International Women's Day is approaching this Thursday, March 8. It's a day to reflect on the challenges modern women face and discuss a way forward past these hardships.
Two weeks ago, 'Sean for Breakfast' regular Shane Reilly from Business Local came to me with a story about three local businesses who had come to see him seeking help and advice, all of which had a strong family tie within their business. Basically, the apprentice role in each business had been taken on by the daughter of the business owner. These aren't your 'traditional' female jobs, and it is wonderful to see young, Esperance women breaking the mold and following a new career path that will pave the way for other young women after them to choose whatever job they want to! Without the unwanted social expectations.
As we get closer to Thursday and International Women's Day I'll bring you each business and their story. First of all... Jim and Holly Spence.
Jim owns West Beach Plumbing, and after some travelling a few years ago wasn't sure if he wanted to continue the business. His apprentice had left him, not wanting to take on the extra responsibility of running the business, and Jim had lost some of his drive. That's when Holly stepped up.
"She'd been climbing under houses since she was four with me, and coming to work with me, and then during their teenage years you don't think you'd ever work together" Jim Spence said on Triple M.
"One day I was on a job and a neighbor said to me what's Holly doing with herself?... and this lady said to me, maybe she'd want to be a plumber... then I asked her and she just jumped at it. I was shocked. Mum was even more shocked'
Holly had always been a hands on person, and enjoyed being outside doing work where "you could see what you had done". She wanted to be active in her career.
"I was looking at being a cop, going to the army, I was looking at all sorts of things but it (working for the family business) all just felt right."
The pair couldn't be happy with the working relationship. Although it wasn't without its (minor) challenges.
"It's worked out for the best. Haven't had too many tifs"
The pair are hoping their example will allow other young women to pursue any career that they want.
Later in the week meet the Plant Operator and his daughter who is following in his footsteps!