Can a Woman Be Feminine if She Enjoys Traditionally Masculine Hobbies Like Car Mechanics? Interview With a Girl Car Mechanic

 A person who asks a question like that, like myself, is likely thinking about the traditional idea of what it means to be feminine. Alright, let's dive into how I stumbled upon the answer to this question.

So, the other day, I had to take my car to the car service after driving through this crazy heavy rain. There was this weird noise coming from under the hood. When I rolled up to the service center, I spotted this awesome girl mechanic doing her thing – all confident and handling business. And, I gotta say, she totally rocked the look, decked out in her slightly stained uniform.

I walked up to her, kinda blown away, and we got to chatting. Her name is Victoria. After a quick back-and-forth, I threw out the idea of doing an interview, and she was like, "Sure, why not?" So, we decided to catch up at a coffee joint in the evening.

When we caught up at the coffee spot, this totally chic, modern girl stood in front of me. So, I kicked off the interview by saying, 

"Honestly, if I didn't know what you do for a living, I'd never guess you were a car mechanic."

Victoria (V): Well, thanks a bunch! You know, appearances can be deceiving, right? I get that a lot. People tend to associate car mechanics with grease and overalls, not someone sipping coffee in a chic café. But hey, that's what I love about breaking stereotypes.

Me: Why did you become a mechanic? Tell me about your personal motivation and passion that led you to choose a traditionally male-dominated field.

V: You know, it all goes back to my roots. Growing up, my old man was knee-deep in the world of cars. He was a wizard under the hood, and I couldn't help but be drawn to the symphony of engines and the smell of grease. Watching him fix cars with such precision and skill fascinated me since my teenage years.

I guess you could say it's a family thing. Dad passed on not just the tools but a genuine passion for the craft. I loved those moments when car owners would thank him, appreciating the excellent work he did. It left a lasting impression on me.

So, when the time came, I decided to dive into this world headfirst. At 18, I traded my curiosity for a wrench, and I've been in the game for 12 years now. It's not just a job; it's a calling. Breaking into this traditionally male-dominated field wasn't without its challenges, but I love proving that passion knows no gender.

Being a female auto mechanic might turn heads, but my motivation is simple – the love for the craft, the satisfaction of a well-tuned engine, and breaking stereotypes along the way.

Me: Wow, that's an incredible journey! It's inspiring to hear about your deep-rooted connection to auto mechanics, especially influenced by your father. The way you describe it as a family legacy and a genuine passion is truly compelling.

Me: Are you the only girl in our town who is a car mechanic?

V: Am I the only chick in town turning wrenches? Well, I can't say for sure, but honestly, I haven't come across any other girls doing it in our town.

Me: Do you think enjoying traditionally masculine hobbies affects your femininity? Why or why not?

V: That's an interesting question and one I've pondered quite a bit. In my opinion, enjoying traditionally masculine hobbies, like being a car mechanic, doesn't diminish my femininity one bit. I see femininity as a multifaceted and dynamic quality that isn't confined to specific activities or interests.

Being a car mechanic is just one facet of who I am—it's a passion and a skill set. My love for cars doesn't negate my love for things that are traditionally associated with femininity. I can appreciate the elegance of a well-designed engine just as much as I can appreciate the beauty of, say, a classic piece of jewelry.

Femininity, to me, is about embracing the full spectrum of what it means to be a woman. It's not about conforming to societal expectations or limiting oneself to certain roles or interests. It's about being true to who you are and finding empowerment in your choices.

Engaging in traditionally masculine activities challenges stereotypes and expands the definition of femininity. It shows that women can be diverse, capable, and multi-dimensional. It's not about fitting into a predefined box; it's about breaking down those boxes altogether.

I believe there's strength in embracing your passions, whatever they may be, and not letting societal norms dictate what is or isn't feminine. It's about celebrating individuality and recognizing that femininity can coexist with a love for cars, tools, and all things traditionally considered "masculine."

So, no, I don't think my profession affects my femininity negatively. If anything, it adds layers to it, making it more nuanced and rich. After all, isn't the essence of femininity about being confidently and unapologetically yourself?

Me: Guys always drop swear words like confetti when they talk, you know, just to spice things up and to connect speech, so to speak :)? How's that vibe for you? Are you cool with it, or maybe it has become so normal that you don't even notice, and you're tossing them into conversations without a second thought? :)

V: Haha, well, you know, the garage can sometimes sound like a symphony of tools and the occasional "colorful" language. Swear words might indeed fly around like confetti, but it's all part of the camaraderie. It's a bit like our own grease-stained version of bonding. It's like our own special way of spicing up the conversation, a sort of mechanic's seasoning if you will. When you're elbow-deep in grease and facing a stubborn bolt, sometimes a well-timed expletive can be quite therapeutic.

