Adriana “La Gringa” Gigena is 46 years old, lives in B° Talleres Sur and has been a plumber, gas fitter and electrician for more than 6 years.
“I started about 6/7 years ago, when I lost my job. I had my young children, I lived in the US for 6 years and there I started with the topic of maintenance work. And well, I was left without a job and I said to myself: I know how to do a little bit of everything, I’ll take the chance! And here I am, working as a plumber, gas fitter and electrician.”commented the “Gringa”, as she is best known.
Was yours something hereditary?
My old man was one of those people from the countryside who, no one knows how, but he made you a house and fixed a car for you. My brothers are like that, just like me. We are very self-taught (laughs).
What types of jobs do you do?
I do everything from putting up a curtain for you to changing a plug. I also fix your toilet backpack, water heater, heater, etc. I know how to break a wall if a pipe broke, paint the ceiling with membrane… Everything! And I also walk everywhere. Currently, what I do most is Plumbing work.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love to talk, I’m always in a good mood and while I’m fixing something, they give me mate and coffee. Sometimes I have lunch, and most of the time I almost always make friends with people and that does me very well.
Are people surprised to see that you are a woman?
Women are happy, older people especially, marriages… but my clients are varied. They generally admire each other and I… Chocha! There is no discrimination, but it is men who have a bad reputation for failing, for not complying, for failing and not giving guarantees… people got tired of that. Obviously there are also 100% professionals. I try to always leave work well and if I fail, return as many times as necessary… and always comply with the agreed schedule, with the quality of work and commitment; And that’s why people like it and that’s why they call you again.
Why do you think young people are not more inclined towards Plumbing?
I think technology blinded them, it’s cooler to sit on a computer or cell phone than to get dirty and strain or get trained. There is no interest. There is no one to promote, there are no jobs or desire to learn… There is a lot of demand, a lot of work, whether there is a crisis or not, things break and you have to continue fixing them.
What are your greatest desires?
My projects are simple, to continue fulfilling as before, to continue giving me the body to continue working. I am very happy doing this job. The satisfaction is enormous. I live from this, it’s my livelihood. I have 2 teenage children, my mother lives at home and I have 3 dogs. I want my children to study, but I also tell them that having a job is beautiful and you can live very well, if you know how to take advantage of it and make the effort.
More info: Cel. 3516 11-3111 (La Gringa Service)
