Shani Gates says some customers are shocked when she shows up on the job ready to mix and lay concrete.
After all, she stands about 5 feet, 2 inches and barely tips the scales over 100 pounds.
“People ask me if I hit the gym” to stay in shape, Gates said. “I tell them no. I lay concrete for a living.”
Gates started Curbing Creations four years ago and has been manufacturing decorative borders and curbing for houses and businesses ever since. Concrete curbs provide a border that offsets a landscaped area. It goes around flower beds, separating them from the lawn and giving the lawn a manicured appearance.
Gates can mix a variety of colors for the border. Depending on which type of mold is used, homeowners can run the lawn mower right up on the concrete, eliminating edging chores.
The 39-year-old mother of four is from Spokane, Wash., where decorative curbing is popular. She moved here 14 years ago. Her husband is in the Army.
Several years ago, she wanted decorative curbing in her yard but couldn’t find anyone around here who did that sort of work. So she decided to do it herself.
And she has never looked back.
Gates, previously an interior designer, loves working with concrete. The transition from designing interiors to designing exteriors presented a different kind of challenge.
“It’s a whole different frame of mind, as far as designing,” Gates said. “I go on all the bids, figure out the needs of the client, and give them a price.”
Gates is self-taught and does everything by hand.
She integrates flatwork with the curbing during the other seasons. Flatwork is concrete stamping that allows a range of textures and patterns on flat, concrete surfaces.
Gates is proud of her work.
“Every line in the concrete, I have done myself,” she explained. “And I can go to a house, assess the space and envision what needs to go there. I just love what I do.”
Gates said one of the toughest things to get used to was working outside in August. And usually she can’t break for lunch.
“But I drink lots of water,” she said. “And M&Ms — they help keep me going.”
Gates has had two employees helping out for the past 2 years. They mix the concrete at the work site, shovel it over and shape it. Then Gates gets creative.
“I make it look pretty,” she said. “I actually got a call from the guy who introduced curbing equipment to the United States. His name is Patrick and he lives in Australia. He saw (my) Web site and couldn’t believe the work I was doing with the equipment.”
Patrick Roach of Sydney, Australia, introduced the first curb machine in the United States in 1982 and has owned Borderline Stamp Inc. (formerly Kerbmate) for 20 years.
Gates may add concrete countertops to her line of products in the future.
“Customers have been asking me to do kitchen counters for them.” Gates said.
She says some companies have inquired about her technique in the past.
“I hate to say it — but I’m pretty tight-lipped,” she said. “I mean I am humbled, but I had to figure it out for myself — and I’m not giving it away."