Girls Auto Clinic
Client Overview
Founded in 2013 by Patrice Banks, Girls Auto Clinic (GAC) is a Black-owned, woman-owned automotive business on a mission to empower women to take control of their automotive experiences. Through education, advocacy, and hands-on resources, GAC helps women—known as “SHECANICS”—build the knowledge and confidence to purchase, maintain, and manage their vehicles while encouraging more women to pursue careers in the automotive industry.
After beginning with car care workshops in the Philadelphia area, delivering a TEDx talk, and authoring a car care book for women, Patrice opened the Girls Auto Clinic Repair Center in January 2017. The innovative, full-service auto repair shop featured women mechanics and an on-site nail salon, creating a welcoming experience that challenged traditional perceptions of the automotive industry. The concept quickly attracted national and international attention, positioning Patrice and GAC at the intersection of automotive innovation, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment.
Our Strategy
Patrice Banks reached out to Philly PR Girl (PPRG) after admiring our successful collaborations with various clients and events in the Philadelphia area. Impressed by our understanding of the local market, attention to detail, and alignment with her brand’s essence, Patrice sought our expertise to manage the overwhelming attention her business, Girls Auto Clinic was receiving. As a new entrepreneur facing the challenges of rapid growth, Patrice needed assistance handling the influx of inquiries, interviews, and requests for press coverage. During our initial meeting, Patrice mentioned her objectives for leveraging PPRG services, emphasizing the importance of showcasing Girls Auto Clinic’s mission of empowering women within the automotive industry.
Our PR Plan for GAC began with filtering and prioritizing incoming inquiries, aligning with Patrice’s schedule, and looking at feasible opportunities that aligned with Patrice’s brand’s mission. Our focus shifted to planning the grand opening of GAC’s physical location and coordinating details, date, time, guest list, entertainment, staff arrangements, and media engagement. This was all to ensure a well-executed event that garnered significant attention and positive coverage. The culmination of our efforts was the book tour, requiring meticulous and thorough planning. From establishing the marketing plan, and selecting optimal launch dates to coordinating press releases, book signings, photoshoots, and media outreach, we ensured a seamless and successful tour that effectively amplified Patrice’s message and expanded GAC’s reach.
Key Media Wins
Thanks to the strategic efforts of PPRG, Patrice achieved remarkable visibility and accomplished all objectives. Notably, she was featured in the Dell Small Business digital media series campaign, leading to her story appearing in numerous airline magazines and landing a Dell TV commercial. Additionally, Philly PR Girl helped secure prominent placements for Patrice, including a billboard sponsored by Honda, a Lean Cuisine commercial, and features on Good Morning America, NPR, and Time Magazine. Patrice’s book launch dubbed the “SHECANIC Book Tour” launched at the historic Library of Philadelphia and garnered national attention and partnerships with industry giants, Ford and Capital One. Her accomplishments were recognized by esteemed publications such as The New York Times, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the automotive industry.
Key Media Outlets
- NPR
- Time Magazine
- NBC
- Glamour Magazine
- ESPNW
- Oprah Magazine
- CBS News
- ABC
The Results
Philly PR Girl helped introduce Patrice Banks and Girls Auto Clinic to a national audience, building awareness for a groundbreaking business that continues to challenge the status quo in the automotive industry. Through strategic media relations, brand partnerships, and event promotion, PPRG helped amplify Patrice’s mission of empowering women to become more confident and knowledgeable about their vehicles.
The campaign generated significant national exposure, including features on Good Morning America, NPR, Time magazine, and The New York Times. Additional opportunities included Dell’s Small Business digital media series, a Dell television commercial, a Honda-sponsored billboard, and a Lean Cuisine commercial. PPRG also supported the launch of Patrice’s book and the SHECANIC Book Tour, which debuted at the historic Library of Philadelphia and helped connect her message with new audiences and major brands, including Ford and Capital One.
Today, Patrice continues to build on the momentum of Girls Auto Clinic, furthering her mission to change the way women experience the automotive industry. As the business approaches the 10-year anniversary of the opening of its repair center, its story stands as a testament to the power of entrepreneurship, purpose-driven branding, and a bold vision for change.
For Philly PR Girl, Girls Auto Clinic remains a meaningful example of how strategic public relations can help elevate a local entrepreneur, amplify an important mission, and create visibility that extends far beyond a single campaign.