In this video, I share the story of how I got my start in the automotive industry!! #ad #NAPApartner #teamNAPA www.pistonsandpixiedust.com IG: @pistonsandpixiedust FB: @pistonsandpixiedust TikTok: @FayeHadleyOfficial Twitter: @SupraFaye
no one talks about this or speaks about it really, but you're LITERALLY the perfect example of Manifesting everything you want.. Law of attraction... You were happiest chasing your dreams when you had hardly anything .. People need to trust the process and keep pushing forward for everything they want. AND again, you're a fine example of this!! People need to stop letting society control the directions of their lives and take the wheel to their own path to all their hopes , dreams and desires. You absolutely have to fail to learn and grow!! It's going to be ok!
🇺🇸that's living the AMERICAN DREAM...not like those kids out here getting FREE college, stimulus checks, and a dose of woke liberalism, chanting communist slogans and getting "high" for a hobby.
I am good at math and grew up outside of Detroit - I felt I had no choice but to be an engineer. 20 years into my career and I still have a highly technical position at a test track. I always wanted a job like this but had no idea how to get there and figured I would never get the experience to get into a position like this. The opportunity came out of nowhere 9 years ago and my job still hasn't gotten old to me. This is a beautiful description of an amazing story.
I have so much respect for this young lady. She respects herself, Her parents, her profession, her followers and her clients. She is a self made woman sharing her experiences to help others. I’m not a mechanic btw just a person who follows people who are accomplished and passionate. She checks every box.
Growing up I loved 2 things, medicine and automotive repair. I was able to do both, I worked as a mechanic prior to medical school then concentrated on medicine after graduating from medical school. I just loved fixing things. It could be living or mechanical, as long as it was broken I wanted to fix it and I was able to do it.
If I ever have a daughter, I hope she would be a lot like you. I really enjoyed hearing about your experiences and journey. Having a family that backs you up is super important in life. I hope the helicopter parents out there hear that. I am retired from the automotive world now, but it warms my heart to see young people that get into this. Just take care of your body so you can go longer than I did. Thanks again for all the positive energy and keep having fun with this stuff! Also, young girls that want to get their hands dirty, do it! There is plenty of room in these careers for any carbon based life form that has passion about this!
I sent this video to a young woman who needs encouragement. A young woman with a challenging history, who wants to be in the trades and really is doing her best to make it happen. She gives no excuses and just tries to find a way. I thought your video might be inspirational to her. Thank you for making this. Best of luck Faye
Thank you for motivating her! I'm a 27 year old woman who's been a mechanic for 2 years but I was also a 25 year old maintenance tech, a 22 year old tree worker, a 20 year old landscaper and a 19 year old plasterer. But before 19 I was addicted, incarcerated and abuse. Being able to fix and create things is so good for the mind body and soul and having a few solid people in my corner motivating me made all the difference
Faye, I think you're the textbook definition of Drive & Determination. I'm in my 60's and this is one of the most inspirational lessons I've ever heard. Keep going. Never say Never.
I love your story. My journey into automotive repair started in 1989, when my 1980 Subaru GL Hatchback had a CV boot tear, and I had almost no money. I bought the needed tools from a pawn shop and after so many hours of laboring, replaced that damn 1/2 shaft (the boot leaked for too long and destroyed the joint with contamination.) I later discovered that Subaru placed the catalytic converter just below the passenger side axel boot, and it teneded to dry them out and cause them to crack. I traded that car for a 65 VW and the rest was history. I am so glad to see so many women actually wrenching on cars these days, I've been waiting for 35 years for this to happen. (people always found it strange that a goth girl in the 90's was always working on her car, they assumed meth was involved, which it wasn't) Gender, nor fashion should dictate a persons abilities or passion.. Hazzah! Keep up the great videos!