It's not that I toss them into conversations without a second thought, but in the heat of the moment, they tend to slip out. It's just part of the environment, and to be honest, I don't even notice it most of the time. It's like a background soundtrack that adds a bit of flavor to the hustle and bustle of the shop.

But, you know, when I'm out of the garage, I'm all about adjusting my language to the setting. It's all about adapting to the situation and making sure the language fits the vibe. Although, very rarely, mom says to me “Language” :)

So, yeah, I guess you can say I'm cool with it.

Me: Do you think there's a link between the caring qualities usually connected with being feminine and the careful attention to detail needed in your job as a car mechanic?

V: Oh, totally! You know, being a car mechanic is all about precision and care. It's like taking care of the car's health – just like you'd take care of a loved one. Every detail matters, and, yeah, that attention to detail is something I bring from my more traditionally feminine side.

Me: Can you share times when you've smoothly blended more traditionally feminine aspects into your work setting without it affecting how well you perform as a mechanic?

V: Yes. For instance, I've decorated my toolbox with some vibrant stickers and added a small potted plant to my workspace. It not only brightens up the place but also brings a touch of my personality. I believe creating a comfortable and personalized environment contributes to a positive work atmosphere, and it hasn't interfered with my ability to get under the hood and get the job done.

Me: In what ways do you express your femininity outside of your work as a mechanic? How do you balance and integrate traditionally feminine elements into your life?

V: Outside of the garage, I like to add a touch of femininity to my life in various ways. It's all about finding that balance and expressing the different facets of who I am. For starters, fashion is one way I infuse femininity into my daily routine. You might catch me rocking a pair of steel-toed boots at work, but off-duty, I enjoy slipping into something more stylish, maybe a dress or a pair of cute heels.

I'm also a big fan of self-care. Taking care of yourself is essential, no matter your profession. So, spa days, skincare routines, and the occasional pampering session are definitely part of my routine. It's my way of reminding myself that being feminine is about feeling good in your own skin.

When it comes to hobbies, I have a soft spot for flowers. I adore them! Especially orchids. I have 27 flowers at home. I love caring for them, and I even talk to them while tending to their needs. It's a different kind of satisfaction from fixing cars, but equally fulfilling.

And, of course, relationships play a big role. Spending quality time with my boyfriend, family, and friends, nurturing those connections, and being there for each other—it's a vital part of my life. It's in those moments that the softer, more nurturing side of my femininity shines through.

So, while I'm wrenching under the hood during the day, my evenings and weekends are caring for my babies - flowers, cuddling with my boyfriend while watching some TV show, self-care routines so on.

Me: How often do you encounter stereotypes or challenges as a female mechanic? Have you had experiences with gender bias in the workplace and the automotive industry?

V: You know, being a girl in the auto world comes with its fair share of challenges. Stereotypes and gender bias are like potholes on the road – you can't always avoid them.

In the shop, I've faced my share of raised eyebrows and skeptical glances. It's like people sometimes forget that a wrench fits perfectly in my hand too. I've had to prove myself time and again, demonstrating that my skills are not defined by my gender.

The automotive industry isn't always an easy road for women. I've encountered situations where I felt subtly discouraged as if there's an invisible "men only" sign hanging around. It's not just about fixing cars; it's about breaking the stereotype that only guys belong in the garage.

But you know what? Every challenge I face only fuels my determination. Maybe I would want to show and pave the way for the next generation of vibrant female mechanics. I want to believe that my example is a way to transform those stereotypes into tools for empowerment, one repair at a time.

Me: How do you navigate and respond to comments or attitudes that question your competence based on gender? What are your strategies for handling gender-based criticisms or doubts from colleagues and clients?

V: You know, it's like navigating a tricky road, but I've got my trusty toolkit for handling those comments and attitudes. First off, I've learned to stay cool under the hood, so to speak. When faced with skepticism or doubters, I make sure my confidence doesn't stall.

One approach is to let my skills do the talking. Actions speak louder than words, right? So, when I'm faced with doubts, I dive into the task at hand with precision and expertise. I let my work be the testament to my capabilities. There's nothing like a smoothly running engine or a flawlessly fixed problem to silence the skeptics.

