In an exclusive interview with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, Ginger Martin, a seasoned Union carpenter with over 20 years of experience, shares her journey from learning carpentry alongside her father to founding The Crafty Carpenter Academy for Women. With a passion for empowering women to master DIY and construction skills, Ginger has created an inclusive space where learning carpentry isn’t just about building structures—it’s about building confidence. From her hands-on experience in residential and industrial projects to her work teaching high school students and mentoring women online, Ginger is on a mission to break barriers in the trades and make carpentry accessible to everyone. In this conversation, she discusses her inspiration, challenges, and vision for the future of women in skilled trades.
Ginger Martin is a Union carpenter with over 20 years of experience in residential, commercial, and industrial carpentry.She grew up learning the craft from her father, who was both a carpenter and an architect. This early exposure to design and building sparked a lifelong appreciation for the art of construction and the satisfaction that comes from creating something with your own hands. Over the years, Ginger has worked on a variety of projects, from small-scale residential builds to larger industrial ventures. Alongside her career in carpentry, she has found joy in teaching and sharing her skills. She has volunteered her time to teach carpentry to high school students, aiming to make the craft more accessible and encouraging young people to explore careers in the trades.Understanding the challenges women often face in male-dominated fields,Ginger felt inspired to createThe CraftyCarpenter Academy for Women. The academy, hosted online, is a space designed to teach women DIYers about carpentry, tools, and home construction in a way that fosters both confidence and skill. She provides resources like a freeguide to essential tools, as well as courses that break down the basics of carpentry into easy-to-follow steps. Her approach is rooted in creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where women can learn at their own pace, ask questions, and gain the knowledge they need to take on projects independently. By focusing on the fundamentals and demystifying the construction process, Ginger hopes to empower women to take the first steps toward mastering carpentry.Ginger also shares her knowledge through online platforms like YouTube, where she posts instructional videos and DIYtutorials. Her goal is to make carpentry approachable and practical for everyday life. She believes that learning a tradelike carpentry isn’t just about building structures; it’s about building confidence and independence.Ginger spent 12 off and on in Mexico years, where she used her carpentry skills in residential and commercial construction while becaming
fluent in conversational Spanish. Ginger is passionate about her craft and about helping others discover the joy and empowerment that comes from working with their hands. Through teaching, mentoring, and creating accessible resources, she aims to make carpentry a skill that anyone can learn and benefit from. Whether working on a construction site or creating content for her academy, Ginger’s focus remains on sharing what she’s learned in a way that’s practical, approachable, and encouraging.
What inspired you to create The Crafty Carpenter Academy, and how did you identify the need for carpentry courses tailored for women DIYers?
The inspiration for The Crafty Carpenter Academy came from my own experiences as a woman entering, surviving and thriving in a traditionally male-dominated field. Throughout my career as a union carpenter, I noticed a lack of encouragement towards women who are passionate about entering trades like carpentry or doing their own home renovation and remodeling projects. Teaching and mentoring have always brought me joy, especially when I’ve seen how empowering it can be to equip others with the skills and confidence to build and create. I wanted to create a space where women could feel supported, inspired, and capable of mastering carpentry, no matter their starting point.
Over the years, I’ve encountered many women who expressed interest in learning carpentry but felt intimidated by the tools, techniques, or even the culture of the construction world. These conversations often revealed a shared hesitation about stepping into a field where they felt they might not belong.
Can you share your approach to breaking down complex carpentry concepts into simple, accessible lessons for beginners?
As The Crafty Carpenter, my approach to breaking down complex carpentry concepts is rooted in making the learning process approachable, practical, and confidence-building. I start by focusing on the fundamentals – introducing the tools, materials, and basic techniques in a way that feels manageable for beginners. Instead of overwhelming students with jargon or advanced concepts, I use clear, step-by-step instructions and visual aids like diagrams, videos, and hands-on demonstrations. I encourage creative thinking and problem solving, and I delight in students asking why until they feel completely confident with the task at hand.
For example, an electric drill and its adjustments can be compared to a kitchen hand mixer. When teaching how to use more advanced tools like a circular saw, I don’t just explain how it works—I demonstrate its parts, emphasize safety tips, and guide learners through making their first simple cut. I also break larger projects into small, more achievable tasks. Don’t focus on building the entire house as that would be overwhelming and frustrating, let’s just start with excavation and move through the processes one step at a time, celebrating progress at each stage.
