Craftswoman Sandra Hunke is successful. It wasn't always this way. In her new book, she offers encouragement to all those who doubt themselves and their abilities. (Photo: © Robert Lüdenbach)
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Women in Crafts - Special Features
August 2025
Craftswoman, mother, model, author. Sandra Hunke is a doer. It wasn't always this way. With her second book, the "construction girl" wants to encourage people who doubt their own talents due to external influences.
Red hair, freckles, pale complexion. Sandra was somehow different. At least, that's how her classmates felt. "I was unpopular with everyone," the plumbing, heating, and air conditioning technician told the German trade journal Deutsches Handwerksblatt, describing her school days as incredibly difficult. Unsettled by the bullying in the schoolyard, she simply couldn't do anything right at school. During breaks, she tried to remain invisible to everyone. Participating in class was hard for her.
Sandra finds support in her family. Her father is a tile setter. The trade becomes a place where she feels safe and at home. Called a "construction girl" by her mother, Sandra throws herself into her beloved manual work after school. From building a treehouse to helping her father, she discovers how easy and enjoyable the tasks can be.
After her children's book " Bella, the Construction Girl ," Sandra, now 32, has published her second book. In " I'll Show You Where the Hammer Hangs, " the craftswoman opens her heart. Isn't this biography a bit early? "Yes, why not? It's wonderful!" laughs Sandra, explaining, "I've already experienced so much at 32." Above all, she was motivated by the idea of ​​using her own story to encourage all those for whom math or English is the oft-cited closed book.
The turning point in Sandra Hunke's life began on her last day of school. On her way home, a supermarket poster displayed six words: " No one is without talent, find your talent! " Fortunately, Sandra discovered her talent early on in the trades . Now she transforms bathrooms into havens of well-being, walks the catwalk as a model, and is a welcome guest at panel discussions.
Operations management
Craft policy
Operations management
Working on the book was a journey into the past for Sandra. A healing process, as she says. Looking back on her school days, the craftswoman wishes that schools offered a subject that gave students the chance to discover their talents early on . More than 700.000 followers follow the influencer on her social media channels every week. Whether it's her craft projects or her message: "Look, anything is possible if you know what you're capable of." Thus, her book "I'll Show You Where the Hammer Hangs" is an authentic life story, full of heart and clear language, and with another appeal: "Self-pity isn't the answer. Pat yourselves on the back and look at all the good you're doing."
Handicraft makersTogether with the Publishing House Crafts Sandra Hunke is an intern at the Craftsmen on Instagram and TikTok She presents the trades with humor and enthusiasm.Recommended readingPhoto: © Verlag EMFI'll show you where the hammer hangs! Put an end to old prejudices. For more strong women in the trades!
Off to the construction site
with @sandra_hunke
EMF Publishing
224 pages, 18 euros
The book can be ordered here: vh-buchshop.de
DHB now also available digitally! Simply click here and register for the digital German Crafts Journal (DHB)!
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