My company is The Tile Chick LLC, and I am based in Mesa, Ariz. My story began when I was a teenager growing up in Michigan. I spent weekends with my father, and he started bringing me to work. He taught me simple tasks such as filling the five-gallon buckets of water, sweeping floors, and cleaning tools.
From there, I learned how to grout and wash the completed tile. At first, I remember trying to be quick at washing. But my father would catch it and make me redo it. He always said, “If you don’t have time to do it right the first go-around, then you have time to do it again for free,” and that stuck with me. I learned in those moments the importance of doing it right the first time.
I learned to set tile with my father. He taught me the building blocks of the tile world that I was able to build on, and I worked with him and my cousin for some time.
Stepping out on her own
I wanted to do more in tile, so I applied to work in the commercial industry. I spent five years learning a different part of the tile world I had never seen or had the opportunity to be a part of. This position taught me how to read blueprints and run a job with a crew of multiple tile setters and helpers. I was able to be part of countless big projects, such as the Detroit Pistons complex and the Shinola Hotel in downtown Detroit, Mich.
I decided that it was time to establish a name for myself. I had been working on the side, setting tile in residential homes off and on throughout my career. This is where my independence and The Tile Chick were created. It was not easy, but slowly the business grew and my clients referred me to other clients.
Before leaving Michigan and moving my business to Arizona, I worked with an interior designer on a big barndominium project. This was one of the largest projects I had completed as an independent tile setter. So once I landed in Arizona, I hit the ground running.
But I didn’t know anyone. I put an ad out on TaskRabbit, and completed my first small tile project. Even though it was small, with the power of word-of-mouth advertising, it led me to where I am today three years later.
I believe my attention to detail and compassion for my customers’ needs set me apart from big install companies. I can take the time to focus more on custom tile installs rather than quantity of jobs.
Women supporting women
I had always wanted to complete the Certified Tile Installer (CTI) test. Initially, I felt I was not experienced enough and had not gained enough confidence to attempt it. When I received the invitation from the NTCA Women in Tile group, I knew I needed to take my shot. I was nervous, but had also gained enough confidence in myself and my work that I felt I could be successful.
The CTI test was even harder than I anticipated. It will test you in ways you may not expect: emotionally, physically, and your skill set. The biggest challenge is to stay on task and remain focused while maintaining your pace to complete within the allotted time frame. I learned you can’t let negativity get inside your head, and most importantly, you can’t get inside your own head. The CTI test put my tile-setting knowledge and skills to the ultimate test, with only seconds to spare for completion.
This experience demonstrated women supporting women through sharing ideas, skills, and emotional support. The camaraderie and relationships built during this experience are lifelong.
One of my greatest accomplishments was becoming one of the women to complete the CTI for the first time on International Women’s Day 2025, alongside fellow women in the tile industry. I can confidently say I earned the CTI #1982.
Attracting women to the industry
I feel that [The CTI All-Women’s Exam] can help support women who are already in the industry, as well as those who have always wanted to learn, but who needed a reason to pursue their goals. In addition, when I attended the Coverings show last year, the NTCA Women in Tile group created an opportunity for high school students to come and see what the tile world has to offer. It allowed young women to meet, learn, and see what women in tile have accomplished and can accomplish, as well as the importance of diversity in a skilled trade.
I feel more of these events would help introduce women to tile and allow them to see firsthand if this is an interest for them. They can then provide the support and resources moving forward.
It was fun to go hands-on with The Women in Tile group to make mosaic coasters at the Artisan Showcase booth. We were able to teach them how to set the pieces and grout. Once they were done walking the floor, they could pick them up to take them home.
(Ed. note: The Artisan Showcase will be repeating this activity at Coverings 2026. Come on by booth 4671 and make a mosaic of your own!)
The power of NTCA and CTEF
I joined the NTCA in January 2025. I decided to join because I know the importance of having access to the resources that it offers. My networking has expanded more than double since attending just a couple of events.
Plus, the CTI credential from CTEF has started to make an impact on my business. Having this certification solidifies that I understand how to install tile according to industry standards. I have started to receive calls from customers who obtained my number from the CTI website. This was very exciting.
Setting tile for me is an art of its own. Working with the customers on their ideas, bringing their ideas to life, and seeing their enjoyment with the final product is what I enjoy the most. I am looking forward to creating a path in the tile industry that will showcase my skills and talents for future female tile setters.
Find out more about The Tile Chick.
