How Womanic is inspiring change in the automotive industry

In 2016, at age 35, I took a big risk and started Womanic – an independent garage  business that set out to serve everyone but take the stress and anxiety out of the equation for female customers. With just £500 in savings, I stepped into the unknown, balancing life as a single mother with a mortgage and bills to pay. It was daunting, but I pushed through, working two jobs – nights at a supermarket and days building Womanic.  

I always dreamed of working for myself, but the fear of the unknown held me back. Looking back, every doubt and risk was worth it. My love for cars goes back to my childhood, when my dad shared his knowledge and passion. I bought my first car at 16 with savings, and those early cars became my training ground. I crashed, rebuilt, and modified them, learning resilience and patience along the way—qualities that now shape my career.  

My professional journey wasn’t straightforward. I held various roles in and out of the automotive industry, and each job taught me valuable lessons. Staying outspoken and hardworking wasn’t always easy, but I stayed true to myself, a principle my parents instilled in me. They taught me to prioritise happiness and authenticity, values which I now pass on to my daughter. Showing her that resilience and self-acceptance lead to happiness and contentment is one of my proudest achievements.  

Today, besides maintaining and repairing cars, I focus on inspiring the next generation. Through talks, STEM days, and career events, I aim to show young people the possibilities in trades like the motor industry. This work is where my passion truly lies. It’s deeply rewarding to see students realise that hard work and passion can lead to fulfilling careers they hadn’t considered. I want them to know that the automotive industry is open to everyone, regardless of background.  

From the ground up

My career wasn’t built on wealth or connections; it was built on self-belief and hands-on experience. I didn’t receive any automotive certification until later in life, and my qualifications come from the countless hours I’ve spent working under cars, making mistakes, and learning. Womanic wasn’t born out of privilege; it was built from hard work and persistence.  

The journey hasn’t been without struggles. I’ve endured difficult jobs, tough relationships, anxiety, and panic attacks, all of which have shaped me into a stronger, more empathetic person. I want people, especially young women, to understand that setbacks and struggles don’t define you – they strengthen you.

Embracing these challenges helped me grow, and I hope to pass that message on.

If I could offer one piece of advice to those considering a career in the automotive industry, it would be this: You don’t need a perfect background or a specific set of qualifications to succeed. What you do need is self-belief, perseverance, and the courage to keep going, even when things get tough. With enough grit and passion, you can build something extraordinary from nothing!