Crafts: Women take the lead

They establish and manage successful craft businesses. They engage in volunteer work and provide training. "Women Take the Lead": This is the title of a successful event series organized by the Düsseldorf Chamber of Crafts and Trades.

This article is part of the special topic women in crafts

Sandra Gronemeier is said to have once said after a few beers, "Tailoring is my yoga." And the successful master tailor doesn't want to completely deny this statement. She is passionate about running her own business, offers training, is the master craftsman of the ladies' tailors' guild and on the board of the state association, is a member of the board of the Düsseldorf Chamber of Crafts, and is an expert witness and honorary judge at the labor court. 

And with this career, the East Westphalian native has won over everyone who once turned up their noses when she decided to train as a tailor after school, when her classmates moved away to study, and her parents had hoped for a banking apprenticeship for their daughter. "That's a typical woman's job," her father would have said, shaking his head. And: "How are you supposed to make a living from that?" 

And you can still make a living from it – even as a woman

(from left): Department Head Claudia Schulte, Chamber General Manager Dr. Axel Fuhrmann, Board Member Sandra Gronemeier, and Janine Kirchmair, KISO Hairlounge, Willich. Photo: © HWK Düsseldorf / W. Meyer

With a great deal of ambition and ongoing training, Sandra Gronemeier has shown everyone how it's done. Her fashion studio Gronemeier Couture is known beyond the borders of the state capital.  

Such careers were abundant on the podium and in the audience at the Action Day "Women take the leadhe says Chamber of Crafts DüsseldorfFemale founders and managers (and those who want to become one) came to the Chamber for lectures and exchanges. For the fourth time, the head of the Chamber business consulting Claudia Schulte organized the event.  

You might also be interested in:

Craft policy

Federal government wants to lower mineral oil tax

Operations management

Incorrect invoice: The customer can refuse payment.

Craft policy

Bad mood among the building cleaners

"Untapped target group"

There's a closed Facebook group called "HWK Düsseldorf - Women Take the Lead." The group is managed by Claudia Schulte, head of business consulting. Just talk to them!Identifying female craftspeople, if possible, at an early stage of their career planning, advising and supporting them in their considerations of entrepreneurial independence, and supporting them in the further process – this has been one of the Chamber of Crafts’ main tasks for several years, it says.

"Because women are the largest untapped target group when it comes to Qualification at master level to Business creation and um business succession goes," says Claudia Schulte. 

The participants had plenty of opportunity to network and experienced interesting workshops on topics such as Brand building, digitalization and employee retention.

Use the advice of your chamber

Tip: Female entrepreneurs and skilled tradesmen who would like support on these or other issues can contact advisors at their local Chamber of Skilled Crafts at any time. The consultation is free of charge!