Now, when it comes to comments or attitudes, I've developed a knack for using humor to shift gears. A well-timed joke or a light-hearted comment can break the ice and remind everyone that we're here for a common purpose—to get those cars back on the road. It helps create a more positive and inclusive environment.

And, of course, education is a powerful tool. I take the opportunity to share my knowledge, explaining the intricate details of what I'm doing. It not only enlightens those who might have preconceived notions but also helps foster a sense of respect for the expertise required in the field.

But hey, I'm not afraid to rev my engines when needed. If someone crosses the line with a comment, I address it assertively. I'm here to fix cars, not to let gender-based comments linger in the air. It's all about finding the right balance between assertiveness and professionalism.

Me: Can you share a specific instance where you overcame a significant challenge or stereotype in your career?

V: Absolutely, there was this one memorable instance that tested my resilience in a male-dominated industry. It is memorable maybe because it happened early in my career, when for the first time I encountered skepticism from a client who doubted my ability to fix his car simply because of my gender.

This client wanted to initially speak with the mechanic who will be handling his car. The chief mechanic of our service center chose to assign this client's car to me and asked me to have a word with the client.

But when this man found out that it would be a young girl, he went up to the chief mechanic. He's all like, "I need a dude to fix my ride." But at that time, our service was crazy busy, lines out the door, the guys were slammed with work, and the shop didn't want to lose a dime. So the chief mechanic tells this man, "Sure thing, we'll get a guy on it," but slyly hands the job over to me.

Determined to prove myself, I took on the challenge with unwavering confidence. I meticulously diagnosed and repaired the car, surpassing the client's expectations.

When the dude rolls back to pick up his car, he's all smiles, happy with how things turned out. And then, get this—the chief mechanic decides to spill the beans. He looks at the guy and says, "Actually, it was her," nodding in my direction. The guy's face? Classic. Eyebrows up, totally caught off guard.

The experience not only showcased my technical prowess but also once again shattered the stereotype that a woman couldn't excel in a traditionally male role. This triumph fueled my determination to challenge gender norms in the automotive world.

It's instances like these that remind me that I made the right decision when I chose this path. 

Me: How has being a female car mechanic shaped your views on gender roles?

V: Being a female car mechanic has undoubtedly shaped my views on that. It's like having a front-row seat to the ongoing transformation of these roles. I've experienced firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with breaking through gender norms in a male-dominated field.

Firstly, it's made me acutely aware of the stereotypes that still persist. Secondly, I've learned that competence knows no gender, and breaking through these stereotypes is not just about proving myself but also about paving the way for others.

On a broader scale, it has fueled my advocacy for gender equality dismantling the idea that certain jobs are "for men" or "for women" and recognizing that diversity in all fields brings strength and innovation.

Being a female car mechanic has also made me appreciate the importance of representation. When women see others like them excelling in roles traditionally dominated by men, it can inspire and empower them to pursue their dreams, regardless of societal expectations.

In essence, my experience as a female car mechanic has deepened my understanding of the fluidity of gender roles. It's not about fitting into predefined boxes but about embracing the freedom to be authentic and true to oneself, regardless of societal norms. 

Me: Have you witnessed a positive shift in attitudes towards women in the automotive field during your career?

V: I think yes. There's this badass lady I know who's running a bunch of auto parts stores. It wasn't her gig from the start, yer husband was the brains behind it, but when he kicked off a bigger business, he handed her the keys, so to speak. And she's totally rocking it. Her chain of stores is one of the go-to spots for auto parts for our car service.

And then there's this other girl I know, just a regular girl, holding it down as a saleswoman in an auto parts joint.

Clearly, there's a real power move happening here.

Me: Victoria, final thought from you?

V: You know, I want to note that the guys at our auto service treat me as a girl, despite being accustomed to my presence. It's the realization that I'm in a male-dominated environment that consistently reminds me of my femininity.

Me: What advice do you have for other women considering a career in male-dominated fields?

V: Go for it! Don't let stereotypes or expectations hold you back. Whether it's cars, tech, or any male-dominated field, your passion and skills matter more than outdated norms. Be confident, show 'em what you've got, and pave the way for others. The road might have bumps, but the journey is worth it. You got this!

Well, it seems like Victoria has her own view on femininity, which resonates with me, but I can see the expression of her femininity in the traditional sense as well. As a result of this interview with her, I obviously came to the conclusion that a woman can be feminine if she enjoys traditionally masculine hobbies.

I hope you found this interview interesting and perhaps even useful to you.