Carly Steiman: Electrician, Entrepreneur & Founder of Workbee
Take a break, we’re on Smoko. This week, we sit down with Carly Steiman, a licensed electrician, lighting consultant, and founder of Workbee—a growing network for women and gender-diverse professionals in skilled trades.
With nearly 20 years of experience in electrical work, Carly takes us through her journey—starting as a teenager fresh out of high school, eventually founding her own business, Lady Electric, and now building a vibrant trades community through Workbee.
“My journey started with math, but what kept me here was the joy of creating something tangible and seeing the lights come on.” – Carly Steiman
Carly shares her expertise in residential electrical work and lighting design, including her time in film lighting—where imagination and precision collide. She reflects on the challenges she’s faced as a woman in a male-dominated trade, and the joy of working on projects that blend creativity and craftsmanship.
We also dive into the story behind Workbee: Carly’s mission to connect homeowners with trusted tradeswomen and gender-diverse contractors. Her vision goes beyond home services—it’s about empowerment, equity, and reshaping the business model for residential trades.
With honesty, humor, and tons of practical wisdom, Carly offers a relatable look at what it means to lead, create, and lift others up in the skilled trades. This episode is for anyone passionate about trades, entrepreneurship, or building inclusive communities—one wire, light, and connection at a time.