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Girl Trouble

3/31/2016

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Courtney Mageau- Girl Trouble

Edmonton, Alberta native Courtney Mageau grew up immersed in Drag Racing.   The youngest in a family of four girls, her father and grandfather had raced alcohol altereds and funny cars while she was growing up.     The elder girls often would accompany dad to the track, while Courtney and her other sister stayed home with their mom.    At bigger events, when the entire family would attend the race, Courtney remembers sitting in the stands to cheer on her dad.
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Starting with the junior dragster she raced at 13 years-old, Courtney Mageau felt she had a bit of a late start to the sport.

Still, she traveled with her father and grandfather to different tracks, racing in different conditions and facing new competitors she wasn’t familiar with.    Though she was gaining experience, she didn’t have many breakthrough moments in the class, finishing 2nd only once during her three-year stint in the Junior Dragster ranks.
When she turned 16, Courtney sold her Junior Dragster and focused her energy on becoming a crewmember on her father’s team for the next two years.  In 2009, she would climb back behind the wheel to earn her competition license in an ET Bracket Dragster, running twice that season.
But her big breakthrough moment came during the 2010 season, when Courtney would
take home the championship at the IHRA Rocky Mountain Nationals in the Top ET category.   19-year-old Mageau fought through a full, tough field to land herself the victory in the class.

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Want to Read More? Click Here to go to Horsepower & Heels. com

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Blade Gone Sweet

2/17/2016

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​Morgan Bartley – Blade Gone Sweet

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The sport of truck and tractor pulling is just about as “grass-roots” as motorsports gets.  Its easy to imagine men taking their horses (and later tractors) out into their back field, and competing to see who had the strongest team.  I can only imagine what the woman’s role was in the early years of this sport, probably preparing lunch for the men to have after a full morning of competition.  Fast forward to 2016 and the role of women in truck and tractor pulling has dramatically changed.  It is quickly growing into a more popular form of motorsports, and with that there has been a dramatic increase in female drivers. Women like Rodalyn Knox, the driver of the Sassy Massey, were the trailblazers in the sport, leading the way for the dozens of female drivers today.  In fact, it is becoming so popular that last year at the National Tractor Pulling Championship in Bowling Green, Ohio, in the super modified two wheel drive class of 53 competitors, 11 were female drivers
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One of those drivers is seventeen year old Morgan Bartley from Saluda, South Carolina.  Morgan is the driver of a super modified two wheel drive truck that she calls Blade Gone Sweet.  Her truck features a 1923 Ford T-Bucket body and a 526 Keith Black Hemi.  She competes at a Grand National level with the National Truck and Tractor Pullers Association throughout her summers.  2015-2016 may have been her rookie year driving, but she is no rookie to the sport of truck pulling.  Morgan’s family have deep roots in the sport of truck and tractor pulling, with her dad being a 25 year veteran of the sport.  It was only natural for Morgan to follow in the footsteps of her father and brother and become a driver when her time came

Want to Read More? Click Here to go to Horsepower & Heels. com

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From Heroin to Heroine

8/1/2015

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Rachel Turtz
New Jersey

By Girls N' Garages Magazine

Imagine yourself  hitting the lowest of the low but in the end overcoming it all and pursuing a happy and healthy life because of............ cars? Rachel Turtz did. She is an amazing women who battled addiction but due to an unignorable passion for drifting was able to pull herself out of a crippling addiction and now has a successful career at Mishimoto Automotive…and a pink drift car!


What are your interests within the automotive industry?

Drifting. Why? Because it’s awesome. There is nothing about it that isn’t fun. It’s a community and a family, no matter where you are in the world. This is also why I drift.  


When did you first get into drifting?

I’ve always been into cars. In 2012 I was sexually abused at gunpoint in Camden, NJ. I was a heroin addict. Needless to say, things had to change. I sold my Jeep to my now fiancé. When we first started dating, I was a bit of a mess, early in recovery and a single mom. He took me to a Club Loose event, East Coast Bash in particular. It was awesome. It immediately became my outlet. My new addiction. Everyone there seemed like a family. It was a reckless party full of sweaty dudes that would get in their cars and just drift for fun. I wanted that. I bought a 240sx and drove down to 100 Drifters of December one year. I took my stock KA, open differential 240sx around the skid pad. As stupid as it was going around in a circle, I loved it. From there, I started driving every Club Loose event I possibly could. I wanted to learn and I wanted it bad.

How did you become addicted to heroin? 

 That’s hard to say. By my sophomore year in high school I thought I had the whole world figured out. I was in advanced classes and wanted to go to college for biomedical engineering. Problem was, I didn’t really have friends. Like most teenage girls, I wanted to be a “cool kid”. So, I dropped down to easier classes and started making friends with people I had no business getting involved with. I started dating someone (my child’s father) who was a heavy drug user and when we went to parties, I didn’t want to feel left out. So I started using. Like most addiction stories, it started out recreational and there was nothing I wouldn’t try. The first time I tried Percocet, I was hooked. By the beginning of my junior year, I was an addict. I made it to county college but dropped out because I couldn’t go to class if I wasn’t high. Fast forward 3 years and my family wanted nothing to do with me, I was homeless, miserable and I wanted to stop, but couldn’t. I tried to get clean but kept relapsing. Then, I got pregnant. I thought it was going to save my life. I was wrong. I had a happy pregnancy, felt like my family wanted me in their lives again and I was doing really good. But, as soon as I got out of the hospital and got home I went through post-partum depression. It was awful. I panicked and all I wanted to do was use. And I did. However, my drug of choice, Percocet, was not available and heroin was. So I tried it and needless to say, my addiction started all over again and escalated beyond my control.

Was it hard to come clean?