Faye, you're awesome. At 18, I took a basic automotive class at a Jr College after that 1st year I wore out shoe leather towards 4 Toyota dealers. Showed my text book to the service Mgr and spoke about myself to end all of them needed at least a years experience 😒. Then I applied at Pacific Bell Communicatios. Started sweeping the garage 33 yrs later retired. 😊
Being 65 years old I was lucky enough to be a total old school VW Fan can't tell you how many I have owned. Bugs, Things, Ghias never had a Van. Did have diesel rabbit years later. But when I was in school had a science teacher bop me in back head one day for starting out the window and daydreaming. He told me I would never make a living staring out the window. I hated school was going to do many things you said you wanted to be a luckily was able to / I ended up proving the teacher wrong and made a very good living for myself looking out a window and driving truck. The high light of my life was many years later that teacher coming to me and asking for a job driving truck for me and I was able to say no, "Even thought I needed a driver. Lifes been good and you got to go for your dreams. Your an inspiration to so many. Thanks for sharing.
I am an Automotive Technician. I remember my dad was always wrenching and tinkering with his vehicles. I'd see him holding for example a carburetor and I'd immediately ask "what's that dad? What does it do? How does it work? What happens if it stops working?". I always had a fascination with the inner workings of objects, especially mechanical and electronic objects.
Fantastic! Thanks for a real motivational video. In 45 yeara in the automotive business I had many occasions to speak to classes of auto techs in high schools and junior colleges. Wish I had had your video to hold up as an example! My entry was simpler but simpler. "They wanted me to be a banker." I gave it almost three years and bailed. Went to Houston and the yellow pages. Volvo factory hired me but wanted me in marketing. I jumped on the first opportunity to go to Service. The head guy there eventually went with HIS dream and formed a new Mercedes-Benz dealership and took me with him. All service from then on. At almost 80 years old I'm still pulling maintenance on my RX350 and yes, Toyota does make the best vehicles!
Thanks for sharing your journey and your passion. I'm retired now at 73. I started at a Chevy dealership in 1970 after I graduated had high school because all teen-aged boys in the 60's were gearheads. I had tried a year of college and like you I found it wasn't for me. My career has been an interesting path going from a Chevy dealership to working for the local government repairing police and government vehicles of all sorts, to being a motorcycle tech building and repairing custom bikes (my passion), back to the City doing police cars again and finishing out as the police motorcycle tech for the City. Been a long strange trip. One thing I found out, to be successful, you have to always want to learn and hone your skills. You need the passion for the profession and an ego that tells you that you can do this. You need enough drive to never give up on a project but also to recognize when you might need some help. From watching your videos you have all those qualities and more. Best wishes on your future journeys and your continued success.
I was watching a car show and remembered you from a scion xb headlight adjust how to. I have worked in the automotive industry and as a truck driver. Just rebuilt a Mini turbo engine using just the manual and specialty tools. You are 100% spot on, anyone can do anything they want if they really want it. Thanks for sharing your story.
As someone who is already into their 30s and struggles with ADHD and has been down a similar road, i.e. worked a shop, currently manage an auto parts store and all that boring jazz, the best advice I can put forth is continue to tell people younger than us to follow their dreams. Too often our passions get stomped out by what our peers deem as worthwhile, but I can tell you 100% that making $30k a year to $100k a year, the only thing that mattered to me in the end was enjoying what I did day-to-day. I'd rather enjoy what I do than dread a 9-5. I truly hope the school system doesn't completely do away with teaching the coming generations about trades and the importance of hands-on learning/
One of the best stories ever. Freakin awesome Faye… gottah say, you made a huge difference in my diy car repair journey. You taught me how to change the spark plugs on my 1mzfe rx300 engine without removing the plenum… my rx300 has 320,000 miles & still going strong 💪
You might think that you are not good at story telling... But you are a fantastic story teller. As evidenced by all of your videos. Each one has a mini-arch or a problem that gets solved in a DIY way. The way your first mentor taught you, is exactly the same way my dad taught me. He wouldn't help me fix my car without me trying to fix it first. Only if I got completely stuck and couldn't figure it out, did I ever really ask. There were quite a few times where he would help, and do something that was so ingenious, it blew my mind. He is an old school mechanic that grew up in the 60's and 70's. He earned the nickname from work at the tire shop, Tim the tool man Macgyver, because he was always breaking stuff and fixing it in creative ways. My second car, a 76 Nova with a straight 6, had a nylon timing gear break. Normally, you would have to pull the entire camshaft off to press it out, but he drilled two holes in it, and put bolts in it and pressed it off in the engine still. Things like that are stuff that earned him that nickname. He retired several years ago and helps me work on my car every once in a while. Gotta keep him busy. I fell in love with Toyota when my friend got a 1990 Camry. That car was great on gas. I eventually got a 91 Camry that I drove all over the place delivering Pizza. Now I have a 2000 Lexus that I work on when I have the energy. Fibromyalgia really sucks for someone that loves using their hands to do things. But I still try!
