CHARD woman Rachel Bates has been supported by Dulux to help her continue to develop her decorating company.
In support of this year’s International Women’s Day, Dulux has joined forces with female trailblazers to celebrate those that have made a difference in the painting and decorating industry.
Rachel Bates became a single mum in 2014, with her first priority being to find a new job that would pay the bills and provide more flexibility to support her three sons.
Fast forward to today and Rachel is now the owner of an award-winning decorating company that has brought colour to her local community in Chard.
Dulux are focused on driving equality in an industry that is male dominated, with only 1 in 5 painters and decorators being women.
The partnership has been particularly important to Rachel, with her business BATES&MiSONS becoming a triple-award winning business.
Recently she offered the nearby Pip’s Railway Carriage Café in Lophead, free decorating services to the business to help it recover from the effects of the pandemic.
Her efforts led to her being recognised with a Dulux Select Decorators Award in the Adding Colour to People’s Lives category last year.
Rachel said: “I think it’s great that more women are choosing to come into the trade.
"It’s the kind of profession that can offer more flexibility if you have a family, but you still need to put the work in – you can’t expect to just work three days a week if a job isn’t done.
“As a woman, I’ve experienced some challenges along the way.
"I’ve been on some jobs where customers would direct all questions at my partner Luke – despite the fact that it’s my company.
“But at the same time, it’s a brilliant job to be in and you’re able to turn out beautiful work that you can take real pride in.
"I’ve also had lots of praise from people when they see me in town with my decorating whites on."
Vickie Mather, Dulux Academy lead said: “For many women, there remains a large barrier to joining the painting & decorating industry due to perception and gender bias.
"There’s also an overall lack of positive representation of female workers, meaning that many women feel that the trade isn’t open to them."
To find out more about Rachel's business you can visit the Facebook page 'Bates&Misons'.
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