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 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 a really good question, and honestly, it's something I've thought about a lot myself. In my book, enjoying what people call "traditionally masculine" hobbies, like being a car mechanic, doesn't chip away at my femininity one bit. I see femininity as this really rich, ever-changing thing that isn't tied down to specific activities or interests.

Being a car mechanic? That's just one part of who I am – it's a passion and a skill I've picked up. My love for cars doesn't suddenly erase my love for things that are usually seen as feminine. I can totally appreciate how slick a well-designed engine is just as much as I can appreciate, say, a beautiful piece of classic jewelry.

To me, femininity is all about embracing everything it means to be a woman. It's not about fitting into what society expects or boxing yourself into certain roles or interests. It's about being authentic to who you are and feeling strong in the choices you make.

When you get involved in traditionally masculine stuff, it actually challenges those old stereotypes and broadens what we think of as feminine. It shows that women are diverse, capable, and have many layers. It's not about squeezing into a predefined box; it's about smashing those boxes completely.

I really believe there's power in owning your passions, no matter what they are, and not letting societal norms tell you what is or isn't feminine. It's about celebrating what makes each of us unique and realizing that being feminine can totally go hand-in-hand with loving cars, tools, and all those things typically called "masculine."

So no, I definitely don't think my job messes with my femininity. If anything, it just adds more depth to it, making it richer and more interesting. After all, isn't being confidently and unapologetically yourself what femininity is really all about?

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: Yep! For example, I've got my toolbox decked out with some really bright stickers, and I even have a small potted plant right there in my workspace. It doesn't just cheer up the place; it also adds a personal touch. I really think making your workspace comfortable and yours helps create a good vibe, and it certainly hasn't stopped me from getting under the hood and getting 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 bring a little bit of femininity into my life in different ways. It's really about finding that balance and expressing all the different sides of who I am. For starters, fashion is one way I add that feminine touch to my daily routine. You might see me rocking some steel-toed boots at work, but when I'm off-duty, I love slipping into something more stylish, like a dress or some cute heels.

I'm also a huge believer in self-care. Taking care of yourself is super important, no matter what your job is. So, spa days, skincare routines, and a little pampering now and then are definitely part of my regular schedule. 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 real soft spot for flowers. I absolutely adore them! Especially orchids. I've actually got 27 plants at home. I love taking care of them, and yeah, I even talk to them while I'm tending to them. It's a different kind of satisfaction than fixing cars, but it's just as fulfilling.

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

So, while I'm under the hood wrenching all day, my evenings and weekends are spent caring for my "babies" (my flowers), cuddling with my boyfriend while we watch some TV, doing my self-care routines, and 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 definitely comes with its share of challenges. Stereotypes and gender bias are like potholes on the road – you can't always dodge 'em.

In the shop, I've seen 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 over and over again, showing them that my skills aren't about my gender.

The automotive industry isn't always an easy ride for women. I've run into situations where I felt subtly discouraged, like there's this 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 here's the thing: every challenge I face just fuels my determination. Maybe I even want to help show the way and pave the path for the next generation of awesome female mechanics. I really hope my example can help turn 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 I'm faced with skepticism or doubters, I make sure my confidence doesn't stall.

One approach is to just let my skills do the talking. Actions speak louder than words, right? So, when people are doubting me, I just dive into the task with precision and expertise. I let my work be the proof of what I can do. There's nothing like a smoothly running engine or a perfectly 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 all here for the same reason—to get those cars back on the road. It really helps create a more positive and inclusive environment.

And, of course, education is a powerful tool. I take the chance to share what I know, explaining the intricate details of what I'm doing. It not only helps people who might have preconceived notions understand things better but also helps build respect for the expertise needed in this 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 just hang in the air. It's all about finding the right balance between being assertive and professional.

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 absolutely shaped how I see things. It's like I've had a front-row seat to how gender roles are changing. I've personally experienced all the ups and downs that come with breaking through gender norms in a field that's mostly men.

First off, it's made me super aware of how many stereotypes still exist. Secondly, I've learned that competence has nothing to do with gender. And breaking through these stereotypes isn't just about proving myself, but also about making it easier for others coming after me.

On a bigger scale, it's really fueled my passion for gender equality. It's about getting rid of this idea that certain jobs are "for men" or "for women" and realizing that having diversity in every field makes us stronger and more innovative.

Being a female car mechanic has also made me appreciate how important representation is. When women see other women like them doing awesome in roles that have traditionally been male-dominated, it can inspire and empower them to go after their own dreams, no matter what society expects.

Basically, my time as a female car mechanic has really deepened my understanding of how fluid gender roles are. It's not about trying to fit into some predefined box, but about embracing the freedom to be authentic and true to yourself, no matter what the norms are.

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, her 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 gotta say, even though the guys at our auto service are totally used to me being around, they still treat me like a girl. Just being in this male-dominated environment constantly reminds me that I'm feminine.

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.