Hard doesn’t even describe it. After my episode in Camden, NJ DYFS got involved. They threatened to kick me out of my house, take my son away and leave me out on the streets unless I got my act together. Well, that was it for me. Trying to get clean while having a baby to take care of was by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I barely slept, had night terrors, the shakes, restless legs, I couldn’t eat, I thought my body was shutting down. But, when my son got up in the middle of the night, I had to muscle up any energy I had left to feed him, change him, etc. It was like a bad dream. However, one day, after about 2 weeks, I woke up and felt amazing. It came out of nowhere. I went to meetings, rode my bike (since my license was taken away from me), found a job, and started to become a “normal” person again.

How soon after you realized that you needed to change did you find drifting to be your outlet?

 It took some time. My first day drug-free was February 23rd and my first Club Loose event was the end of May.

Did you think you would enjoy going to the Club Loose event that helped you realize drifting was your outlet?

I had NO IDEA what to expect showing up to Club Loose. It felt awkward at first. Trying to socialize in general was still hard. But these people acted like a family and were so welcoming. They weren’t getting wasted to have fun, they were drifting. It was so foreign to me. I didn’t know how to have fun without drugs and that’s what Club Loose showed me.

Would you say your road to recovery was hard?

Absolutely. But standing here today, I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m a better person, a better mom, and I’m happy. If I didn’t go through what I did, I would not be who I am today.

What would you like readers to know?

I want readers to know about addiction. It takes the lives of so many people every year and I’m proud to be someone that is still here. Drifting saved my life. I’m always reachable and anyone that wants help can always contact me. I’m a young mom, I drift, and I work for Mishimoto. I mean, you can’t get better than that. Life is good.

What would be your tip for women getting into the automotive industry/racing? What would you like to see in regards to women's involvement in the industry?

Don’t let the big boys get you down. Men and women will look down on you and think you can’t do it at times. Prove them wrong. I painted my 240sx hot pink just to make a point. Like, hey, I’m a girl but I can still drift. ;)

While Rachel’s road may not have been without rough patches, and seemingly having the odds put against her, she has risen above all of that. With her involvement with Mishimoto and being active within the drifting community this lady is making an impact on everyone who she tells her story to.


This article has been brought to you by Girls N' Garages Magazine on behalf of The International Women's Automotive Society.

Like our article? Read more about women in the automotive industry at  
girlsngarages.com.

Be sure to subscribe to their magazine: Girls ‘N Garages: A Women’s Automotive Magazine!


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The "Motor City" Lady

6/15/2015

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Kimberly Gulley
West Palm Beach, Florida
By: Victoria Ellis


 
Kimberly Gulley is formerly from Detroit, Michigan or “The Motor City” which might explain why she loves cars so much.  Throughout her life, Kim has faced some very difficult obstacles which nearly crippled herself, and her dreams  of owning her own repair shop.  Her love and passion for the industry helped her as she battled through recovery to once again get on the path of achieving her lifelong dream. This dream, that at one time, she believed was no more. Learn about Kim and how she overcame her obstacles and by believing in herself, was able to come out on top.


What are your interests within the auto industry?

I would like to have my own custom automotive shop named, G. G. Inc. in the future. You can find some of the vehicles I have been working on, and worked on, on my Facebook page Gulley Gulley Inc. As it says there, Gulley Gulley Inc is a female automotive shop for custom cars, as well as simple maintenance repair and for women who want to learn how to turn a wrench.


How did your interests come to be?

My interest in the automotive industry began when I was 18. I found myself not knowing a lot about cars and felt like I did not know what was going on when I went to automotive shops to have work done. At that time the internet was just coming about so I went to the library and pulled every book I could on that vehicle.

 
What are your goals within the industry?

My goals within the industry are to be known for my quality work and craftsmanship. I don’t just want to make a buck off my customers. I want to genuinely help them. I want my clients to know I am passionate about giving whatever build comes my way everything I has. “I give 100% at anything I do .... Tho every car or truck is different I still like a challenge. So come see me and let my work speak for itself !


What would you like to see in regards to women's involvement in the industry?

I would love to see more women taking chances in the automotive industry.

 
What obstacles have you encountered in your path to success and how did you make it through?

In the beginning of 2012 I was in a car accident. The accident permanently damaged my back and left me unable to work or make any progress on my project vehicle I was working on at that point, a ’74 VW Super Beetle. I had been working steadily on restoring the Beetle since 2011 but I couldn’t do anything for a year and a half. I became angry and depressed but I was still determined to find a way. I took a lot of pain pills and pushed through, I was so close to finishing. I used my determination and will to never give up to get the VW just about done. I take pride in what I do and my work speaks for itself, being from the city that builds cars every day. I’m proud to represent not only my city but women too.

 
What tip do you have for women who want to become a part of the automotive industry?

Never underestimate your talents and skills. It’s the lack of will that sets others apart from you. If you have the determination to enter the automotive industry do it! Take a chance ladies and follow your dreams, you never know where it might take you. Organizations like The International Women’s Automotive Society will help cultivate this, and help more women become a part of the automotive industry!

 
Believing in yourself can go a long way. It's not always going to be easy but with determination and your ability to believe in yourself, your opportunities for greatness are endless. No matter your hardships, keep your eye on your goal and believe in yourself that you CAN do it!


This article has been brought to you by Girls N' Garages Magazine on behalf of The International Women's Automotive Society.

Like our article? Read more about women in the automotive industry at  
girlsngarages.com.

Be sure to subscribe to their magazine: Girls ‘N Garages: A Women’s Automotive Magazine!


Follow Girls N' Garages on Facebook

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Ink & Iron

3/2/2015

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Hilary Ann
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

At The International Women's Automotive Society, our motto is to dream big, believe in yourself and surround yourself with good people. Here is a woman who has done just that. Despite all odds, Hilary is sreaching for her dreams and gives you an opportunity to be part of the action. Here, Hilary tells us all about her passions and goals of opening her own shop as well as gives advice for future female business owners.

