Girls Don't Lay Bricks

The Inspiring True Story Of A Teenage Mum's Journey From A Young Bricklayer To CEO & The Lessons Learnt

Casey Mackinlay was a VCAL student with a bricklaying apprenticeship when she became a teenage single mum. Fast forward five years and she was a multi-business owner employing more than 100 people. Her story is nothing short of inspiring.

In the new book, Girls Don't Lay Bricks, Casey shares her personal journey and the life and business lessons learnt. Part memoir, part motivational guide, Casey's recollection of beating life's unforeseen challenges and her journey to success is a pragmatic distillation of all the tactics, tools and reflections that took one hungry teenage mother from a young bricklayer to CEO. An engaging read on how to create your own path to success no matter the circumstances, Girls Don't Lay Bricks provides readers with practical tools to empower them to make stronger decisions in business and life.

Melbourne based author, Casey Mackinlay is an author, motivational speaker and director of La Folie. She recently sold two of her successful businesses, The Promotions Company, a creative events company that had over 100 employees and Atelier, an aerial dance company which gave a safe environment for women to exercise, learn new skills and build confidence with in themselves. Casey recently launched La Folie, Australia's first aerial silks competition to provide dedicated aerialists with the opportunity to showcase their talent and is now on the speaking circuit, delivering motivational talks to high school kids, young mums and aspiring business owners. Girls Don't Lay Bricks is Casey's first book.

Girls Don't Lay Bricks
Author: Casey Mackinlay
RRP: $19.95

Interview with Casey Mackinlay

Question: What inspired you to write Girls Don't Lay Bricks?

Casey Mackinlay: I knew there would be people out there that could relate to different aspects of my story. I believe that if by writing this book I manage to help one person make changes in their life for the better then it would have been worth it.


Question: What advice do you have for beating Mum guilt?

Casey Mackinlay: Mums are our own worst critics, we always believe we should be better or doing more. Don't be too hard on yourself if your children have a roof over their head, food on the table and are loved. You are doing well. It's quality over quantity so just make sure the time you do spend with your kids, that the phone is away and they have your undivided attention.


Question: How can we support women in trades?

Casey Mackinlay: Let's start by educating all the men in trades on how beneficial it can be to have a woman on the team. When I was a bricklayer my boss would say how I had a better eye for detail! I would also love to see an online registration for woman in trades so they can be checked up on, on the worksite. From that registration a social networking group can be formed so the woman can support each other.


Question: What's the main message you hope readers take from Girls Don't Lay Bricks?

Casey Mackinlay: My main focus in life is not about making the right choices; it's about making the best of the choices you have already made. It's ok to get life wrong, just keep trying to be the best version of yourself that you can be.


Question: What's next, for you?

Casey Mackinlay: I will continue to open different doors for myself and create new opportunities to grow and learn. In 2019 I created Australia's first aerial silk dedicated competition called La Folie, and with Lorna Jane, TGI Fridays and The Sporting Globe as La Folie's sponsors I managed to host competitions in Melbourne and Brisbane. Growth continues into the other states this year. I also provide workshops and motivational presentations in schools and businesses. I like to stay open to new challenges.


Interview by Brooke Hunter

Girls Don't Lay Bricks 
Author: Casey Mackinlay 
RRP: $19.95