Stephany Quiros Proves Plumbing Isn’t Just a Man’s Job

Plumbing has traditionally been seen as a male-dominated field, demanding skill, precision, and physical strength. However, one Belizean woman, Stephany Quiros, is breaking down those barriers. Through sheer determination and hard work, she has not only launched an inspiring business but also shattered stereotypes. Despite the challenges of juggling work, motherhood, and the pressure to prove herself in a male-driven industry, she continues to thrive. Sabreena Daly brings us her story in this week’s look on The Bright Side.

 

Sabreena Daly, Reporting

When you call a plumber, you usually expect “the man for the job” to be, well, a man. Plumbing demands skill, precision, and problem-solving, and it’s often seen as a male-dominated field. That’s why discovering Stephany Quiros, a twenty-four-year-old woman who not only studied plumbing but also started her own business, was a delightful surprise. Quiros is breaking norms and shattering stereotypes. And if you ask her what drew her to the field, she’ll gladly tell you.

 

Stephany Quiros, Owner, SQ Solutions

“Because it’s like a puzzle—everything is like a puzzle. You have to think about what’s going to happen next and plan ahead before it actually happens. It keeps you busy all day, and that’s what I love about it. I’m not the type of person to sit around all day—I like staying busy. That’s why I love plumbing.”

 

Quiros owns SQ Solutions, a company that offers top-notch plumbing services. Following her passion wasn’t easy, as the plumbing industry has been male dominated for a long time. This made it tough for her to break through, even during her school days.

 

Stephany Quiros
“It’s much more than that. Actually, it was very hard for me because when I started working or was in school, the males would laugh at you if you made a mistake. That made me feel very insecure. So it was tough. Sometimes, I had to go back online to double-check things, especially sizing. When you’re in front of customers, you have to know what you’re doing because, as a female, people are quick to doubt you. But it was challenging, yeah. Also, every day, you learn something new because plumbing is constantly evolving.”

 

At Bredda O’s Pizza in Ladyville, Quiros is the go-to handywoman, tackling everything from clogged sinks to bathroom fixture repairs. Owner, Emelda Velasquez admits she’s still amazed every time she watches her work.

 

Emelda Alarcon Velasquez, Owner, Bredda O’s Pizza
“It’s funny looking at a pretty girl—that’s what I thought—doing something like that. She actually helped fix the bathroom when it was clogged. And at home, she helped put the bathroom together as well. Watching her do her job is amazing.”

 

Quiros runs an online business with hopes of expanding it even further. Like many aspiring entrepreneurs, she knows that success demands sacrifice—even if it means breaking a few barriers along the way. Whether it’s navigating the challenges of a male-dominated industry or balancing work and motherhood, she remains determined to build a legacy that inspires others to follow their own paths.

 

Stephany Quiros
“It has been crazy—really busy for me, especially with a baby. It’s hard to manage being a mom, working, and trying to keep everything together so that everyone, including myself, is happy. Sometimes, I have many bookings in a day, and other times, people call, book, and then cancel. But it’s all part of the process, you know?”

 

 Emelda Alarcon Velasquez
“I mean, you’re not stealing, you’re not robbing, you’re not doing anything out of the ordinary. It’s an honest living, and for me, it’s hats off to you guys. I adore it.”

 

Her message to young women and girls is clear—just go for it. Do it even when no one is watching, and especially if you’re the only woman on the job. Every step you take is a step toward breaking barriers and showing that skill has no gender.

 

Stephany Quiros
“I think my advice would be to just take the first step. For us females, the hardest part is taking that step. If we hadn’t decided to open that Facebook page and say, “You know what? Let’s commit to this and keep going,” none of this would have happened. We wouldn’t be known—we’d just be doing the same routine. So, just take that step.”

 

Looking on the Bright Side, I’m Sabreena Daly.