertise and break down barriers.
There's a common misconception that careers in the skilled trades are primarily for men. The truth is, a revolution is underway, and women are at the forefront, leveraging social media to showcase their expertise, challenge stereotypes, and inspire the next generation of skilled workers. There's no better way to understand what life is really like on the job than to hear directly from those with their boots on the ground.
Building on the momentum of our original "Top 10 Tradies to Follow in 2025," this follow-up dives deeper into the stories of women who are redefining what it means to succeed in male-dominated fields. Their content is a masterclass in skill, innovation, and resilience, featuring everything from high-stakes oil rig adventures to practical plumbing hacks. Whether you're an apprentice seeking guidance or a seasoned pro looking for motivation, these influencers provide an invaluable window into thriving careers in HVAC, electrical, construction, welding, solar, plumbing, oil and gas, and more.
Beyond the Screen: Embracing the Grit and Gaining Success
While their social media feeds might feature polished videos and engaging stories, the reality for women in the trades is defined by hard work and tangible results. These professionals aren't just creating content; they're on-site every day, comfortable with getting their hands dirty and putting in the physical and mental labor required to build, repair, and innovate. Their success is measured not by online metrics but by completed projects, masterfully executed repairs, and the satisfaction of building something with their own hands. They prove that a successful career isn't about being "clean" or "delicate" but about being skilled, resilient and having fun doing something you truly enjoy. For these women, getting dirty is part of the job, and it's a badge of honor on the path to a rewarding and lucrative career.
1. Karly the Sparky (@karlythesparky) – The Electrical Trailblazer
- Who She Is: A B.C.-based journeyman electrician and content creator.
- Why We're Watching: Karly is a force, using her platform to share the demanding realities of commercial and residential electrical work with grit and humor. Her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to building supportive communities empower women to pursue fulfilling careers in the trades.
- Follow For: Raw jobsite tours, insightful tool reviews, installation tips, and a relatable look into the highs and lows of blue-collar life, including remote work in challenging conditions.
- Find Her On: Instagram @karlythesparky
2. Solar Lilli (@solar.lilli) – The Green Energy Guru
- Who She Is: A no-nonsense solar and electrical specialist based in the Netherlands.
- Why We're Watching: Lilli is demystifying renewable energy, making it accessible and exciting. Her focus on practical expertise and high-quality work inspires a new wave of tradies to join the sustainable economy.
- Follow For: Step-by-step solar installations, troubleshooting tutorials, tool demos, and valuable insights into the booming green trades.
- Find Her On: TikTok @solar.lilli
3. Kobi McNutt (@kobimcnutt) – The Offshore Pioneer
- Who She Is: A petroleum engineer at Chevron with over 7 years of field experience, sharing her challenging and rewarding life on offshore drilling rigs in the Gulf of Mexico.
- Why We're Watching: Kobi provides an incredibly rare and compelling glimpse into the world of high-stakes, deepwater oil and gas operations. Her content isn't just about the work; it's a testament to the resilience, mental grit, and technical expertise required to succeed in a demanding, remote environment. Her story empowers women by showing that there's no limit to where they can go in the energy sector.
- Follow For: Thrilling day-in-the-life vlogs from a drillship, insights into complex engineering calculations, essential safety tips, and stunning videos of sunrises and sunsets from the middle of the ocean.
- Find Her On: TikTok @kobimcnutt
4. Georga Gonzalez (@georga.gonzalez) – The Global Plumber
- Who She Is: An Australian plumber with Spanish and Greek heritage.
- Why We're Watching: Georga's multicultural perspective and dedication to her craft highlight plumbing's universal appeal. Her content is a powerful inspiration for a more diverse and inclusive future in the trades.
- Follow For: Practical repair tutorials, clever tool hacks, glimpses into her daily challenges on the job, and honest, relatable advice for new apprentices.
- Find Her On: TikTok @georga.gonzalez
5. Shes A Tiny Plumber (@shesatinyplumber) – The Relatable Repair Expert
- Who She Is: A 5-foot-2 plumber sharing her skills and stories on TikTok.
- Why We're Watching: Her approachable style and expert tips prove that in the trades, skill and determination are what truly matter. She's a role model who motivates women to embrace blue-collar pride, regardless of their size.
- Follow For: In-depth water heater repairs, practical tool reviews, quick DIY tips, and empowering perspectives on the realities of the plumbing life.
- Find Her On: TikTok @shesatinyplumber
6. Sarah Matthews (@sarahwelds_) – The Ironworker Icon
- Who She Is: A skilled ironworker and a proud ambassador for Lincoln Electric.
- Why We're Watching: Sarah’s mastery and passion for her work showcase welding as a path to technical excellence and artistry, challenging outdated gender norms and proving that the forge is a place for everyone.
- Follow For: Showcase of technical welds, large-scale site projects, professional skill-building tips, and daily motivation for those in specialized trades.
- Find Her On: Instagram @sarahwelds_
7. Lauren (@hvacunicorn) – The HVAC Advocate
- Who She Is: An HVAC tech and a vocal advocate for women in the trades.
- Why We're Watching: Lauren bravely tackles industry challenges like skills gaps and gender bias, inspiring resilience in a demanding field. Her advocacy is a powerful force for change.
- Follow For: Candid discussions on challenges for women in HVAC, practical installation guides, motivational career stories, and essential advice for apprentices.
- Find Her On: TikTok @hvacunicorn
8. Lexi Quiroz (@lexi.quiroz) – The Sunshine HVAC Pro
- Who She Is: A 22-year-old HVAC specialist in SWFL.
- Why We're Watching: Lexi's vibrant energy and youthful perspective make the world of refrigeration and air conditioning feel accessible and fun, encouraging young women in sunny climates to consider a rewarding career path.
- Follow For: Daily maintenance tips, tool demos, fun "day-in-the-life" vibes, and relatable, entry-level HVAC inspiration.
- Find Her On: TikTok @lexi.quiroz
9. Quel Boutrous (@quel_boutrous) – The Construction Storyteller
- Who She Is: A construction creator sharing her site experiences and builds on TikTok.
- Why We're Watching: Quel’s narrative-driven content elevates construction beyond the blueprint. She proves that women can not only thrive but also lead and innovate in the building trades, one project at a time.
- Follow For: Engaging project tours, crucial safety tips, insights into effective teamwork, and clever renovation hacks.
- Find Her On: TikTok @quel_boutrous
10. Rina Rae (@2jzrin) – The Auto Artisan
- Who She Is: An auto enthusiast and skilled mechanic specializing in high-performance builds.
- Why We're Watching: Rina's passion for cars and mechanical expertise shows that a love for automotive culture can translate into a thriving career. She masterfully demystifies complex engine work and inspires women to get hands-on in the garage, building and repairing everything from classic cars to modern racers.
- Follow For: Detailed builds, engine tear-downs, performance tuning tips, and a celebration of car culture.
- Find Her On: Instagram @2jzrin
