International Women's Day 2022
Interview
- Layla Kh
This International Women's Day, TMHC interviewed local entrepreneur and commercial partner, Layla Kh, founder of Cover Girls Auto Detailing Inc. From their website:
Cover Girls Auto Detailing is a place where women can work in a safe and secure environment to be trained and develop skills, while building independence. Founder, Layla Kh, dreamed of helping people and making a difference in other’s lives. After dedicating time with her brother to support the vulnerable population in London, she became passionate about giving back to the community and supporting women stand on their own two feet. This is a passion she now carries on with her mother in honour of her beloved brother. Cover Girls provides employment opportunities to women who face barriers in their lives. At the core of the company is a commitment to promote a welcoming and non-judgmental culture.
Layla and her company were recently showcased by CBC News Entrepreneur offers hope to women.
Layla graciously answered some questions about her company's vision and advice for up-and-coming women entrepreneurs.
TMHC: What made you decide to start Cover Girls? Where did the name come from?
Layla: The shop started in in honour of my Late brother Sam who used to support those individuals in need of a helping hand. The name was as a result of it being a strictly women-operated shop.
TMHC: How important is it to operate a company that provides a service while also benefiting women who need a hand?
Layla: While it is important to be able to function as a business that has costs and general overhead, the goal behind this initiative was more tailored towards helping women.
TMHC: How many women do you employ and how has this opportunity benefitted them?
Layla: Our business is less than a year old. As a shop with only one bay and the ability to have a few employees working at a time given our current circumstances, we’ve still been able to employ more than 10 women with 3 currently employed with us. Our past and present employees have credited our work with giving them not only an opportunity, but boosting their confidence, self-awareness and the ability to be in a non-judgmental environment.
TMHC: What is some advice you can share to aspiring women entrepreneurs?
Layla: To any women entrepreneurs I would say that it might be scary at first, but believing you can is the first step in achieving whatever it may be that you want. Be resilient and committed. Do not be afraid to ask for help in the process. Just do it!
Thanks to Layla Kh for agreeing to be featured on this year's TMHC IWD blog. Layla and her team not only do amazing work on our vehicles, they also help make London a better place to live and work.
Go check out Cover Girls Auto Detailing's website for more information.
