A Woman Opened Her Own Auto Repair Shop To Make Women Feel Safe

Wouldn't it be nice if women didn't have to worry that a male mechanic might overcharge them just because they're women?

When I had a car, I used to ask my dad to take it to the garage near his work because I thought he might get a better price than I would as a young woman. I also wanted to avoid feeling like someone was talking down to me.

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I want to be clear that this is not about me not being good at negotiating. It's about how sometimes, people treat women unfairly in everyday situations.

There's a female mechanic who's trying to make things better. She started her own garage to help women and non-binary customers feel safer and more confident when they need car repairs.

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Zoe Cog, who is 25 years old and lives in Manchester, started a garage called AutoCog. Her garage makes women feel comfortable when they need car repairs, even though car repair services are usually run by men.

At first, Zoe worked as a receptionist in a garage.

Later on, she learned how to fix cars herself, becoming a mechanic. This experience made her realize that there's a big need for a garage run by a woman. It's because women often feel anxious when they go to garages where they might be talked down to or treated unfairly because they're women.

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Zoe, whose garage is located in Ashton under Lyne , Tameside, UK, explained: "I believe I provide something unique in the car repair industry. This make women feel more comfortable in environment that's usually mostly men."

"I feel although this is something that was going to happen sooner or later, the pleasure is mine to say I have created such a place."

"I’ve been the girl on the other end, worried to walk into places like garages and feel anxious, and although it’s never easy, I like to think I’m an approachable, friendly female who has created a place where you can walk in and feel at ease, regardless of your gender."

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"I get pleasure out of taking the pressure off the girls and can give as good of a service as any male-owned garage, but also build trust with the people I’m working with"

Before starting her own business, Zoe had a job as the top mechanic for Lamborghini cars, and she was also an expert in working on Ferraris.

"They were some of the best years of my life with some amazing people" she said.

"But I just knew I had to create an environment that reflected what I’ve become – a woman making waves in a male-dominated industry."

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Zoe has worked on a wide range of cars, from old kit cars fron the 1970s to brand new Lamborghinis owned by famous football players.

The reaction to her garage, which is owned by a woman, has been incredibly positive. This shows that there was a real need for a place like hers.

Zoe said, "Honestly, the reaction to my garage has been amazing and even better than I ever expected."

"It’s been an incredible rollercoaster. I’ve had so much support and positive feedback from not just women but also some incredible words from men."

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"Although some of the comments have proved why such place was needed for us women that’s for sure. I’ve had people question my ability to do the job as a woman, but I don’t let it get to me."