That is an awesome journey and sounds like a great life experience that is still building! I always tell people who show interest that internship is one of the best ways to gain experience without the debt from a trade school loan. Do that if things are what you expect and they are more sure it is a career path they want. Being in an actual shop is 100% different than any classroom, even one that looks like a shop. When I started in 1982 a girlfriend's dad knew a shop that wanted to hire someone with little experience but lots of enthusiasm. I began doing engine swaps in our yard at 15 years old and like you also loved cars and fixing things. I started pumping gas and doing small repairs. I have been master certified now for about 30 years and over 42 years as a mechanic. It is a hard but very rewarding career! Keep it up, you're doing it right, Especially if YOU think you are! :)
my first starter replacement was on a 77 Celica, after having to pop clutch start the car for a month. I finally had to replace it one weekend when I drove home and forgot to park on top of a hill
I love listening to you share your journey. I watched over the years family work on cars. January of this year my alternator went out on my 2006 Chrysler town and country 3.8L. Separated from philandering husband single mom of 2 kids no support system around since kids and I just moved. I cried and got to watching how to videos. I made it happen and replaced it with basics and did borrow a serpentine belt tool. Now after finishing all 4 motor mounts, starter, valve cover gaskets and spark plugs too I’m so grateful for the experience. It’s definitely an accomplishment I will carry forever and I’m keeping on with it. I love that I came across your channel. Maybe I will go for my ASE. I was told by a few people I should since I’ve been able to pick up on it quick. Wish me luck and thank you for inspiring me and others.
that first diagnosis totally reliant to on accumulative knowledge / Gut instinct is the best feeling ever the one true affirmation anyone will ever need is getting that car running on your own. very relatable story ty for sharing
I had a 71 VW Super beetle in my teens, which was a super fun car. I sold that and bought a demonstrator 77 VW Rabbit from a local VW dealer. That was superior to my Super beetle in terms of horse power and fun. Owning these cars turned me into a car mechanic from necessity, or go broke taking it to a mechanic. I remember asking my local German car mechanic about wanting to become a VW mechanic. He held up his battered and bruised hands, with a couple of purple nails, and said “why would you like to do this for a living”, I agreed with him somewhat. I eventually became a graphic designer/photographer later in life. But I still became a decent backyard mechanic investing in tools and a ‘VW Bentley manual’. I sold my Rabbit, and bought a 78 VW Champagne edition white Scirocco, and over the years, swapped out the 1.7 engine for a used low mileage 1.8 JH engine with a close ratio transmission. I added sway bars and sport suspension, and installed some engine modifications. I sold it and regretted that to this day. At 68 years of age I now own two 81 S model Sciroccos and work on them. I’m just now in the middle of replacing a 020 transmission with a low mileage 1987 close ratio 5 speed trans. I stayed away from the self destructive transmissions from 1984 to 86, VW removed a circlip in those transmissions to save a penny in each one causing this issue. In 87 transmissions VW put that clip back on. I hope you like my story, I could rambling on forever. So over decades I get joy out of working on my own older cars. It’s a great feeling of accomplishment after fixing your car, as Faye says. It can be frustrating at times, but with perseverance, patience, mechanical abilities, and a good shop manual, also with RU-vidrs like Faye. You can definitely fix your own car. Thank you for reading. 😊
You ARE a story teller and a very good one at that. What a great lesson for people to hear. You are super humble and hard working and that is one of your super powers. Most people would probably flex on graduating from Harvard but instead you just mentioned going to college in Boston. As a person who is on my own path to discover my own super power, hearing your journey is super encouraging. Cute chickens btw!