What is your interest within the automotive industry?

body work, classic cars & restorations

I want to build a successful female owned and operated business, I want to gear my business towards building custom cars and restorations, and do top quality work. I want to provide a positive environment for training other young female technicians, and I want my business to be be an inspiration for any young female interested in getting into the automotive industry

What got you interested in body work/ classic cars?

I bought a '70 Oldsmobile when I was 17 and I wanted to learn how to fix it, so I drove down to the local auto body shop and asked if I could do a co-op. They said yes, and after I finished that and graduated high school I started right into my auto body repair apprenticeship

I originally thought I wanted to be a mechanic (I took shop class in high school) but I really hated all the electrical aspects of it! I guess the idea of transforming and changing the way a car looks just always appealed to me

What are your goals in the industry?

I have huge goals, ridiculous goals haha. I don't just want a business, I want a successful business. I want my work to be known, I want to create something great.... so that when I die I feel like I actually accomplished something with my life. I want to build top quality show cars, I want to push my self to always be learning new skills, and I want to be able to pass my knowledge on and train the next generation of technicians

What would you like to see in regards to women's involvement in the industry?

I would like to see more women getting into trades, I hate when I meet a girl and they tell me 'I wish I could do what you do'. I hope that eventually it gets to the point where no one even bats an eye if a girl is working in the trade. I'd like to see employers being more supportive of hiring females as well, everyone should get a fair chance.

What advice would you have for a female interested in starting her own business in the auto industry?

I would say make sure you have a good support system of friends and family, there are going to be a lot of people who will laugh at you, tell you that you can't do it, and just general negativity for no reason. Having a good group of people who believe in you and encourage you will help you stay strong. Take the time to build your skills and really get to know people in your industry. In a society where everything moves at warp speed is easy to be impatient and rush things, make sure you're fully confident in you skills before you venture out on your own, you want to do the best quality work possible..... it's your name and reputation on the line! Lastly, just be fearless and confident, you need to believe in yourself first before you expect others too.

What obstacles have you encountered in your path to success and what were your solutions?

Sometimes it's hard to get someone to take the time to teach you when you're learning, you just have to be persistent. Certain people won't take you seriously being a female in a male dominated field, but I always try to use that as motivation to be the best I can be, let your work do the talking.

What is the best way to go about getting an apprenticeship? What should you look for?

You need to find a body shop that will hire you on as an apprentice. In order to be registered as an apprentice, the shop that you plan to work at must have a licensed auto body repair technician that you can work under. Most shops will be open to having apprentices, as they will get incentives from the government for having them.

I'm not 100% sure of the exact numbers, but the government supplements some of the wages for registered apprentices (in Ontario, Canada).

Anything you would like to say to the women of the industry?

Just to never give up! Don't give in to the negativity. If it's something you're passionate about, then it's worth it! It's an awesome career, I couldn't imagine doing anything else!

Hilary is living proof that if you work hard enough and believe in yourself and you passions, anything is possible. Click the link below to see how you can help bring her dream to life and support an all female body shop.


Ink & Iron Fundraiser
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Lady Horsepower Farm

2/15/2015

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Lady Horsepower Farm
Antigua, Caribbean


Lady Horsepower Farm (LHPF) is the Caribbean’s first and only all-female drag racing team. Established in Antigua last year,  the team is a division of  Horsepower Farm, a Caribbean drag racing team which also has branches in Tobago, St Lucia, Grenada and Nevis.

The team consists of drivers Renee ‘Buttaz’ Edwards-Ambrose and Lisa ‘Lisa Lis’ Abraham, and mechanic Jodi-Ann Joseph. LHPF’s Team Manager is Linisa George, while Sheroma “Brass Angel” Hodge-Philip is responsible for branding as the Image and Media Manager. In addition to competing in regional races, the LHPF aims to give back to the community and is very passionate about youth development programes and initiatives.



The Crew

Renee Edwards-Ambrose 

is a certified commercial and private pilot, and attained her Guyana Civil Aviation Engineering License as a past student of the Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School in Georgetown, Guyana. She is presently employed as an Aircraft Mechanic with LIAT. She competes in her car ‘Da Black Widow’, and holds the title of the 10 sec category on the St James Raceway in Nevis, and is also the fastest female to ever race there. Her personal best is 9.7 seconds.

Tell us about your team and how you came to be?

Lady Horsepower Farm established September, 2013, is a division of Horsepower Farm, which is a drag racing team in the Caribbean. Horsepower Farm has branches in Tobago, St. Lucia, Antigua, Grenada and Nevis. Lady Horsepower Farm (LHPF) is an all-female team mainly based in Antigua. Currently our members are Renee "Buttaz" Edwards-Ambrose from Antigua (Driver), Linisa George from Antigua (Manager), Sheroma "Brass.Angel" Hodge-Philip from the Virgin Islands (Image and Media Manager), Lisa "LisaLis" Abraham from Antigua (Driver) and Jodi-Ann Joseph from Antigua (Mechanic). As of July 2014, the team has two race cars under the LHPF brand. Renee’s V8 powered Mazda RX7 and Lisa’s Honda Integra DC2.

