Hilary Noack is a 29-year-old auto body repair technician from Toronto. She has worked for Legendary Motorcar & 427 Auto Collision, and she teaches auto body at Centennial College. She is currently raising funds to start up an all-female auto body shop, Ink&Iron. The shop will employ a qualified all-female staff and will also recruit and train young female apprentices. “We as women CAN succeed in this trade,” writes Hilary. “And we can take it by storm.”

To learn more or to donate, visit here.

She Does The City: What does a typical day look like for you, starting from when you wake up – to heading to bed?

Hilary Noack: I’m up at 6:00 a.m., at work by 7:30 and I work until 5. Everyday at the shop poses a different challenge so it keeps things interesting; different cars and different repairs. After I leave work I’ll try and get in a workout in.

What made you want to get into this line of work? 

I’ve always had an interest in cars. When I was 17 I bought myself a ’70 Oldsmobile and wanted to learn how to fix it myself, so I went down to the local body shop and asked if I could do a co-op there. They said yes, and that’s what kickstarted my career in auto body! It’s the perfect job for me because I love working with my hands, I find it so rewarding to see a car after its fixed and painted knowing that it was all a result of your work.

What attributes should one cultivate to do this job well?

I think first of all you should have a passion for cars! It’s important to love what you do. Patience is important, it’s a skilled trade so it takes years to learn—you won’t get there overnight. Good listening skills and work ethic are essential too.

What’re your fave & least fave parts about your job? 

My favourite part is when I get to work on a really cool project. I love old cars, or anything unique and custom. It’s a challenge, and something that breaks the normal routine. My least favourite would probably have to be how dusty and dirty I am by the end of the day. I have really long hair, so trying to keep it clean is hard in a shop!

What’s has been your most memorable project?

My most memorable is probably Mazda. I bought it when I was 18, and it was the first car I fully customized all by myself. It was hard, and I learned a lot. Best part is I still have it.

Do you have any warnings or advice for women who want to find work in your field?

I would say you need to be persistent, strong willed and confident. Don’t ever let anyone tell you can’t do it, because you can!

What do you see yourself doing five years from now?

I hope to be running a successful business, building awesome cars, and training the next generation of auto body repair technicians.

Have you always loved working with mechanical things? 

Not necessarily mechanical things, but definitely cars! I think my ‘aha’ moment was my first day in shop class in high school, it was like a brand new undiscovered world for me and that’s what ignited my passion.