Hey Faye, Your story is truely inspirational... I also went to college for clinical psychology... I am now a mechanic in my own shop.. and I love it. similar experience getting hired for my first actual mechanic job. had excellent mentors... Been a mechanic for right around 45 years now. I do hope you enjoy it as long as I have.. and longer.. PEACE!
You just gave the classic example of pursuing your dreams and working hard to be successful. So many people want to make excuses, blame others, and be a victim...but you refused to give up. Great story! Thank you for sharing.
Wow! Your story is incredibly amazing! Congrats. I just recently started a Machine shop side business. Machining and fab is something that I have been passionate about since I was 18.
Well done! Love your story. I am 52 years old and really in the last 2 years started to really enjoy working on my vehicles. I told my wife that when I retire from the railroad I am going to get a part time job at a local shop just because I enjoy it so much. Take care.
What life experience you’ve had! Mine led me to the Air Force and working on fighter jets. Loved your story and still think you would make a great teacher, especially if you could encourage girls to get into the field
What a great story! I started out loving VWs too. My mom and dad had a Baja Bug and my 2nd car was a 63 Bug. In the early 90s I started my Air Cooled shop and after 7yrs started getting into Car Audio and started and audio shop. Over the years I've had over 20 Air cooled VWs and on my 4th Water cooled a 16' GTI that we did a bunch of work to so its nice and fast. I'm really glad you found your way to what you love. Also my step daughter was on an online show with you and Bogi? and loved it!
Another talented automotive RU-vidr, growing... So happy for your growth... You work hard and you have a wonderful personality @Faye Happy I found your channel. 🤗
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I grew up around my father restoring and repairing old cars and have been in sales a big part of my life. My parents ALWAYS pushed me towards college but much like you sitting still and not being active is almost painful to me like I'm waiting to die. I have been working in purchasing in my late forties and find myself in a financial beneficial position in my life to make some needed big personal changes to make myself happier-one of which being working on cars. I work from home in purchasing and behind a desk and am genuinely miserable. Long ago I got the same euphoric feeling about diagnosing and repairing issues on my old lowered 99 Chevy Silverado. To those whom say late forties is a horrible age to take up wrenching on cars I say F-U! I lift weights four days a week and run a mile before I even touch the weights and that's not changing anytime soon. Louie Simmons squatted 920lbs in competition at age 50 so I feel very confident in my ability to wrench on cars till I retire and be truly happy in doing so. Thank you for the bump young lady to stop fighting what my gut has long told me.
I started with my first car. A 1983 AMC Concord. I learned how to work on it through shop class in highschool back in 1995. Then, when I turned 20. I bought a 1969 Dodge Charger R/T which was already restored it just needed the engine maintenance and restoration done which I could do. I was hired at a Chrysler dealership in the parts department and was learning from the best mechanics there. Later, I was ASE Certified through Chrysler. After I felt like I mastered Chrysler. I decided to try out Ford and Chevy. Now I'm learning how to work on Toyotas from you and AMD at the Car Care Nut Channel here on RU-vid. You have an amazing testimony❤
Farmer, truck driver or... Medium You are truly inspiring! The vdub guy was pivotal; more kudos for following through with his initial urging. It's a joy to hear... and follow your unique and inspiring leadership !
I had heard bits and pieces of your story in some of your other videos and live steams but having you "fill in the gaps" and lay it out like this is OMG! 😁 Definitely not too long. If anything an inspiration to anyone who just needs a "push" to follow their dreams...
Inspirational is the first word I think of after hearing your story. I'm floored at your constant motivation. Thank you for taking the time to share this. It can help to make us all a little better.
You are badass! I had a cleaan 00 Jetta vr6 12v stick back in 10 and it was a ripper, I drove it like I stole everyday and it loved it.. I was going to work early on a NE icy Feb. morning when I came over a hill and a deer carcass was right there. I Couldn’t do anything but downshift and hold on. That deer went under the car about a 1/4 mile crunching and cracking but it managed to keep control although every VW funky buzzers and lights were going off from every fluid draining out but, I managed to drive it back a mile and park it with no other damage. Loved that car.
