As far back as she can remember, Inez Escamilla loved to put pieces together and make her own inventions. The Dripping Springs High School graduate knew what she wanted to be after seeing a welder sculpt metal for the first time.
“I had always been good with my hands and I like to sweat, so it just felt natural when I stumbled upon welding,” she says. “It took me some time to begin to think three dimensionally, but when it clicked, I was able to create almost anything.”
Escamilla enrolled in Austin Community College’s Welding Technology Program. After receiving an associate degree from ACC, Escamilla began to weld parts at a local restaurant. By word of mouth, she gained clients and opened a shop almost eight years ago.
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“There is always a struggle, but great things take hard work,” she points out.
Escamilla also has a strong interest in personal fitness, and she combined her passion for welding and fitness when she recently opened a second business.
“I designed and built most of the upgrades in my gym,” she says.
As a welder, Escamilla says reaching her goals has been a game of proving her skills.
“I want others to know welding has little to do with gender as much as it has to do with strength, hand-eye coordination, craftsmanship, determination and creativity.”
“Women have to work three times as hard to have their skills and talents respected,” says Escamilla. “I want others to know welding has little to do with gender as much as it has to do with strength, hand-eye coordination, craftsmanship, determination and creativity.”
She owes much of her success to her biggest supporters who never stopped believing in her.
“My parents worked very hard to give my brother and me the foundation we needed to be good people, get an education and follow our heart,” says Escamilla. “I know I’ve been an inspiration to folks.”
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By Tom Gingras December 8, 2014 - 6:22 pm
Here, here for the homies, Inez! Good news and a good plan for setting up businesses so you can get back to that “metal sculpture” part. I’m still a believer and I don’t think you’ll have to work 3 times as hard. Peace and good fortune,
Tom
By Michelle Iskra December 8, 2014 - 6:30 pm
Your story is inspirational, breaking gender stereotypes and encouraging anyone with dreams to work to make them a reality. Bravo!
By Lee Lanford December 8, 2014 - 6:34 pm
Nice write up! There should be more articles for the welding and metal-smithing programs!
By Lamar Garcia December 9, 2014 - 1:15 am
Inez is an inspiration to all who are following their passions. Her hard work and support from family and friends have paid off. God has blessed her with many talents to share with others. Congratulations in helping to break down the gender wall. I’m so proud of you.
By Brooke December 10, 2014 - 12:09 pm
I am so proud of Inez and all she has done. She deserves all the success she has had so far and more to come. Excellent write up.
Brooke
By Bill Evans December 10, 2014 - 7:37 pm
Way to go Lady! Inez has one very critical component to success….the drive and motivation to persist through the difficulties to get to her goals, not to mention her commitment to those goals.
Good work and all the best to you Inez.
Bill
By Valerie Chaussonnet December 11, 2014 - 10:30 pm
This is great, Inez! Way to go! I miss seeing you around the shop.
By Valerie Chaussonnet December 11, 2014 - 10:32 pm
Great article, Inez! Way to go! I miss seeing you around the shop…
By Kara Mia December 13, 2014 - 12:46 am
Hi!
Did Inez also study Entrepreneurship? Where did she get the tools/know-how to open and manage a business — now two businesses?
Thank you!
Kara
By Antonio December 22, 2014 - 10:09 am
Hi Kara. Inez did not study entrepreneurship, but instead took a risk and worked tremendously to fulfill her goals- similar to what other successful business owners have done. You can pay her a visit at Ignite Fitnez in Soco to get some tips! She would be more than willing to give advice.