Women in Woodworking Series: Lisa Lekki
As part of our “Women in Woodworking” blog series, we are highlighting the women of Bakes & Kropp, bringing insight from those keeping the books and purchasing hardware to those walking home with sawdust on their boots. In this post, we chat with Lisa Lekki, our cabinetry finisher. Read through to learn more about Lisa’s journey from metalwork to finishing, her favorite part about her job at Bakes & Kropp, and her expert advice for women in male-dominated fields.
Meet Lisa:
Mother, Daughter, Friend & Finisher
What does your job entail as a cabinet finisher?
As a custom wood finisher, I’m responsible for the staining process. I prep and analyze the custom pieces to apply stains or dyes to balance the toning of wood. Once the product is ready, I apply our custom finishes through our final top coat. In addition to my daily tasks, I love to help people and enjoy assisting with training new teammates.
Were you always drawn to design? If not, what were your original aspirations and how did you pivot to woodworking?
I’ve always liked to work with my hands. When I was young, I worked with my Dad building residential homes, so it’s always been a part of my life. This experience provided a foundation to establish my career path, and allowed me to quickly identify my passion for woodworking. I owe him a lot for taking the time to share knowledge and provide me with the necessary skill sets to succeed in any role I would take on.
What advice would you give to other women embarking on career journeys in male-dominated spaces?
“Be yourself. Never change who you are based on your environment. Stick to your guns, and don’t be afraid to speak up; your voice matters no matter your position. Women bring so much to the table and continue to defy stereotypes in and out of the workplace. Do what you love, love what you do, set personal goals, and ignore outside noise. Don’t let anyone or anything stand in your way…”
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How does the workshop team offer support to one another day to day?
We trust in each other. We depend on our team to communicate effectively when working on open-home projects, encountering obstacles, and presenting viable solutions. I’ve been with Bakes & Kropp for a long time, and I learn something new every day from my team. My colleagues and I respect each other, we share personal successes and lend a shoulder to cry on when falling on hard times.
What would you say to the next generation of young women looking to find their careers?
Start exploring the world of career opportunities available to you now. Try something new, get dirty, live in the moment, think about what motivates you, where your passions fall, and lay the foundation for your future. Connect with school counselors on opportunities for work experience and available co-op programs in select industries. Use the time now to set yourself up for success in the future.
