After years of a decreasing workforce in trade careers, even high-paying positions are sometimes lacking talented applicants. And when those applicants do come along, they’re almost always male.
However, at Stone Interiors, two high-performing members of their stone fabrication team are women.
Aeriel Lara and Sam Posey work full-time fabricating granite, marble, quartz, and quartzite countertops, and are making a big impact in the company’s fabrication facility.
Sam, one of the company’s top producers, has worked for Stone Interiors for over 20 years. She found a protégé when Aeriel started with the company in June of 2018. They’ve been going strong ever since, and are valuable members of the Stone Interiors team.
Although fabrication work can be physically and mentally demanding, it’s all worth it when they see a slab of rock transform into a gorgeous kitchen island or bathroom. Both women take pride in their work, and feel strongly that anyone who can handle some manual labor can excel in the fabrication trade.
While Aeriel notices some challenging dynamics, she adds that working for a company with a team atmosphere helps immensely. “Everyone who works in the shop – they’ll be there in a second if I need something. They have my back.”
Aeriel Lara feels right at home on the fabrication team at Stone Interiors.
The owners of Stone Interiors are proud to help all their employees learn a valuable trade skill that not only benefits the company, but also offers them broader career opportunities. “Our company uniquely invests in its employees by being able to provide continuing training opportunities that other organizations do not have the resources to provide. In addition, we place great value on our employees and their contribution to the organization,” says Co-Owner and CFO Angela Weil.
Aeriel’s advice for any women interested in granite fabrication?
“Don’t let people tell you can’t do it. You can.”
