I got so concerned at women friends being ripped off by garages, I became a mechanic
A FEMALE mechanic yesterday told how she is hoping to inspire women to get into the traditionally all-male world of car repairs.
Louise Baker, 37, wants women to get their hands dirty, stop being intimidated in “sweaty and smelly” garages and know what goes on under the bonnet.
She is the brains behind Womanic, a female-friendly garage which helps women become more savvy and stop being ripped off.
Louise began repairing cars with her father when she was 17 – but she went on to work in retail management, which she found “stressful”, before she started her own business three years ago.
She said: “I spent time stacking shelves, but I thought I’m so bored. People told me I should start up on my own so I thought ‘Why not?’
”Advice
Louise launched the business in Tyseley, Birmingham. Apart from winning approval from women, it has become a hit with men who make up 50 per cent of customers. The married mother of four-year-old daughter Ava said: “It’s just me that works here and I think that women just love the honest advice and conversation. Business is booming.
“I think for many women, including friends and family, they don’t like the thought of going to a garage full of men, as it is really intimidating – and there is a fear of being ripped off.
“Obviously the service is not just for women, it’s 50/50 and being a female mechanic is certainly not an issue any more.
“It’s nice to show that girls can do these things as well.
“Women-only garages are a big thing in America but almost unheard of here.”
Louise is also launching a service where women can learn skills such as how to change oil and tyres, work out repair costs and how long parts take to deliver.
“These are things they should have taught on their driving test really,” she said.
Louise also offers to collect and deliver cars when her customers are at work.