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Never used a screwdriver: Invested $7,000 and created her own business in New York
🇦🇷 Argentina /Culture & Society

Never used a screwdriver: Invested $7,000 and created her own business in New York

From La Nación · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Sahar Yona launched her own locksmith business, Locksmith Girl, in New York with an initial investment of $7,000.
  • Despite having no prior experience, Yona successfully established her business by obtaining a license and gaining skills through subcontracting.
  • She leverages TikTok to advertise her services and aims to provide accessible locksmith solutions, particularly for women who may feel unsafe hiring male locksmiths.

Sahar Yona invested $7,000, entrepreneurial drive, and a willingness to work to establish her own locksmith business, Locksmith Girl, in New York. Despite lacking prior experience, she successfully developed her venture in the bustling city.

In 2021, Yona interviewed for a receptionist position at a locksmith company. The interviewer suggested she had the right temperament for the trade and should pursue a license. She acted on this advice in July 2025, according to an interview with CNBC. Through Locksmith Girl of NYC, she offers residential and commercial locksmith services around the clock, emphasizing that every job counts for an independent entrepreneur. While she did not disclose her earnings, she stated she serves up to 60 clients weekly.

She had the right temperament for the trade and should obtain her license.

— RecruiterAdvice given to Sahar Yona during a job interview that inspired her to start her own business.

Before entering the market, Yona dedicated two years to training, obtaining her license, and purchasing tools, spending $7,000 on her initial set. She subsequently worked for subcontractors in the city to hone her skills. During this period, she reported experiencing misogyny from clients, colleagues, and bosses, as her coworkers were all men. She now works independently and requires clients to send a photo or video of the lock and speak directly with them by phone before accepting a job.

As an independent entrepreneur, every job counts.

— Sahar YonaExplaining her dedication to serving clients at any hour.

The 27-year-old Yona utilizes TikTok to promote her locksmith services, attracting over 18,000 followers. Her most popular video encourages women in New York to use her services if they feel insecure about hiring male locksmiths at night. This outreach has reportedly increased her client base among both men and women. To remain available at all hours, she sleeps with two cell phones and a laptop with the volume turned up.

Beyond establishing herself in the industry, Yona finds it challenging to take time off for relaxation or walking her dog, as she needs to stay close to her car to be available for clients. She has even cut short dinners with friends to attend to work calls. The significant growth in her clientele has led her to consider opening a physical location to better manage demand.

I invite women in New York to request my services if they feel insecure about asking male locksmiths to help them at night.

— Sahar YonaContent of her popular TikTok video.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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