Bardie Somerville: Carpenter & Creator of Bard’s Builds on Embracing Identity in Trades
Take a break, we’re on Smoko. This week, we’re joined by Bardie Somerville, the force behind Bard’s Builds on Instagram, for an honest and powerful conversation about her journey into carpentry and personal transformation in a male-dominated industry.
Bardie’s path into the trades began in art school and took a meaningful turn after she accepted a laboring job encouraged by her father. From that moment on, she realized her true calling in carpentry.
“When I took that first carpentry job, I just knew—this wasn’t just work. This was me.” – Bardie Somerville
The episode explores Bardie’s early struggles with self-doubt, societal expectations, and the internal pressure to shed femininity in order to belong on job sites. She opens up about unhealthy coping mechanisms and moments of burnout that shaped her perspective—and ultimately, her growth.
Through resilience and introspection, Bardie came to embrace her true identity, allowing her authentic self to guide her work and her voice. Today, she empowers other tradeswomen to challenge stereotypes and prioritize well-being without compromising who they are.
This episode is a deeply personal look at the intersections of passion, identity, and recovery. It celebrates vulnerability, healing, and the strength that comes from owning your story—both on and off the job site.