I (Renee) have been racing since 2007 in Antigua. I was introduced to the Manager of Horsepower Farm, Mervyn Bonnett, by the then President of the Antigua and Barbuda Drag Racing Association, Anthony ‘Spanky’ Spencer, in 2012. A few months after meeting Mervyn, I was invited to join Team Horsepower Farm. I later purchased my current racecar in early 2013 and shortly started racing with it in Nevis in May of 2013. After racing for a few events, Linisa George contacted me and expressed her interest in becoming my manager. Jodi-Ann was finishing up her studies in automotive engineering in Montreal and was keeping a close eye on me while I started to make a name for myself. When she moved back to Antigua in early 2014, I jumped at the opportunity to have her on my team because I realized that she was passionate about Motorsports and mechanics. I’ve watched Lisa race while I was growing up and I fell in love with the fact that she was still very feminine and was a helluva driver. I had approached Lisa at one point to join, but she respectfully declined because she was at the time the newly appointed President of the Antigua and Barbuda Drag Racing Association. A few months later, she responded to my invitation and agreed to be a part of Team LHPF. The rest is basically HER story.


What inspired your love for drag racing?

    From a very young age, I've always been fascinated with fixing things. Neither my mom or dad was mechanically inclined, but they have been very supportive with whatever it was that I wanted to do in life. During high school, I developed a love and passion for Motorsports (drag racing and car shows particularly). Before my graduation, my parents asked me what it is I wanted to do as a profession and I replied and told them that I wanted to be a mechanic, pilot and/or drag racer. They never questioned why and supported my decision to later enroll at the Antigua State College where I studied Automotive Engineering. There, my love for the sport grew exponentially and I said to myself that one day, I will own my own race car and stage against the big guys one day. At that time, there were not many women involved in the sport and the very few like Kay Knowles, Lisa Abraham and Diana Watt were holding their own very well. But I wanted to race against veterans like Mr. Harney, Broyce March, Mark ‘Motor Max’ DeSilva and Brian Kelsick if I were to venture deeper into drag racing.

  
What are your accomplishments?

- Creating the Caribbean’s first all-female drag race team
- Titleholder of 10 sec category in Nevis
- Fastest female to race in Nevis
- Personal best: 9.73 seconds (1000ft in Nevis) & 10.9 seconds  (1/4mile in Grenada)
- 2nd Runner up of the 11sec category in Grenada
- Fast female to race in Grenada

What advice would you have for a female looking to be a part of/ start a race team?

Showing interest and the willingness to learn plays a vital role in starting any venture. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and even though the sport is dominated by men, do not be intimidated. Be confident with the decisions you make, and make sure you have a strong support team/system.

What would you like to see in the future of women in the automotive industry?

To be honest, I would love to see a lot more women getting involved in the automotive industry, whether it be as a racer, mechanic, auto body repair technician or even a volunteer at an auto related event. I also believe that every woman should have an idea how their vehicle works. I’m not saying that they should learn how to overhaul the engine, but they should have some knowledge of how to take care of their vehicle and cut down on the amount of times they would have to take the car to the mechanic; save some money.

 
What is your message to women in the industry?

Keep on striving for excellence in this unconventional and none-traditional industry. Be the role models that you would want your daughters to emulate.

Lisa Abraham

is a certified cosmetologist and owner of her own salon. She has always been actively involved in motorsports, and presently sits as president of the Antigua & Barbuda Drag Racing Association. Abraham is the newest member to LHPF family.

How did your passion for the industry start?

  I would say I was born with the passion for vehicles in my blood.  My father is a mechanic so I have been around vehicles from birth.  I spent a lot of time at my Dad workplace which is a car dealership. I remember from an early age being the girl in school at the window with the guys looking at every vehicle that passed.  I remember being angry if my Dad allowed another vehicle to pass him on the road, and since he worked at a dealership I had the luxury of being picked up from school every day in a different vehicle.  On the weekend we would take a drive outside the city and I would sit on my Dad’s lap and steer; I always felt that I was driving.  My first job was at a car dealership and from the time I got my first car I began racing; which is almost 20 years ago.

       
What is your position on the team?

My role in the Lady Horsepower Farm racing Team is Driver.


What is your dream vehicle?

My dream race car for over 20+ years was a Honda Integra Type R and my dream Sunday car is a Red Ford Mustang Convertible.

What is your passion/message?

My message to other females with an interest in vehicles especially Drag Racing is follows your passion and live your Dream.  I am asked all the time if I am not scared as the sport is considered very dangerous and my answer always is “living is dangerous”.  If we were to all think about all the dangers that life possesses, we would never live.  Every other sport and everything we do in life, all pose some level of danger but we do them nevertheless; we just protect ourselves by following all the necessary safety requirements.  One of my hearts desires is to one day race on an international track with thousands of spectators in the arena and millions watching me on TV all over the world, then after the race, being interviewed live by some major networks.  In life I believe in following your passions and living your dreams, you just need to have faith and trust in God to see you through in whatever you set out for your life, providing it’s in his plan. 

 

Sheroma ‘Brass.Angel’ Hodge-Philip


How did your passion for the industry start?

    I remember the first time I saw my dad's Nissan 300ZX back in the 80's. It would speak and let you know when the door was open etc. and I was so fascinated because I felt like I was in "Kit" from night rider (lol). From then on, I loved unique and beautifully engineered cars/vehicles.


What is your position on the team?

I am the Image and Media Manager.

What is your dream vehicle?

Wow, where do I start? I'm a lover of classic cars but on the futuristic end, I would have to say one of my biggest dream cars is the Audi R8.

What is your passion/message?

I always believe if you have a talent or gift, use it to help or positively impact others. God gives each of us a purpose, once you know what it is, use it to be great.


Linisa George


How did your passion for the industry start?

    Unlike the rest of the LHPF team I am not knowledgeable about cars and motorsports. However, I am very passionate and a strong believer in women going after their dreams while creating opportunities for others to do the same. It is that passionate that made me pick up the phone over a year ago and pledge my support to Renee. At the time she hadn’t publically started promoting and branding LHPF, so we were able to quietly plot the best way forward to ensure she achieved her goals.


What is your position on the team?

I am the Team Manager. I do everything behind the scenes, so the ladies can just concentrate on competing.


What is your dream vehicle?

