Woman-Led Ravenswood Auto Shop Is Here To Make Car Repair Visits Less Miserable

Mechanista, a nonprofit garage in Ravenswood, seeks to empower female and nonbinary individuals by providing hands-on automotive training and apprenticeships. Founded by Lisa Thompson, who previously led Blue Sky Bakery, the garage addresses the automotive industry's gender disparity, where only 2 percent of technicians are women. Thompson's inspiration stemmed from her own frustrating experiences with male-dominated auto shops. Mechanista utilizes innovative virtual reality software to train apprentices on various automotive skills, from oil changes to tire alignments. The garage also strives to create a welcoming environment for customers, featuring vintage furniture and dedicated spaces for parents.

Thompson emphasizes the importance of transforming the car maintenance experience into a pleasant one. Mechanista recently held a soft opening and is now booking appointments through its new website. The initiative reflects a growing trend towards inclusivity in traditionally male-dominated fields.