A FEMALE lumberjack has admitted people are "shocked" when they find out what she does for a living.
Jessica D'Aquino, 31, is chopping down wood and stereotypes of what a typical lumberjack looks like.
Jessica is the director of Lumberjill Milling in Plymouth, Devon,
Arriving to the UK from South Africa at age 18, Jessica worked odd jobs as a chef and a carer during her 20s.
But the 'Jumberjill' – whose parents have always been involved in woodwork – switched fields to pursue her new passion in 2021.
Jessica started her business in June of that year – working closely with tree surgeons to convert felled trees into timber.
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She said: "My mum had a furniture company and my dad did milling – the family have always been involved.
"My family help me out a lot around the mill, my mum and dad are retired so they are in the warehouse a lot to help out."
Jessica has been spearheading her business for the past 18 months, but admits she is an anomaly in her line of work.
She continued: "I have not come across any women who have a sawmill. I am sure they are out there but I haven't come across them.
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"I am sure there are also people who are shocked when they hire me but I have never had a bad reaction.
"Nowadays I am sure people don't worry about that."
While female lumberjacks are few and far between, Jessica asserts she has built up strength to rival any male and take on any job.
Coupled with working outdoors, the businesswoman has no regrets pursuing her new role.
She revealed: "I'm stronger now than I ever was and I am the one moving everything around.
"Being outdoors and working for yourself, having your own hours is really nice.
"It is very physical, it might not be for everyone but if you like being outdoors I would go for it.
"I haven't found anything negative in this job so far."
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