What if the future of the trades looked more inclusive, more empowered, and more confident than ever before? In this episode of The Trades Podcast, hosts Jeff Mudd and Danny Torres sit down with Talena Handley, CEO of Girlie Garage, to explore how passion, purpose, and community are redefining what it means to be a woman in the skilled trades.
In this episode, Jeff and Danny talk with Talena Handley, CEO of Girlie Garage, about how she created a community where everyone — especially women — feels welcome and capable in technical, hands-on fields.
Talena discusses the mission and values of Girlie Garage, why inclusive education matters, and how confidence is a skill just like any other. The conversation dives into curriculum design, the importance of supportive training environments, and how cultural shifts are opening doors for more people to succeed in automotive and other trades.
Listeners will hear actionable insights on building community, creating programs that work for all experience levels, and elevating the perception of the trades as both a career and a skill.
Girlie Garage About Page: https://www.girliegarage.com/about
Girlie Garage Programs and Classes: https://www.girliegarage.com/classes
The Trades Podcast: https://www.thetradespodcast.com
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to The Trades Podcast
01:00 Meet Talayna Handley: Founder of Girly Garage
03:31 The Birth of Girly Garage
08:17 Empowering Through Education
11:31 The Importance of Automotive Knowledge
12:54 Expanding Girly Garage's Reach
15:12 The Gender Gap in Automotive Mechanics
18:50 Safety and Education in Automotive Training
20:36 The Future of Trades and Education
24:28 Challenges Facing Small Businesses
27:21 The Role of Girly Garage in Automotive Education
30:56 Career Paths in Automotive Industry
35:08 Staying Grounded in the Trades
37:30 The Vision for Girly Garage's Future