Great inspirational video, Faye! I am a male and have 3 younger sisters, which is why I'm all about female empowerment. It is wonderful to hear how you excelled in the automotive industry, even though it's typically a male dominated industry. Faye, you took the best path in life for yourself by not fitting the cookie-cutter mold society expected you to. From one Texan "goth" to another, YOU RAWK! Keep doing what you do and only the sky is your limit.
I'm from a CS background, when you mentioned how you felt when you solved your first automotive problem all by yourself using knowlege you learnt on your own, that's same the feeling I get when I complete tasks at work 😁 keep it up!
Such an amazing story. I could listen to you talk all day. Your joy shines through in your story telling. You are definitely an inspiration to many and so much fun to watch. It was your round about path that was likely your best teacher. Everything that you experienced made you who you are today.
Been a follower of yours for a few years now, and it always brings a smile to my face when i see a new video from you. Your enthusiasm and passion for the automotive industry are very infectious and inspiring, and is also what makes your videos stand out from all the others I've watched. Wishing you all the best with love and Aloha from Hawaii! ♥
What an inspiring story! I use to sell Toyota's in SC and we'd get Toyotas in on trade with 400,000 miles on them. I'm happy for you that you found your passion. The people that guided you are golden. Also, the people that gave you a chance were rewarded with a motivated, passionate, intelligent employee. BTW we own two Toyotas and if I ever meet you in person, I'd be honored to have you work on mine!
Enjoyed the story on your automotive journey. Watched your videos for years and always like your approach to fixing anything automotive. Especially like how you are religious when it comes to protecting yourself using gloves, safety glasses, etc when needed. Thank You and wish you continued success!
What a inspiring story, thank you for sharing it, i work in a brewery for 20 years on production floor, last few years i was driving a forklift and getting more and more unhappy working inside the shop so i had an opportunity to apply to be a truck driver, i was not knowing anything about driving a semi truck or if am gonna like driving this kind of rig (am enjoying driving my car) but knowing only all i want is to be outside so i jumped on the opportunity to be a truck driver, i did the theoretical and then piratical but first time i get behind the wheel and punch the accelerator to metal and heard the engine roar a smile came to my face then i knew i would like it :D
What journey and it totally fits your personality. Very cool and good on you for sharing your story and your pursuit of following your dreams. Very inspirational and encouraging for your viewers and those out there still seeking their path and purpose. Hopefully one day automotive shop classes will be brought back to the High Schools. Your experience and personality would make you an outstanding teacher and mentor in that environment. The trades industry needs more people like you to teach, and inspire those who are looking for a career in the automotive industry. You have the gift. Your channel is an example of that. As a High School automotive instructor. You can reach those students at the time they are searching...just as you were. Plus keep your curriculum fun yet instructural. Like your channel is and spark the interest in your students. Very cool Faye. 😎 👍
Fantastic story! Never would have expected at least half of that. Now you are one of few mechanics I would actually trust to work on my cars. The only part I will quibble with is I don't really think unpaid internships are practical or fair. They may have made more sense a while ago, or may still for someone young living at home, but if you have any sort of bills to pay, it's just not going to work. I also just believe that people should be paid for their labor, even if they are doing what may be considered menial tasks or learning while they are working. Not saying you did anything wrong of course, just that I think it is an outdated practice. There are of course exceptions to every rule.
You mentioned you're not a good story teller. I would disagree. You spoke from the heart about your passion and made the journey very interesting to hear. I like how you mentioned a couple of times that the perfect job is out there for everyone. Even if that job doesn't exist yet. If I only get one thing from the video, it's to follow my dreams regardless of how I get there. Great video!
You have the most calming voice, you could have been a really good therapist or mediator. Cars are more interesting and you are an excellent mechanic, so I think you made the right choice🙂
I was born to race and work on my own Cars... I was 8 years old when I changed the tire on my dad's F150. Sat down used my legs as leverage. At age 12, I installed a fuel pump on that same truck. My dad was never mechanically inclined. I learned on my own, occasionally, look at Manual though I always did maintenance on my own vehicle or my family's. 4 fuel pumps later. I am not a mechanic or involved with Automotive Business.. my career is more complex, and just now able to go on Adventures.