I love the Range Rover brand, so if could, I definitely would get a black one. I think the colour black exemplifies power, strength and sexiness.

What is your passion/message?

My motto in life is ‘Define Yourself’. I believe that ultimately the things that will make us happy and successful must be the things we ourselves decide are worth the effort.  While we need the support of others to really make it, it is crucial that we are always the driver on our paths to success. It is that passion and strong belief in self that will get you over every hurdle. It is that passion that dictates that you get up, dust off, and start running again after every fall. There is no award for playing small. Whatever you go after, go after it big. Aim for the outer limits, and make sure you get there. Never let the sky or the stars be your limit. Always seek to surpass what you did the day before. There is greatness within us all; we just need to conquer our fears to unearth it.

Jodi-Ann Joseph

at 21 years of age, is the youngest member of LHPF. She is a past student of Christ The King High School and the Automotive Technology Programme at the Antigua State College. She has completed courses with diplomas in Automotive Mechanics and General Welding at the Aviron Technical Institute in Montreal, Canada.

For more information check them out at:
Lady Horsepower Farm Facebook page
#LadyHorsepowerFarm

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Social Media & A World of Jeeps

11/11/2014

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Krista Kunkel
Warren, Michigan

By: Victoria Ellis

I think most of you will agree with me when I say social media has taken the world by storm.
It has given each person the power to voice their praise or disapproval of people, politics, businesses, and much more. 


The barrier of interpersonal relationships enables people to voice objections and opinions they at one point or another may not have voiced in fear of confrontation or personal accountability. 

We share comments and images of every aspect of our lives including our families, life milestones, and our most treasured experiences and passions. For many of us this includes vehicle builds, automotive events and for many, industry businesses. All these things meaning the world to us. 

When we give people the power of judgement, we expose ourselves  and our lives to the unpredictable. In a media world where there are no rules, the simplest of comments or images may go viral. These items have the power to make or break you, define the future of your builds, businesses, and impressions across the industry. 

But at what point are the negative comments enough? Bullying, bashing, trashing, sharing humiliating memes of others exploiting their dreams, desires, and accomplishments? Traditionally, when faced with a male dominated industry, the assumptions are apparent of who approaches us in this manner. But what if I told you some of the most inappropriate comments were not from the gender to which we are trying to prove our worth, yet our own?

Here Krista talks about her passions in the automotive industry and how we can all take charge to put an end to the bullying within it.


What are your interests within the auto industry?

My interest in the auto industry are  Jeeps, specifically Wranglers. From the Civilian Jeep to the JK, but my passion lies with the TJ.

I also started a Facebook page back in 2011 called Michigan Jeep Girl. I started it to blog my jeep build process. I ended up finding that my page was an alternative to jeep forums. Forums can be very brutal on newbies and simple asked questions can be judged harshly. I gave people a outlet to ask questions that would other wise be judged and made fun of. Somehow I gained a following of jeepers who have the same attitude as me. We push strongly to keep the bulling out of our community . 

I wasn't quit aware of how big of a following until I showed up at a few events and people came up to talk to me. I even had fellow jeepers ask to take photos with me. It was a very humbling experience. I was also told a lot of fathers let their younger daughters follow my process. I even had a special request to sign a Poison Spyder flag for a friends daughter.


When did your interest for Jeeps begin?

I was driving a 99 Pontiac Grand Prix and a huge lifted truck pulled up next to me. I had never seen anything lifted before. I couldn't help but notice the more I saw them the more I noticed it was a guy. This just made me want something lifted to prove woman can drive them also. I settled with a jeep because it's versatile. I can change everything about it within my budget. After a trip to the mounds and seeing other people's Jeeps, I started researching and building.


What are your goals within the industry?

My goal is to be able to obtain a job involving jeeps or jeep related products and being able to show people that woman are just as capable as men. I love talking to other people and listening to what they're doing and being able to assist them.


What would you like to see in regards to women's involvement in the industry?

I would love to see more women doing their own work and being involved in their entire build. I would like to see the stereotype of woman staying on the side lines broke. I am a strong believer that if you take it out and play with it, be ready to learn how to fix it.

Also I would like to see less female bullying in the industry. I strongly believe you're suppose to help your neighbor, lend advice and support each other. Instead of waiting for a opportune moment to bash anyone that speaks or asks a question. 

I understand that in a male dominated industry being a woman can present it's challenges and difficulties. I may not know everything but I'm willing to learn. A lot of times I've gone up to a product display booth and was ignored. I've actually had one company I asked a question and he ignored me and spoke to my male friend. In a sense I feel like you have to prove yourself. However, I didn't expect to have to prove myself with other woman though. I've had my fair share of run ins with woman bullies but for every 3 bad experiences, you have more positive experiences.


What Type of encounters have you experienced?

One time someone made a meme about me using my photo. It said something really sexual & crude. A female administrator posted it on a very large female jeep page and instead of the woman telling me,she posted it live to 30,000 followers. It then blew up and was shared a ton of times.  She joined in with the bulling mob and fueled their fire. She deleted it and sent me an apology, only once several people complained of the post. 

As a woman in the same industry, I would have never thought to post something like that. . All I want is a few woman friends who share the same interest as me, I did not expect to encounter so much negativity.


Why do you think women bully other women in this industry?

I honestly cant even think of why woman bully each other. When I got a jeep I assumed since the woman population was so small, we would all be best friends. Instead at every turn I had a handful of woman just bashing me and calling me stupid. Or they talk about how I look. 

 I feel like people assume that girls that like trucks,cars,and jeeps have to look a certain way. If you don't fit into this " look", people like to talk about you.

 I even had women team up at an event and talk about me. Its the same women I've gone out of my way to help. I've never done anything to them. So instead they made up reasons to hate me.

