Krystal, a 28-year-old electrician and content creator known as "Blue Collar Babe," is challenging stereotypes and harassment in the male-dominated trades. With a growing TikTok following, she shares her journey as a woman in a skilled trade, highlighting both her expertise and the daily battles she faces in a hyper-masculine industry.
Breaking Barriers in the Trades
Krystal entered the electrical trade after high school, drawn to the hands-on work and financial independence it offered. Despite her skills, she’s often underestimated or sexualized on job sites. From crude comments to being assigned menial tasks despite her qualifications, Krystal’s experiences reflect a broader issue: women make up just 4% of skilled trades workers in the U.S., according to 2024 labor statistics, and many face persistent hostility.
Krystal entered the electrical trade after high school, drawn to the hands-on work and financial independence it offered. Despite her skills, she’s often underestimated or sexualized on job sites. From crude comments to being assigned menial tasks despite her qualifications, Krystal’s experiences reflect a broader issue: women make up just 4% of skilled trades workers in the U.S., according to 2024 labor statistics, and many face persistent hostility.
Harassment in the Workplace
Krystal recounts frequent microaggressions—coworkers calling her "sweetheart" or questioning her competence—and outright harassment, like inappropriate jokes or unwanted advances. A 2023 survey by the Trades Union Congress found 55% of women in construction-related fields reported sexual harassment, often unreported due to fear of retaliation or being labeled "difficult." Krystal’s viral videos shed light on these realities, showing how harassment undermines women’s safety and career growth.
Krystal recounts frequent microaggressions—coworkers calling her "sweetheart" or questioning her competence—and outright harassment, like inappropriate jokes or unwanted advances. A 2023 survey by the Trades Union Congress found 55% of women in construction-related fields reported sexual harassment, often unreported due to fear of retaliation or being labeled "difficult." Krystal’s viral videos shed light on these realities, showing how harassment undermines women’s safety and career growth.
Pushing Back with Confidence
Rather than staying silent, Krystal uses her platform to call out toxic behavior and educate others. She shares tips for women in trades: document incidents, know your workplace policies, and seek allies among coworkers. She also emphasizes building resilience—mastering her craft has given her the confidence to stand her ground. Her mantra? “I’m here to work, not to be your entertainment.”
Rather than staying silent, Krystal uses her platform to call out toxic behavior and educate others. She shares tips for women in trades: document incidents, know your workplace policies, and seek allies among coworkers. She also emphasizes building resilience—mastering her craft has given her the confidence to stand her ground. Her mantra? “I’m here to work, not to be your entertainment.”
Changing the Industry
Krystal’s advocacy extends beyond social media. She mentors young women entering trades, encouraging them to pursue apprenticeships and certifications. She also calls for systemic change—more inclusive training programs, stricter anti-harassment policies, and representation in leadership. Some companies are listening: in 2024, several U.S. construction firms launched initiatives to recruit and retain women, citing diversity as a solution to labor shortages.
Krystal’s advocacy extends beyond social media. She mentors young women entering trades, encouraging them to pursue apprenticeships and certifications. She also calls for systemic change—more inclusive training programs, stricter anti-harassment policies, and representation in leadership. Some companies are listening: in 2024, several U.S. construction firms launched initiatives to recruit and retain women, citing diversity as a solution to labor shortages.
A Broader Impact
Blue Collar Babe’s story resonates with women across industries who face similar challenges in male-dominated spaces. Her unapologetic approach—blending humor, skill, and defiance—has sparked conversations about respect and equity. While the trades remain tough terrain, Krystal’s work paves the way for a future where women can thrive without fear.
Blue Collar Babe’s story resonates with women across industries who face similar challenges in male-dominated spaces. Her unapologetic approach—blending humor, skill, and defiance—has sparked conversations about respect and equity. While the trades remain tough terrain, Krystal’s work paves the way for a future where women can thrive without fear.
By sharing her truth, Krystal is rewiring buildings and an industry’s culture, one post at a time.