faye have been watching for some time. retired mechanic spent 40 years . many different jobs same occupation. city job , owned my own shop, worked for honda 18 years then back to a city . loved my field but glad to be done . keep up your love
Love your story and your tutorials. Your tutorials are very concise, informative, straight to the point and there is no nonsense. Listening where you came from and the process of being where you are now, I can see your determination and positive attitude in life in general especially during an uncertain time of your early career. Positive individuals are sounded by positive people and mentors and you are the great example. Wish you the best for your next endeavor and keep encouraging anyone who chooses to listen to you!
thanks Faye for sharing your unique story into how you got started in automotive. I must say this is an incredible life experience. You have made your way into cars in a cool way. I am happy that you got to be your own boss too and you can pursue your dream. I loved to learn your story. And I want to say congratulation on all you did to get into your passions and not letting anything stop you.
I don’t remember the first video of yours that I watched but I do remember that I subscribed because of the passion you have for what you’re doing. We automotive enthusiasts should support each other. I’ve been a mechanic for 30+ years. This industry is majorly struggling to get the younger generation pulled into the life and I hope your passion will rub off on some of them and encourage them to become one of us!
Love your passion, Faye. Thanks for sharing your journey to where you are today. The path to my current profession took a similar route - no formal training but I love what I do. My butt sits at a desk M-F, which gives me the ability to wrench on my Jeep, make things in my machine shop, and shoot my own videos for YT. I get to enjoy all of the things I love, without a college degree. If I had to do it all over again, I don't think I would change a thing.
That's the best way to feel! Often I wish I rebelled earlier and got my start in automotive from a younger age, but would I change anything about where I'm at now?? Nope.... so I better not wish to change my journey!
Bravo! I started at the bottom myself as an aircraft mechanic, 40 years later I retired as Division Quality Aircraft Safety Inspector. It’s hard work, very hard work but people can do it just like you. I also worked on cars as a hobby for over forty years and know the frustration of seeing other people’s cars neglected. Man, just keep the oil changed is the secret to longevity of cars. Parts will break but the engine core will last a long time just by changing oil. Anyway, you are an inspiration to those that are beginning their journey into careers in mechanics. Your dedication and good heart will sail you through a great life! Thanks for sharing your journey - Bravo!!
I'm a car nut but fell into the medical field after military disability. My girls look up to you so much and would love to meet you. The oldest just got her first welder! Thank you for all the inspirational content and from an Audi guy I have to appreciate your love for Toyota (and I see a Supra in my future for my ladies!). Keep pushing!
Faye, thanks so much for sharing your story. Life doesn't always give us a straight path from where we start to where we end up. I went to college for 3 years and changed majors 3 times. Then got a job working in the tech industry and never went back to school. 30 years later I"m still in tech but work on the sales side now. The money is better, I don't get 3AM phone calls, and I get to help customers solve their problems every day. I've loved the path I've taken and wouldn't change any of it.
Thankyou for the story of your journey. You are a terrific model for follow your dreams. I wish I had had the courage you clearly have when I was younger. I'm 76 and it worked out okay but I got into the responsibilities of family too soon that made making such a big change too risky. Keep following your instincts, its clearly working.
I want to start by saying you are my dream woman, beautiful and a car fanatic-a woman who understands and has a passion for the automotive life. I couldn’t ask for more. Lol. I greatly appreciate your story; the need for trades is misunderstood, regardless of what they are. For so many years, there has been a push for college and having a degree, but without the trades, the country wouldn’t last long. So again, I want to say thank you for being an inspiration to everyone, women and men.
What an amazing story. You are an amazing person, I don't even know if you realize how loved you are in the automotive industry. You're an amazing mechanic also
Faye, your videos are always helpful. Kudos to your determination and passion. Being a technician is like me being a nurse (when it wasn't cool.) Thanks for keeping it real! Miss the Girls Garage episodes!
Holy crap the amount of motivation you have as a person is unreal. Congratulations for your success, really made me slime when you talked about Toyota quality. I noticed the same thing back in the mid 2000s at a dealership. That’s about all I will own today
I like jesses method 3 strike tool buy 😂! And SO GLAD your Mom & family to back you up! (Even tho u didn’t sound financially dependent on them) u needed that But it took that therapist cert Back up for u to get the approval for the road you wanted to go on!