If I could answer this question with a 100 percent answer, I would. I honestly feel like it's one of those questions along the lines of "do people really disappear in the Bermuda Triangle".

I believe social media and how we interact with people plays a big part in it. No longer do people have to meet someone to judge them. People are judged based off how they come across on the internet. I think this goes for men and woman.



How do you think this effects women's involvement in the industry?

I think everyone fears being judged by their peers and when social media is involved it makes it harder for people to open up. 

I believe strongly we would have more woman in the industry (not just the jeep industry) if we started supporting each other. We could all come together and start educating woman on how to do simple maintenance and build their confidence. Which is why I support fully the goal of your website.


What Advice would you give another female going through a bullying situation?

The best advice I can give to another female who is being bullied, and this goes for your everyday life also. Kill them with kindness, and smile at them when you see them. Never speak about them behind their backs because you are no better then them.

Never stoop down to a bullies level, at the end of the day they are alone.


What do you think can help put a stop to this bullying?


I see and hear people talk about others all the time. Not just female but males also. If one person stood up and said they wanted no part of the negativity, that leaves the person with no one to talk to and no one to bully. A bullies function is to gain attention of their peers and turn them against one person. If said, peers didn't allow it, the bully wouldn't exist.

Everyone should learn to treat everyone with respect and to keep their negative comments to themselves. Nothing good comes out of bashing others.

People need to understand that just because you own something does not make you better. The guy who worked his butt off for his build doesn't need to be talked down on. The family who bought a vehicle to spend time together doesn't need to be "bashed" because they're stock.

People need to remember we all started out stock with nothing and no direction. 

I pride myself on being honest and loyal. I stand up for people and put a stop to wrong doings. Why are the rest of you allowing people to say the negative things they do? Why are you not stopping the negative? Why are you allowing them to proceed with bashing?  The fire can be put out. People need to stand up and stop bullies from bashing others. Saying nothing is adding to the problem, saying something is adding to the solution.



Though many of us may experience times of defeat, do not let it be on anyone else's account but your own. Believe in yourself and your passions. Some people may not understand you or your decisions but they do not have to. Pursue your dreams for you and understand that the act of instilling negativity onto someone comes from negativity from within stemming from various insecurities. Next time you see something, do something about it. Support your fellow enthusiast. 


Build on ladies...build on.

7 Comments

Overcoming Challenges

9/30/2014

3 Comments

 
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Neichaun Tatum
Lansdowne, Virginia

By Vicky Rae


As our organization continues to grow, we continue to meet women with various different interests and passions. Many of them, theirs paths do not cross, but yet we continue to see similarities among their experiences and interactions. 


Women have become more involved in male dominated fields, yes this is true, but we all still tend to face certain prejudices regardless of whether we are into diesels, show cars, motorcycles, or what have you. Some areas of the industry may be worse than others, but sometimes life can take us by surprise to where we almost don't even know how to react. If you are like me you have had your fair share of trash talk, whether people won't look at you while having a technical conversation in a group or have others continuously  "explain" things to you that your were perfectly aware. Here Neichaun talks about how to overcome these obstacles and to be confident in your build and your passions.

What are your interests within the automotive industry?

The automotive industry reaches further than just the actual vehicles to me. I work as a Controller, for a company called Capital Automotive Real Estate Services. We are a real estate company, that specializes in sale - leaseback transactions for automotive dealerships. So from the business standpoint, I am interested in how well automotive industry performs, Personally, I enjoy seeing and hearing the mechanics of these fine machines. I like seeing all the different personalizations and modifications enthusiasts can come up with for show purposes, as well as the performance aspect.

So far I have only dabbled in the show arena, but look forward to stepping into increasing the performance hopefully this winter. I also enjoy meeting folks that have their own businesses that support the enthusiasts, from general mechanics to customization shops. They help me learn more about the vehicle, that the owners manual doesn't tell you.

I've been involved mainly in car shows, hopefully some track racing in 2015, and meeting fellow enthusiasts are my for fun interests in the industry. And the enthusiasts also include those that know the ins and out of the car, from mechanics to specialty custom modification shops, the behind the scenes personnel to make my build a reality.

What sparked your passion for building show cars?

For me it a form of expression. When I was little, as long as I could remember, I always wanted a Jeep Wrangler. I remember noticing how they could have different looks depending on the weather and what the driver felt like doing that day. Like it was an extension of them.

I would occasionally pick up magazines, and see how you could make little changes to the exterior looks, and it would really change the whole look of the car.

How did your current show vehicle come to be?

When the Dodge Challenger came out in 2008, it was a dream to own one. Then, I had a 2005 Chrysler 300C which I adored, she was a part of the family. However, having two young kids, daycare expenses did not allow me to modify it as much as I would like. In the summer of 2013, the Chrysler needed major A/C repairs. After a long hot and sweaty June of driving with no A/C, I decided that it was time to part ways with her, and get a challenger.

Still not having sufficient funds to modify the challenger right away, I knew what look I wanted, and spent the first 6 months of ownership, planning out exactly what I wanted. Since I am an accountant by trade, I would research each modification so I knew what was entailed and about how much I would need to make it happen.

Some of my modifications I really lucked out on, finding used parts through either the forums or on craigslist for savings that i could then apply to other modifications further down my list, the never ending list.

In the six months of planning how I wanted the car to look, I would try to combine some of the smaller modifications together, so I could minimize the need to have to take off body panels for example more than once or twice.

I hit ground running in January 2014, getting the two major modifications, the AFR Shaker hood, and Accuair iLevel suspension installed

What are your goals within the industry?

I would like for car enthusiasts to not assume that all the "really nice" modified vehicles belong to men.
But is is a balance I suppose, I don't want any special accommodations because I am a female either

How do you feel as women we can change this?

