From job site safety to shaping future builders, HGTV’s Jasmine Roth explores how women bring fresh perspective and leadership to trades.
You’re known for your custom builds. What excites you most about women leading in the construction space?
I think it’s good to have as many different types of input as possible when it comes to a creative project. A custom build is a creative project, and having women as another source of input makes the build that much better. We see things differently from men; we have different experiences, and that perspective has always been missing in what was traditionally a man’s world. Whenever you see a woman on a job site, you know that project will benefit from that different perspective.
Safety is critical on any site. What do you think companies could do better when it comes to women’s safety gear?
Honestly, they could just make it because it doesn’t even exist. That’s one of the barriers to entry. For example, I’ve worn the same model of work gloves since 2012 because it’s the only pair I can find that fits my hands and still protects them. I don’t think there’s a guy out there who only has one model of glove that works for him. The same goes for boots, harnesses, everything. Every time I go on a roof and wear a safety harness, it’s massive. I have every belt on the tightest loop, and it’s still frustrating. Companies need to realize there’s a market and start making gear designed for women.
Many women juggle careers and family. How do you see flexibility evolving in trades-related work?
It’s a challenge across the board, but especially in the trades. In corporate America, you have HR and other advocates pushing for progress. In construction, that doesn’t really exist. There’s nobody saying, “That’s not fair,” or “We need to allow time off for childcare.” The only way it’s going to change is if women advocate for themselves. We have to be confident enough to say, “I need maternity leave,” or “I need to be with my baby.”
When I filmed my last season, I was pumping and nursing while on job sites. There wasn’t a private room with a refrigerator. I was on a construction site. It’s not easy, but we have to speak up about what we need. Eventually, employers will adjust, just like they did in corporate America.
Construction sites can still feel male-dominated. How do you build confidence and respect in that environment?
You have to look internally for recognition. On a job site, people aren’t going to come up and tell you, “Great job today.” You have to be confident enough to know you’re doing your best, and that’s good enough.
I also think professionalism is critical. I hold myself and everyone else to a standard — no cursing, no derogatory comments, no inappropriate behavior. If somebody steps out of line, I shut it down immediately. It might be awkward, but once people know that’s my expectation, they rise to it. As women, we can’t let our professionalism dip, because the minute you do, it’s very hard to recover that respect.
Looking ahead, how do you see women shaping the next generation of construction and design?
There’s a huge opportunity in the skilled trades. In high school, I never once heard someone present carpentry or electrical work as a career path. That needs to change.
I love that there are more women in trades now and that people get to see that on HGTV — not just as designers, but as carpenters, electricians, and builders. Women are also breaking into areas like architecture, engineering, and city planning, which traditionally weren’t seen as career paths for us.
For me, the most powerful part is what it shows the next generation. My 5-year-old daughter comes with me to job sites, and to her it’s normal that women drive trucks, wear tool belts, and run crews. She wouldn’t think twice about going into construction because that’s what she’s always seen. The more girls who grow up with that example, the faster we’ll see progress.
