Today we’d like to introduce you to Desiree White.
Hi Desiree, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I actually started my career in the medical field, but I always had a love for cars. On the side, I was flipping cars right out of my yard — fixing them up, selling them, and realizing how much I thrived with a wrench in my hand. What began as a side hustle quickly grew into something bigger, and I took the leap into turning it into a business.
The first phase was mobile — I was driving around with my tools, helping people wherever they were stranded or needed work done. From there, word spread, the demand grew, and I knew it was time to build something more permanent. That’s when Crowns Corner Mechanics opened its doors as a full-service shop.
What started with just me has now grown into a thriving business with five employees. We’ve built a reputation not just for engine building, vintage restorations, and custom projects, but also for creating a space where customers feel respected and young techs can grow. Today, I’m proud to be known as “The SheMechanic,” breaking barriers in the industry and proving that passion and persistence can turn a yard hobby into a career, a mobile gig into a shop, and a dream into reality.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Switching from the medical field into the automotive industry meant I had to prove myself twice as hard. As a woman mechanic, I faced skepticism from customers, pushback from peers, and even moments of doubt from myself. On top of that, starting out flipping cars in my yard and then running a mobile business meant I was constantly juggling limited resources, long hours, and the uncertainty of whether the business could truly grow.
There were days when I questioned if I was doing the right thing — working in the Georgia heat with no shop space, carrying heavy equipment from job to job, and struggling to balance being a mother, a business owner, and a technician all at once.
But those challenges shaped me. They pushed me to open my own shop, build a team, and show that persistence and skill matter more than stereotypes. Every obstacle, from financial struggles to industry bias, became fuel to keep going and to build something bigger than myself.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Crowns Corner Mechanics?
Crowns Corner Mechanics is more than just an auto repair shop — it’s a statement. We’re known for our bold black and safety-green branding, but even more for the quality of work and integrity behind the name. We specialize in engine building, vintage restorations, and custom projects that allow us to breathe new life into cars while still handling everyday repair and maintenance needs for the community.
What sets us apart is that we break the mold of what people expect when they walk into a repair shop. Customers are treated with respect, transparency, and care. My team and I take the time to explain the “why” behind the repair, not just the “what,” so our customers leave empowered instead of confused.
I’m proudest of the fact that my shop has become a place of opportunity — especially for young technicians who want to learn and grow. I mentor my employees the same way I once had to push myself: with hands-on training, encouragement, and high standards.
For readers, I want them to know that Crowns Corner Mechanics isn’t just about fixing cars — it’s about breaking barriers in the industry, showing what’s possible when passion meets purpose, and inspiring the next generation of mechanics. Our motto sums it up perfectly: Break barriers. Build engines. Never stop roaring forward.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was a bit of an explorer at heart. I loved packing a bag full of tools, a good pocket knife, and whatever I needed to make a fire, and just heading into the woods to find new trails and creeks. I always had a thing for adventures and loved animals, too. At the same time, I was a big artist at heart — I’d spend hours drawing, painting, and even writing stories on an old typewriter. I was the kid who kept to herself a lot, but I was always creating something artistic or finding a new way to challenge myself.
That love of tinkering and creativity eventually turned into a passion for engines and cars. I went from exploring the woods to exploring under the hood, and that’s how I ended up where I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://CrownsCornerMechanics.com
- Instagram: crownscorner_shemechanic
- Youtube: @SheMechanic5494
- Other: tiktok- @theSheMechanic