We can't be shy, or avoid following our dreams and putting the passion into what we love, just because it is currently a male dominated scene. We need to support one another, go to events, ask questions, and learn without feeling restricted.

What would you like to see in relation to women in the industry in the future?

I would like to see more women in prominent roles. I would like to see in magazines and at events, where when women are mentioned it is not because it is about the models taking pictures with the cars, but because they own and have designed the cars which are beautiful.

As I travel more to attend shows, I am hopeful to meet other woman that are also into car shows and look forward to supporting their builds.

What do you feel is the largest obstacle that women face ?

The perception that woman cannot know about cars

Even outside of car shows, I can stop at the store and have strangers make comments, such as, "I see your husband let you drive that today." or "Isn't that too much power for you."

How do you feel that this effects women who encounter these situations?

It's similar to walking down the street and getting "cat calls", sometimes you just don't want to have to deal with it, and makes you think of how you could have avoided that situation all together. But then you remember, I bought the car, its my car and I have built it to my liking, so you proudly speak up and defend what is yours. Hopefully in doing so, the next time they encounter a woman in a nice car, they will think about it before saying that kind of remark again.

But on the flip slide, there are those that are super supportive, and gender has bearing on the car. They love cars as much as you do, and in speaking with them, sharing stories and ideas, makes it worth it.

It is funny when people see the car, and later learn that is owned and had all the modifications planned by a woman. The look of respect is priceless.

What have you learned from being a part of the show car industry?

I have learned to be confident in myself. By pursuing my passion. I have met a lot of great people. I have learned to enjoy what I have and am able to do with this car, and only use the negative or condescending messages as fuel, to proceed down my own path for what I want. 

If they can take the time to make a comment, good or bad, that means my work was noticed, and hopefully a positive change has occurred. Either in a helpful way in having their dreams pursued, or in a positive way that they will think twice the next time a similar situation is encountered.

What would be your advice to women looking to get into the industry?

My advice for everyone is to "Build for you". No one else is paying the bill for you, So don't put too much energy to trying to please others.

We all have different tastes. Just be respectful, because to some like myself, the car build, is just a form of expressing themselves.

And plan. plan plan plan. This is too expensive of a hobby to have to do things multiple times because you have changed your mind.

As you may know, being involved in this industry at times may not be easy. But believing in yourself and your passions will enable you to overcome obstacles just like Neichaun. As we continue to grow our passions and careers, understand that you are not alone in your battles and that someone out there is going through the same obstacles as you.

3 Comments

Changing The Game

9/3/2014

4 Comments

 
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Talisa Ohmer
Harrison, Ohio
By Vicki Rae

For some time, the image of women in the automotive industry meant women posing next to vehicles in scandalously dressed outfits as a way to increase sales of magazines, posters, and calendars just to name a few. As in many other industries, the taller, skinnier, and as unrealistic the better. The image of women in the pursuit of perfection has left most women with  vast insecurities and a false sense of the word "beautiful". Talisa Ohmer is a female passionate about the automotive industry and the promotion of the women in it. With her passion also lies the promotion of confidence and showcasing beauty and that the true beauty of a person is not how closely they compare to magazine models, but quite the opposite. Here, Talisa talks about identifying beauty no matter your shape or size and her love for the automotive industry.

What are your passions within the industry?

My passion in the industry started sixteen-year-old me, hopping into the driver seat of an '02 F250 7.3L Powerstroke. I had been saying for weeks that I could and would NEVER drive it because it was just too big. From that day forward, I was hooked. I started to learn things about diesels, that I didn't even know about cars.

Along side of my love for diesels, I also have a passion for pin-up modeling. Being a plus sized girl, I'll tell ya, it isn't easy. The struggles of being a curvy girl in a world where the "sexiest" woman come in smaller sizes, are hard to take on. I recently did a photo shoot with my truck, and all I can say is, I wish that EVERY discouraged and shy girl could feel the way that I did when I saw the finished photos. I felt like a million bucks! I won't lie, it was really hard for me to put those photos out to the public eye. I thought that because I wasn't the image that society puts on us women in the Automotive Industry, that I would get a ton of negative feedback. Man, was I wrong! Everyone absolutely loved the photos! I loved them. And shouldn't that be the only thing to matter, anyhow? 

What would be your words for advice for women looking to enter the industry?

My advice for the new gals in the industry would be to NEVER get discouraged by the guys. In this day and age, jobs and careers are not limited to gender. Besides, anything they can do, we can do better.... We just look prettier doing it! In 2011, I ended up enrolled into a Community/Technical college for Automotive Engineering. Very soon after starting, I realized that my MAIN focus was specific to Diesel Technology. Cars are great, but my heart is behind the roar of a diesel engine.

What are your goals within the industry?

I have recently been in contact with an adult degree program local to me, about possibly enrolling into their Diesel Technology course. My goal is to take that step, and move toward certification in the field. I would love to take my accomplishments then, and land myself a career based job. 

What would you like to see in relation to women in the industry?

I would like to see more girls who are actually willing to learn and work on their own vehicles instead of looking pretty in and on them! Girls come in all shapes/sizes. We're all beautiful in one way or another. More girls should start using their knowledge behind their passion for their vehicles, not their looks. Any girl can pose but it takes a special kind of girl who will stay out in the garage 'till dawn to complete one thing or another on their truck for an upcoming dyno/pull/race/show. I know several respectable women who have done it. That's something to be proud of.

What impact does the "ideal image" have on women of the industry?

Two of men's favorite things, cars/trucks and of course, "sexy" women. To them, nothing compares to when the two meet. I get it, sex sells! If you look good in a thong bikini, more power to you! I always say that, "if you got it, flaunt it". Unfortunately, for me and the other plus size women in the industry, we don't have it. At least that is what society tells us. So, where does that leave us? We don't win the contests, we don't win the giveaways, or get offered sponsor ships to help us build our dream cars/trucks. If we don't look the part, we can't be a part.

