🐾 Pack Mentality Spotlight: Gemma Davison (@diamondfinishdecorating) 🐾

This month, our Pack Mentality spotlight shines on Gemma Davison-a decorator whose journey into the trade is all about resilience, community, and a passion for making things better. Gemma’s story is proof that sometimes the best paths are the ones you build for yourself, with a little help from The Pack. 

Why did you join The Pack?

I joined the pack because I love the family environment and the excitement you guys have brought to the table, I love what you stand for and believe its important to work as a pack to make a change/things better

 

What made you get into the trade?

Bought my first house during lockdown. It was a shell, had been completely gutted. It Needed lots of work I did a college course “women in construction” so I could do more of it myself. Keep the costs down. I absolutely loved fixing the house up, but the decorating was my favourite, I loved it. I had been working nights in a supermarket and I knew there was more out there for me. Next thing I knew I was applying for an apprenticeship and now I’m here!" 

 

What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you on-site?

Not so much weird but gross During my apprenticeship we went in to various properties that people had moved out of. One room had boogies all over the wall. Like they had made it a feature. It was fowl. Luckily the lads I worked with looked after me and dealt with that room

 

If you were a tool, what would you be and why?

Uhmm hard one, maybe a Multi tool - because I can be adaptable for different situations

 

What Jackal design do you want to see next and why?

Would be great if you could do some crew socks ready for shorts weather

 

What question would you ask the next Pack member?

What’s one tool you can’t live without on the job — and why?

 

Industry Insights 

Mental health in construction:

"I think we should all be prepared to ask others if they’re ok, or what’s up a lot more. And to understand it’s ok to not be ok, but reach out. A problem shared is a problem halved. I am always open to chat and listen. And so many others are too."

 

Tool theft: 

I haven’t experienced tool theft but a lot of my friends have. It’s been detrimental to their business in most cases. More needs to be done, I am loving that more of our trades look out for others now and there are things being created to help fight tool theft. Which is positive but more can certainly be done by government.

 

Summary