Success As A Chimney Sweep

Often the image of a chimney sweeper brings about thoughts of years long passed. However, this is a business that still has some demand. Not everyone has retired their fireplace yet, and Sally McKnight is there to keep them clean, reports SFGate.

Sally has lived a very full life. However, in the 80’s she found herself in need of a job. That is when she signed on part-time to work for The Irish Sweep, Inc. as an office worker. The first call she attended with her boss to clean a chimney was pure inspiration for her. She had suddenly found an industry she wanted to learn more about. Just six short years later, she became the owner. At 65 years old, she’s still just as passionate.

I am looking for any clue the chimney can tell me about its history and why it is the way it is. You’re using your brain, your vision, your smell, your touch. You can fix a chimney, but if you don’t find out what caused the problem, if you don’t mitigate, you’re just setting it up to happen over and over again.

I sculpt inside fireplaces in places nobody will ever see. I can work with one leg around the back of my neck, laying brick.

My mother used to shake her head and ask why couldn’t I have been a nurse or a teacher. I told her that being a chimney sweep has been my way of being of service. I love doing what I do. I’m so impassioned. I’m fed daily. I go into houses with absolutely amazing artwork, and I’ve been known to cry. It just doesn’t get much better.

Photo by kambanji

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *