Who runs the world? Female auto mechanics just might.
Girls Auto Clinic in Upper Darby, PA isn’t your average auto repair business. The shop’s logo includes a flashy red heel, which is the first clue that this place is special.
Patrice Banks opened Girls Auto Clinic because she knew there was a need to help women become more mechanically self-sufficient.
I think all women can agree that auto repair can be intimidating and it’s hard to be taken seriously in a male-dominated industry.
But Banks wants women to feel comfortable and respected.
Banks used to feel uncomfortable going into an auto body shop but now she owns one.
“I created Girls Auto Clinic to educate and empower women through their cars and so what that means is we offer automotive buying and repair resources services and products to women.” – Banks told PBS NewsHour
Taking a leap of faith looks a lot better in red heels.
After calling herself an ‘auto airhead’ for years, she left her 6-figure salary at Dupont to pursue her dream of becoming a mechanic.
“I knew there were millions of women out there that were auto airheads or felt taken advantage of or mistreated by the industry and needed help.” – PBS NewsHour
She enrolled in auto mechanic school where she was the only female in the class.
She also found herself working at mechanic shops where she had to put up with being the only woman.
She told PBS NewsHour that she didn’t let the hard times get to her. She was focused on the end goal, which was opening a shop of her own to help women.
Her shop also hosts workshops to teach women about cars.
Banks told PBS NewsHour she is thrilled when customers bring their kids into the shop so they can see firsthand that women are capable.
Posted by Girls Auto Clinic Repair Center onFriday, May 28, 2021
“This is the future right? We want you to see that yes, women can do these things.” – Banks told PBS NewsHour
As if her shop wasn’t amazing enough, she opened up a salon right next door for her customers to enjoy while they wait for their car.
The salon is called Clutch Beauty Salon and it is the perfect way for the customer to kill some time while they wait.
“I thought ok, I have this place here where women are going to say ‘YES! I’m going to get my car oil changed right… I’m going to get my nails done. So to be able to kill two birds with one stone is the cherry on top.” – Banks told PBS NewsHour
The salon offers manicures, pedicures, and blowouts. You and your car will leave looking fabulous.
If you visit the auto shop you might just catch Banks wearing her signature red heels.
This amazing lady even wrote a book that helps women learn all about auto mechanics.
Need your next quarantine read? This is the perfect time to brush up on your car care knowledge with the Girls Auto…
Posted by Girls Auto Clinic Repair Center onTuesday, March 17, 2020
See the inspiration Banks has become and her journey there in the video below!
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