This empowering series shines a spotlight on the remarkable women who contribute to the 11 percent of the construction workforce in the U.S. Each feature delves into their unique career paths, highlighting their resilience, innovation, and unwavering passion for their craft. Do you know an inspiring woman in the trades we should feature? We’d love to hear from you.
From Numbers to Tiles: Schannon Yodice’s Unconventional Path to Construction Success
For Schannon Yodice, the scent of sawdust and the feel of tools in her hands were an early part of life. Growing up as the daughter of a dedicated stonemason, she spent countless hours assisting her father on various projects, developing an innate understanding and appreciation for hands-on work. Despite this natural inclination and enjoyment, when faced with the pivotal decision of a career path, Schannon initially chose a more conventional route, pursuing higher education and subsequently embarking on a decade-long career as an accountant.
“I absolutely detested it,” Schannon candidly admits, reflecting on her years in the corporate world. Her vibrant, active personality was starkly at odds with the sedentary nature of her accounting role. “Working behind a computer screen all day was the complete antithesis of who I am. I thrive on physical activity and tangible creation, but accounting confined me to a monotonous, gray cubicle. The feeling of being perpetually trapped was overwhelming.” This profound dissatisfaction fueled a growing desire for a career that resonated with her true self.
The turning point arrived in 2017 when Schannon and her fiancé took a bold leap, deciding to establish their own general contracting business. This entrepreneurial venture quickly illuminated a significant challenge within the industry: the scarcity of reliable, highly skilled tradespeople and subcontractors. Confronted with a pervasive standard of sub-par workmanship, they made a critical decision. Rather than compromising on quality, they committed to acquiring the necessary construction skills themselves, learning on the job to ensure every project met their stringent standards of excellence.
It was during this hands-on learning phase that they encountered a pivotal figure – a seasoned master tile setter who recognized their potential and passion. This generous mentor offered to impart his vast knowledge and expertise before his retirement, a testament to the value of passing on generational skills. More than just training, he entrusted them with his established client list, a golden opportunity that solidified their decision to specialize. Embracing this unique mentorship, Yodice and her fiancé pivoted their focus entirely, dedicating themselves full-time to building a thriving tile business.
“I’d be disingenuous if I claimed it was an effortless transition,” Yodice acknowledges. “Tile setting, without a doubt, presents considerable challenges. However, I discovered I possess a natural physical aptitude for the work, which allowed me to grasp the intricacies somewhat organically. The most gratifying aspect of this profession is the inherent variety of each project. Boredom is simply not an option. Every job offers a fresh puzzle to solve, ensuring your skills are perpetually evolving and reaching new heights.”
Driven by a desire to document her evolving craftsmanship and connect with a broader community, Yodice embarked on another venture: launching a social media page. Under the widely recognized handle, That Tile Chick, she transparently shares the multifaceted journey of a modern tradesperson – from the inevitable challenges and hard-earned triumphs to invaluable trade secrets and innovative techniques. Her authentic content resonates deeply with hundreds of thousands of followers, whom she actively inspires and encourages to pursue their own growth and success within the trades.
We had the privilege of asking Schannon Yodice, a true luminary in the tile industry, for her insights on its current landscape and future trajectory.
The Digital Dimension: How Social Media Propels a Tile Business
Q: How did you initially venture into social media, and what profound impact has it had on your business operations?
A: My journey into social media began quite organically in 2020. I primarily started it as a casual way to document and share some of the renovation projects my fiancé and I were undertaking on our own home. From those humble beginnings, it truly burgeoned into something far greater than I ever anticipated. While it’s undeniably enjoyable and incredibly rewarding, it has evolved into a substantial, almost separate, facet of my business. Managing its demands alongside the rigorous schedule of tile work has become a significant undertaking.
What’s truly surreal is the collision of the digital and real worlds. You rarely anticipate the virtual interactions translating directly into tangible client relationships, but it happens to me on almost every single job. It becomes genuinely challenging to maintain a strictly professional, unruffled demeanor when clients excitedly tell me they’ve been following my journey on Instagram. I’ll meticulously go through my standard project spiel and email them a detailed estimate, only for them to respond with an assurance like, “No, it’s absolutely fine. I’ve been following your work for ages.” It’s truly one of the most bizarre, yet ultimately affirming, aspects of this whole experience.
Navigating Gender Dynamics in a Traditionally Male-Dominated Industry
Q: Have you encountered any significant challenges specifically because you’re a woman working in a trade historically dominated by men?
