A female mechanic has gone to lengths to ensure women and non-binary people feel comfortable and at ease whenever they have car troubles. The 25-year-old used to be “anxious” when she needed assistance, and male-dominated repair shops were the only thing available, so she started her own business.
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Zoe Cog, from Manchester, UK, created a safe space for women to look for car assistance, a repair shop she called AutoCog. Although she started out as a receptionist in the industry, she became a mechanic herself. It was then she realized women constantly felt anxious about entering male-dominated repair shops, fearing discrimination or belittling.
“I’ve been the girl on the other end, worried about walking into places like garages and feeling anxious, and although it’s never easy, I like to think I’m an approachable, friendly female who has created a place where you can walk in and feel at ease, regardless of your gender,” she said in an interview.
“I get pleasure out of taking the pressure off the girls and can give as good of a service as any male-owned garage, but also build trust with the people I’m working with,” she added.
The response to Autocog surpassed all expectations, according to her. “Honestly, the response to my garage has been phenomenal and beyond anything I’d ever expected. It’s been an incredible rollercoaster. I’ve had so much support and positive feedback from not just women but also some incredible words from men,” she revealed.
She continued, mentioning how some feedback also proved why a female-owned repair shop was much needed. “Although some of the comments have proved why such a place was needed for us women — that’s for sure. I’ve had people question my ability to do the job as a woman, but I don’t let it get to me,” she said.
Many women are all about fighting gender stereotypes, and inspiring stories come up every day online. An excellent example is Edine, a young woman who stopped removing facial hair and shared how it has changed her life with the world.
My Parents Didn’t Show up for My School Graduation — Their Excuse Is Ridiculous
This story paints a bittersweet picture of resilience in the face of repeated disappointment, highlighting how family isn’t always defined by blood but by those who show up when it matters. Britt’s experience with her mom and stepfather is heartbreaking—they consistently let her down over trivial issues, never recognizing the significance of her accomplishments or the impact of their absence. Through it all, though, Justin and his family became Britt’s true support system, stepping in when her own family couldn’t.
Her decision to distance herself after her high school graduation showed strength, and yet, years later, her willingness to give them another chance speaks to her forgiving nature. Unfortunately, the second letdown underscored a painful truth: some people, no matter how much you hope or forgive, will not change their priorities.
Britt’s journey reminds us that we don’t have to keep waiting for people who continually disappoint us. The relationships we choose can be just as strong and meaningful as those we’re born into. It’s a story of finding strength in oneself and in those who truly show up, and a reminder that we have the right to redefine family to include those who respect and support us.
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