I find that real-world examples are especially helpful. If we’re building a basic piece like a shelf, I’ll walk students through measuring, cutting, assembling, and finishing, explaining each decision along the way, while emphasizing the importance of fundamentals such as plum, level and square, which is a principle that carries from small basic projects through to advanced systems of carpentry. As we internalize basic concepts, we can approach the more advanced projects with more confidence. This practical, project-based learning helps demystify carpentry and shows that even complex concepts can be tackled one step at a time.
I encourage a judgment-free environment where questions are welcomed and mistakes are seen as part of the learning process. My goal is not only to teach carpentry but to instill an internal confidence shift that empowers people to tackle challenges in every area of their life, proving to themselves that they are capable of achieving more than they ever thought possible.
Your work goes beyond teaching; how do your one-on-one consultations and client/contractor liaison services enhance the DIY and building experience for your clients?
My one-on-one consultations and liaison services are designed to bridge the gap between DIY enthusiasts and professional construction processes, ensuring that every client feels supported and empowered throughout their project. During consultations, I take the time to understand each client’s goals, skill level, and challenges, providing tailored guidance that helps them confidently navigate their projects. Whether it’s selecting the right materials, troubleshooting design issues, or mastering a specific tool or technique, these sessions are all about giving clients the clarity and confidence to succeed.
As a liaison between clients, architects, and contractors, I act as a translator of sorts—helping clients understand technical plans, communicate their vision effectively, and advocate for their needs during the construction process. This ensures their projects stay aligned with their expectations and budget while reducing the intimidation that often comes with working alongside industry professionals.
By combining hands-on teaching with personalized support, I help clients not only complete their projects but also gain the knowledge and assurance they need to take on future challenges independently. My ultimate goal is to make the entire building experience more accessible, enjoyable, and empowering, until I am no longer needed.
Reflecting on your own journey, what valuable lessons have you learned about overcoming challenges in a male-dominated field like carpentry?
Reflecting on my journey in the male-dominated field of carpentry, I’ve learned several valuable lessons about overcoming challenges and finding my place. One of the most important lessons is the power of confidence in oneself. Early on, it was easy to feel out of place or question whether I belonged, simply because there weren’t many women around me. But embracing my skills and trusting in my abilities allowed me to push past those uncertainties.
Another lesson is the significance of perseverance. There were times when I faced skepticism or had to prove my capabilities more than my male counterparts. Instead of letting that discourage me, I used it as fuel to work smarter and demonstrate my commitment to the craft. This persistence and resilience not only helped me hone my skills but also earned me the respect of my colleagues who might have initially underestimated me.
I’ve also learned the value of building a supportive network. Connecting with others who share similar experiences—whether they’re women in trades or men who believe in inclusivity—has been instrumental in my growth. These relationships provided encouragement during tough times and opened doors to opportunities I might not have found on my own.
Moreover, I’ve come to understand the importance of advocating for change. By teaching, mentoring, and creating resources tailored for women, I’ve been able to contribute to a more welcoming environment in carpentry. This advocacy not only helps others navigate the field more easily but also gradually shifts the culture toward greater diversity and acceptance.
Lastly, I’ve realized that overcoming challenges isn’t just about personal success; it’s about paving the way for others. By sharing my story and experiences, I hope to inspire other women to pursue their interests in carpentry or any field where they feel underrepresented. Together, we can break down barriers and redefine what it means to “belong” in any profession.
If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring carpenters or entrepreneurs looking to follow in your footsteps, what would it be?
Explore your closest Union! Union opportunities are especially beneficial for women in trades. If you choose to pursue a career in a trade, prioritize working in an environment that guarantees equal pay and benefits. Seek out a supportive community, connect with mentors, and embrace feedback—these connections and insights are where the most meaningful growth takes place.
The carpentry industry offers a variety of sectors to explore, so take time to discover the one that resonates with your interests and passions. Once you’ve found your niche, focus on mastering it while remaining open to continuous learning and skill development. Each project you undertake, every tool you learn to use, and every step you take toward your goals contributes to not only your technical expertise but also your confidence and personal growth.
Above all, remember that your unique perspective and determination are powerful assets. Whether you’re crafting furniture, building homes, or starting your own business, infuse your work with authenticity and passion. The true rewards of your journey aren’t just in what you create—they’re in the person you become and the lasting impact you have on others.
The post The Crafty Carpenter DIY Academy: Ginger Martin’s Mission to Empower Women first appeared on CanadianSME Small Business Magazine.