It’s Not a Man’s World:

Garages are often seen as male-oriented spaces, and for some people, they can feel completely unfamiliar. That can make visiting a garage feel intimidating or unwelcoming. In fact, many women admit they feel unsure, anxious, or out of place when taking their car in for repairs.

But that perception doesn’t tell the full story.

It’s Not Just a “Male” Space

Yes, men are often front-facing or working in the workshop, but behind the scenes there is often a woman who understands exactly what is going on. She plays a big part in how the business operates and in how customers feel when they walk through the door.

That behind-the-scenes care is what gives many independent garages their personal, trustworthy feel.

My Story

Many women in the independent garage industry would never describe themselves as part of the business. Often, we see it as helping out or doing what needs to be done —but in reality, we are absolutely essential to it.

Like many others, I support my husband in running our independent garage.

I might not be the first person customers see, but I know how the business works. I wear many hats: accountant, administrator, marketing manager, problem solver, and sometimes even therapist on the days when nothing goes to plan.

Our garage is not just a business; it is part of everyday life. It comes home with us, shapes our conversations, and even becomes part of our weekends, like the Technical Topics training course we attended in May.

So while many women still feel hesitant about walking into a garage, they are not necessarily walking into a “man’s world”. In many cases, they are walking into a family business, shaped by women who:

• Support their husbands
• Help run the business
• Understand both the technical and emotional side

Those women are often the ones who can help others feel more comfortable, informed, and supported, because they understand both the practical side of the business and how it feels to be unsure or out of your comfort zone.

Independent garages are built on trust, relationships, and real people. Women have always been part of that story, even if we have not always been the most visible part of it.