Well, when is the last time you saw a plus size woman in any automotive event model searches? I know I never have. We are completely discouraged by the women with the "perfect" bodies. Women that sometimes, aren't even in the industry.

What is your view of beauty and how did you come to see it?

After gaining weight due to poor health and depression, I was completely stumped. I thought that if I didn't lose weight I would never do the things I wanted to do. My insecurities really put me in a bad place. It almost happened over night. I woke up one morning and I looked in the mirror and I thought, if I do this with my hair, and put this make up here, then I won't look so bad. I slipped on a cute dress and I looked absolutely stunning. I have had so many girls tell me to go out for plus size modeling and from there on out, I realized that I don't have to be a size 2 to be beautiful.

Beauty to me truly is in the eye of the beholder. It is all about how you carry yourself. You can be a size 2, or a size 22, and still be equally beautiful. Confidence is the key. Classy can still be sexy! More women need to pick up on that.

What would be your words to women facing similar obstacles?

My message here is to all women, but especially to the plus size women in the industry, do not ever let your size stop you from being beautiful. When you gather enough confidence to get out there and strut your stuff, you can conquer the world!

Not let anyone tell you that you're not beautiful. Beauty lies deeper than it's surface. Someone is always going to look up to you. The best way to not let let them down is to not let yourself down.


Here is Talisa, changing the game and showing the world that you don't have to be a size 2 to be beautiful,or to be model.

4 Comments

Art & Autos

8/5/2014

1 Comment

 
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Anna Perez
Alvin, Texas
By: Vicki Rae


Anna is an excellent example of a woman who has taken her skills and talents and united them with her passion for the automotive industry. Having a passion in this industry along with other skills/ education, can really set you apart and give your business a competitive advantage. Here is Anna and how she combined her love for automotive & her skills as a talented artist & publisher.

What type of business do you own?

I am the CEO of 914 Grafix, FastHer, and High Octane Family. In the auto community I create digital art work for decals, tshirts, publications and more. I am also a photographer for many race events in the Houston area. 

914 Grafix

I started 914 Grafix because I was in school for graphic design and found that all my work revolved around cars. Simply put, cause that's what I know. I found this made me unique compared to many other students, and even more so in my area.

FastHer

In 2010 I created TBSS Ladies. It was a group of Trailblazer SS women drivers. It had grown and became a great source of information and support for many ladies. However over the past year I had noticed that it was dulling down. the age of teh trucks have caused many ladies to upgrade to newer vehicles. Many staying in the performance vehicle area. G8's, GTo's, Jeep SRT8's , Camaros and Mustangs. So that made them not so much a TBSS lady anymore. Not to mention the amazing women I was started to meet at the events I was attending and meeting on FB.

 In 2013 I knew i wanted to create a new group and expand my followers and promote women behind the wheel. Also the women that are just into the auto scene as the guys out there. I found a few pages that were somewhat what i wanted to do. But all were themed. Either Mustang girls, import girls or what ever. Only one other I found that really was open to ALL girls. So it took me a few months to come up with the name. But when it hit me, i knew it was time. Hence, Faster started in April 2014.

High Octane Family

I use my talents to create the new online magazine geared toward families in the car community. High Octane Family is a magazine concept that I started as a school project in 2013. I created the first demo using photos from events i attended and shop in 2013. I finished it like a full fledged printed magazine in January of 2014. It is a magazine that is more geared toward car FAMILIES. the ladies, the kids, the local events and track nights.

Not just professional car photo shoots talking about the car, the modifications and getting a hooker in heals to pose with it. I want to educate those that know nothing about our world to what we do. I want them to see the kids helping push dads car through the staging lanes. The teenage girls driving the car they built with their dad down the track kicking ass.The wifes that are cheering next to the burn out box. I want to show that we are not a bunch of heathens. We are a family...A retarded one at times...but a family


Did you have any mentors/ inspirations that sparked your interest in the industry?

I have been around cars my whole life. I never really thought about it though until I got older. My dad always took immaculate care of his C10 that he had for year. I got it when i was a senior in high school as a "punishment" when they took my car away. I think i shocked them when i told them to keep the car, i will keep the truck.

My dad had a large family and we would always go out together to eat or to the beach when i was a kid. Back in the 80's they all had bad ass rides and CB radios. So now that i look back at it, it was like our own car meet!

Then when i turned 16 I met my ex-husband (still best friends today) and he was into show trucks as well. Over the years we morphed into the race scene around 1997. Going to illegal street races in Houston and Galveston. Running from the cops. Some real Fast and the furious stuff.

As we got older he got more responsible (not much) and started going to the track. We have raised our two kids in the car community. My son could name every car he saw on the road before he was 10. My daughter isn't as interested, but i have a feeling she will surprise us some day.

What are your goals in the industry?

I want to be the go to person when it comes to creativity and automotive. I want to be a known name in the automotive industry, particularly the performance end, as the top women in photography, publishing, marketing and design.

Known to empower women behind the wheel with encouragement and attention. Showing the world the game is no longer men owned.

What would you like to see in the future of women in the industry?

Equal respect. Just as many women on the track as men.

What would be your words for advice for someone looking to start a business in the industry?

Have nerves of steel, understand your clients and the field, if it's what u love stick to it. Remember not everyone is going to "get it" teach them.

What is your dream vehicle?

Alpha romeo....the the Americanized one.



In every industry, what "makes you" is what sets you apart from everyone else. Don't be afraid to let your passions take over even if they may not be conventional or accepted right away. Push the envelope and break new ground. And always remember, anything that is worth something is not going to be easy. If it is something you believe in, stick with it, hard work will always pay off.


1 Comment
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