Ep 190 Talena Handley - GirlieGarage.com

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.Resources and MentionsGirlie Garage About Page: https://www.girliegarage.com/aboutGirlie Garage Programs and Classes: https://www.girliegarage.com/classesThe Trades Podcast: https://www.thetradespodcast.comWhat You Will LearnWhy inclusive training opens the trades to more talentHow Girlie Garage builds confidence through hands-on educationThat skill development and community go hand in handWhy mindset matters as much as technical abilityHow automotive education can empower personal and professional growth Chapters00:00 Introduction to The Trades Podcast01:00 Meet Talayna Handley: Founder of Girly Garage03:31 The Birth of Girly Garage08:17 Empowering Through Education11:31 The Importance of Automotive Knowledge12:54 Expanding Girly Garage's Reach15:12 The Gender Gap in Automotive Mechanics18:50 Safety and Education in Automotive Training20:36 The Future of Trades and Education24:28 Challenges Facing Small Businesses27:21 The Role of Girly Garage in Automotive Education30:56 Career Paths in Automotive Industry35:08 Staying Grounded in the Trades37:30 The Vision for Girly Garage's Future