A: On a day-to-day, in-person basis, my situation is quite unique. It’s primarily just my fiancé and me on job sites, so the only males I regularly interact with are our homeowners. Thankfully, I’ve been incredibly fortunate in that I’ve never experienced any direct negativity or condescension from clients or in-person collaborators. However, the online sphere is a completely different landscape. There’s a persistent undercurrent of online bullying, primarily from older men within my own industry, and it often stems from superficial reasons, specifically my appearance.
It’s disheartening to encounter so many individuals who, simply because I am a female, automatically dismiss my capabilities and refuse to take my professional work seriously. It’s undeniably tough to deal with. I consider myself lucky that these particular challenges are confined to the digital realm. If I find the negativity overwhelming, I have the option to simply disengage and not look at it. While it used to deeply affect me, I’ve developed a significant degree of resilience. The overwhelming wave of positive, uplifting support from my vast community far outweighs the isolated pockets of negativity.
I genuinely can’t imagine how crushing it would be if I had to face that level of skepticism or outright hostility directly on a job site every single day. The thought of showing up to work and constantly battling those perceptions would fundamentally undermine my passion and enjoyment for the trade. I’m profoundly grateful that my current work environment spares me from that particular burden.
The Unforeseen Consequences of Digital Influence: Sharing Knowledge and Shaping the Future
Q: Have there been any other surprising byproducts or unexpected consequences of your internet fame?
A: Absolutely, one of the most recurrent criticisms I face comes from people who genuinely believe that by sharing my knowledge and teaching others how to tackle various projects, I’m somehow devaluing the trade or rendering it irrelevant. This perspective puzzles me deeply because, fundamentally, the dissemination of knowledge is critical. There’s a profound reason why books are written, why historical figures like Einstein remain revered and frequently quoted – because without the deliberate act of passing on information, it inevitably fades into obscurity and is lost to future generations.
Within my specific industry, many established leaders are now frantically realizing they have no one to inherit their trade as they approach retirement. The question begs: where did this looming skills gap originate? A significant part of the problem stems from their own reluctance to share their wisdom and articulate the immense value and satisfaction found in this industry. For decades, they meticulously set tile, often unwilling to even consider taking on an apprentice. Many developed reputations as miserable or unapproachable, which naturally deterred aspiring tradespeople.
This unwillingness to mentor or share crucial knowledge has directly contributed to the current crisis. It makes no logical sense to me to hoard expertise when the very survival and flourishing of the trade depend on its continuous transmission. We must foster a culture of open learning and mentorship to ensure the longevity and vitality of our skilled trades.
Showcasing Craftsmanship: Projects That Leave a Mark
Q: Which projects have particularly stood out to you, leaving a lasting impression on your career?
A: One project that undeniably stands out and truly pushed the boundaries of my knowledge and practical skills was an extensive exterior patio installation. The challenges began immediately: simply being outdoors introduced an entirely new dynamic compared to interior work. We didn’t have the luxury of starting with a perfectly flat, stable substrate. Furthermore, the local soil composition, rich in clay, meant dealing with significant expansion and contraction, which can wreak havoc on tile installations if not properly accounted for.
Adding another layer of complexity, the client had a very specific vision for a patterned tile layout. They desired a hexagonal shape, incorporating three distinct colors, which meant all the individual tile pieces were unique sizes and required meticulous planning and precision during installation. This project was incredibly technical, demanding a high degree of problem-solving at every turn. It offered me invaluable insight into the sheer variety of challenges one can encounter and the diverse solutions required to overcome them. It truly felt less like a construction job and more like crafting an intricate piece of art.
The final result was absolutely stunning, and I was incredibly proud of what we accomplished. The recognition I received for that project, being featured in an industry magazine, was truly awesome and served as a wonderful validation of the hard work and dedication poured into it.
Envisioning the Future: Desired Changes in the Trades
Q: What specific changes or advancements do you most hope to witness within the construction industry in the coming years?
A: My deepest aspiration is to see a significant surge in interest for skilled trades. Beyond full-time careers, I hope more people, regardless of gender, embrace the value of learning practical, physical skills – whether it’s understanding how to fix their car or comprehending the intricate systems within their own homes. There’s an incredible sense of empowerment that comes from knowing how to wield a tool effectively and being able to confidently declare, “I can fix this myself.” This foundational knowledge not only saves money but fosters self-reliance and confidence.
Furthermore, I passionately advocate for the rise of a new generation of tradespeople – both men and women – who will actively work to elevate the perception of the trades. It’s crucial to challenge and dismantle the outdated stereotype that skilled trades are a “last resort” or somehow less intelligent professions. We are educated, innovative, and deeply committed individuals who deliver high-quality, essential work. By showcasing our expertise, professionalism, and the intellectual demands of our craft, we can collectively inspire a renewed respect and appreciation for the vital contributions of tradespeople to society.
