Forging Her Path - Meet Nikita Adickes of KITA FABRICATION

Name: Nikita Adickes
Titles: Fabricator, Artist, Welder, Installer, Business Owner
Location: From California, now rooted in Tennessee

What industry are you in, and how long have you been doing this kind of work?

I work across a few industries, but I’m mainly grounded in fabrication and art. Honestly, it’s tough to narrow down because I’ve dipped my toes into so many trades—welding, epoxy resin work, project management, boom lift operation, mechanics, automotive, clay modeling, and more.

For the past eight years, I’ve been building large-scale art sculptures and projects for my family’s art company. Now, I’ve launched my own business, KITA FABRICATION LLC, which I see as my lifelong art project. On top of that, my partner and I co-founded 3D Print Solutions, our 3D printing business.

AWS Certified Structural Welding

Kita Fabrication where passion meets precision. We have a vast range of welding capabilities; we are a licensed and certified structural welding shop. With over 15 years of experience of welding and fabrication; we can help you build art sculptures, custom projects, hobby projects, onsite installation, mobile welding (limited), specialty material welding, production welding, and manufacture parts for you!  We take pride in our work and in our welds!

Our projects are found across the Art, Architectural, and automotive industries!

Mig & Tig Welding; specialty material capabilities.

How did you get started in your field? Was there a defining moment?

My family bloodline has been creating art for generations now and my pops needed help on a project after high school, so I jumped in and fell In love with the trades dedicating myself for years after that. I felt I was meant to be in the trades for my curiosity and easiness in the shop. I would say the passion and dedication I feel while building peoples projects was enough for me to realize I have a calling for this industry. My curiosity and comfort in the shop made it clear this was where I belonged. 

What challenges have you faced as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated space?

People—mostly men—often assume you’re weak. It’s wild, especially considering that women literally grow, carry, and raise human beings. But I love proving them wrong. I weigh around 100 lbs and still lift double my weight. Women are strong as hell, and we don’t have to look like the Hulk to belong on a job site. When a project calls for extra strength, you better believe I’m in the gym building those muscles.

How do you overcome doubt—whether from others or yourself?

Just do the damn thing! Gotta go “Nike” style and, just do it. Do it if you’re scared, do it if you’re unsure, do it if you’re anxious, just give it a try and learn from every experience. Allow yourself to mess up as you learn; but study and practice hard to be as professional and great at your job as possible.

What’s something you’re proud of accomplishing that others might not see?

I’m proud of the skillset I’ve built. Sure, people like to credit my father or the family art legacy, but I put in the work. Countless hours in the shop, nonstop practice, a relentless drive to get better. That was all me. The hammer may have been handed to me, but I swung it on my own.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Every day is different depending on the project. I could be managing a build, welding something up, or fabricating something totally custom. On slower days, I’m handling the business side—social media, outreach, admin work for both of my companies.

In our 3D print shop, my day starts with checking emails, loading filament, prepping prints, and post-processing orders. I handle customer service, take product photos, create content, and ship orders. Juggling two businesses means my days are always full.

Kita building Pérez Art Museum Miami

What’s your favorite part of your work?

Working with my hands—no question. I love the days when I can forget the paperwork and emails and just get gritty in the shop for hours. That’s my happy place.

Got a badass or funny job story?

Okay, embarrassing but funny—seven years into my career, I misplaced my work belt before a big install. I had to run to Home Depot to grab a new one. I spent the entire day on-site with giant retail tags flapping off the back, and of course, no one told me. Looked like a total newbie. Classic.

How do you express femininity or individuality on the job site?

I'm a female so my presence in itself is the statement. I’ve got three feet of golden blonde hair, and I don’t try to stand out—I just show up as me. A hardworking woman who’s not afraid to get her hands dirty. I think my individuality shows through in my work ethic. I’m usually the last one still grinding on-site.

What does being a ‘Blue Collar Babe’ mean to you?

It means I’m living proof that “if she wanted to… she could.” Women are incredibly powerful—in motherhood, in life, and on the job. If we could shake off the old stereotypes and fully embrace the trades, we’d be unstoppable. This new generation of women? We’re coming in hot. One day, our kids will say, “My mom taught me to weld.” That’s the movement I’m proud to be part of.

What’s one tool or piece of gear you can’t live without?

My Dickies overalls—nine years strong rocking these bad boys and still going. And my O2 Armor nasal filters. Total game-changers when I need all-day lung protection.

Who inspires you—on or off the job?

My partner Brandon Romeo—he keeps my spirits up and always has my back. My sister Michelle Adickes is my ride-or-die and lifelong inspiration. And the fabrication community at large, including everyone I’ve worked with and connected with on social media. I’m super extroverted, so getting that encouragement and love from the community fuels me.

What advice would you give to the next generation of women entering the trades?

If you’ve got even a hint of creativity in your bones, please explore the trades. Even if it’s not for a career—learn for yourself. Fabrication is an amazing outlet for creative energy. Just remember: it’s okay to suck at something at first. Be patient. Practice. Improvement takes time. Don’t be hard on yourself. And have fun, god dammit!

Finish this sentence: “I feel most powerful when…”

I feel most powerful when I'm in the shop just working and welding things up for hours; I just enjoy working and being in that environment. I’m still learning where I feel most confident and powerful that’s fore-sure, I’ll always be growing and learning new things. It’s not about feeling powerful to me it’s about feeling comfortable and having fun and I’d say that’s in the shop!

Nikita Adickes ---->https://kitafabrication.com/
Founder of KITA FABRICATION LLC
Co-Founder of 3D Print Solutions

Follow Nikita’s journey as she welds, builds, and redefines what it means to be a woman in the trades. 

“Women make up nearly half the workforce, but less than 10% of skilled trades. That’s not a talent gap—it’s a visibility and opportunity gap.”
— National Center for Women’s Equity in Apprenticeship and Employment

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