Welcome to Smart Living! I’m Daphne Munro, and today, I’m thrilled to share the inspiring story of Bogi, a trailblazing female mechanic who has been breaking stereotypes and empowering women in the automotive industry for years.
Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Field
Bogi, a name synonymous with automotive expertise in the Valley, has a remarkable journey that started when she was just 16. She bought her first car, a 1974 Volkswagen Bug, with her hard-earned babysitting and lawn-mowing money. Despite facing opposition from her parents and the general sentiment that the automotive field wasn’t for women, she persisted. Her determination was fueled by a desire to overcome the vulnerability she felt when dealing with car repairs—a common feeling many women share.
From Vulnerability to Empowerment
Bogi’s journey began with a simple desire: not to be taken advantage of due to her lack of automotive knowledge. She enrolled in a high school auto shop and quickly realized that the more she learned, the more empowered she felt. This empowerment was not just about understanding cars but also about proving to herself that she could master a field traditionally dominated by men.
The Joy of Fixing Things
What started as a means to an end soon turned into a passion. Bogi found immense satisfaction in fixing things with her own hands. Whether it was her Volkswagen Bug or any other car, the process of diagnosing a problem, fixing it, and seeing the car drive away in perfect condition was immensely rewarding. This hands-on approach also translated to other areas of her life, making her less afraid to tackle household repairs and other DIY projects.
Girl Gang Garage: Teaching and Inspiring
Today, Bogi runs Girl Gang Garage, where she conducts monthly car care classes specifically for women. These classes cover the basics—changing tires, checking fluids, understanding brake systems, and learning how to communicate with service providers to avoid being taken advantage of. The goal is simple: to reduce the barriers women face in learning about automotive care.
Building a Community
Beyond just teaching skills, Bogi’s mission is to create a community. She organizes large-scale, all-female builds that bring women in the trades together, fostering a support network that helps them thrive in their careers. This community aspect is crucial in an industry where women make up less than 2% of the workforce.
A Message of Empowerment
Bogi’ss story is not just about cars; it’s about empowerment and breaking down the fear of the unknown. She encourages everyone to ask questions, be curious, and understand that everything can be broken down into manageable parts. This philosophy applies not only to cars but to any challenge in life.
If you’re interested in learning more about Bogi’s work or want to take one of her empowering car care classes, visit Girl Gang Garage. Let’s celebrate and support the incredible work she’s doing to empower women and make the world a little less intimidating.
Follow Bogi:
@Bogisgarage
@Girlganggarage
@withherhands