Empowering the Next Generation: Advice for Aspiring Women in Trades
Q: Do you have any specific advice or words of encouragement for young women who are considering a career in tile setting or other skilled trades?
A: My foremost piece of advice is to get actively involved. There are numerous industry organizations and supportive communities specifically seeking to welcome and uplift young people, just like you, into the trades. These organizations are eager to extend a helping hand, provide mentorship, and guide you in the right direction. Surrounding yourself with positive, like-minded individuals and seasoned professionals will not only provide invaluable motivation but also accelerate your learning and career development.
A fantastic starting point for networking and finding these communities is through online platforms, particularly Facebook groups dedicated to trades or women in construction. Don’t hesitate to reach out directly to established industry leaders and other successful professionals. Forge connections with those who genuinely want to see your career flourish and who can offer practical advice and opportunities. Crucially, learn to filter out and actively disengage from any negativity you might encounter online or offline. Focus your energy on the positive voices and supportive networks that will propel you forward.
The Craftsman’s Arsenal: Essential Tools for a Tile Professional
Q: Could you share some of your go-to, pro-specific tools that are indispensable to your daily work?
A: As a tile installer, efficiency and practicality are paramount. I gravitate towards tools that are easy to transport, lightweight, and require minimal setup, allowing me to maintain a nimble and productive workflow. Here are a few of my absolute essentials:
- Grabo: This battery-powered suction tool is a game-changer. It effectively grips both wet and dry surfaces, making my life immeasurably easier. At just 4-foot-10, and frequently installing large format tiles that exceed two feet in size, the Grabo significantly reduces physical strain and enhances safety, allowing me to maneuver heavy tiles with confidence.
- Manual Snap Cutter: I much prefer a high-quality manual snap cutter over a traditional wet saw for many of my projects. Its advantages are numerous: it requires limited working space, eliminates the need for water, and most importantly, produces no dust. This means cleaner job sites and a healthier working environment, especially in residential settings.
- Manual Rail Cutter: For those exceptionally large format tiles that even a snap cutter can’t handle, a manual rail cutter is indispensable. Again, I favor it over a powered rail saw for its superior portability and the fact that it doesn’t generate hazardous dust, which is a key consideration for health and efficiency.
- Angle Grinder: This versatile power tool is a true workhorse. An angle grinder can cut through a wide variety of tile materials and is essential for intricate cuts, curves, and shaping. It works effectively whether wet or dry, and with various attachments, you can cut holes, create custom shapes, and even polish your cuts for a flawless finish. Be warned, however, that it takes considerable practice to master, and due to its power, it demands extreme caution and adherence to safety protocols.
- Levels (of all sizes): Without a doubt, the level is the single most critical tool for any tile installer. We maintain an extensive collection of levels in every conceivable size. Achieving a perfectly flat substrate is the foundational element of a successful tile installation, and then it’s imperative to meticulously check that every single tile is perfectly level and plumb, ensuring a professional, aesthetically pleasing, and durable finish.
Meet Schannon Yodice: The Entrepreneurial Force Behind That Tile Chick
Schannon Yodice, widely known across social media as @ThatTileChick, is a dynamic and multifaceted professional. She is an accomplished tile setter, a successful business owner, a dedicated fitness enthusiast, an astute entrepreneur, and a passionate advocate for all things blue-collar.
After nearly a decade spent navigating the confines of a traditional 9-to-5 office routine, Schannon made a pivotal decision in August 2020. She took a profound leap of faith, transitioning away from her accounting career to dedicate herself full-time to tile setting. Since that transformative moment, Yodice has not only solidified her thriving tile business but has also cultivated an influential social media presence. Through her platforms, she fervently shares her deep passion for tile artistry, promotes innovative and creative thinking within the trades, and serves as an inspiring mentor, actively encouraging other young professionals on their unique career journeys.
Meet Karuna Eberl: The Storyteller Behind the Feature
Karuna Eberl is a respected and frequent contributor to FamilyHandyman.com. Over the past 25 years, she has built a distinguished career as a freelance journalist and filmmaker, renowned for her compelling narratives that explore people, nature, travel, science, and history. Eberl’s exceptional talent has garnered numerous accolades for her impactful writing, her insightful Florida Keys Travel Guide, and her thought-provoking documentary, The Guerrero Project. Her ability to craft engaging and informative content makes her an invaluable voice in capturing stories of craftsmanship and human endeavor.