Eleni Mitakos has had a passion for driving and tinkering with cars, since buying her first vintage car as a teenager, a 1956 Holden FE.
With no view mirrors, nor seatbelts, Eleni was eager to get her hands greasy. But with a basic knowledge of the working of cars, she realised there wasn’t a place for a girl to get to know her car.
Eleni and her friend Kristy had toyed with the idea of a metaphysical garage just for girls. 13 years later, pregnant with her second child, Eleni wanted more control of her time and more influence in her outcomes. And, to be a role model for her daughters and young women.
She left the corporate world behind and started Galmatic – an old fashioned service orientated car care garage – hands-on, friendly and trustworthy.
At Galmatic, the goal is to arm young women and teenagers with basic life skills to help them on their journey of becoming safer drivers and empowered road users.
Through Galmatic, Eleni wants to introduce other women to the fun and enjoyment of being car and road savvy.
Who’s your favourite entrepreneur and why?
“Definitely Lisa Messenger.
She has an authentic style, knows how to pivot in adversity and I love seeing Australian women successfully navigate the international market.
She launches beautiful products and stays true to her company vision.”
What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
“Teaching the tens of thousands of teenagers I see a year!
Getting my hands greasy, listening to their stories and standing in front of them as an example of #likeagirl #bosslady #workingmamma.”
“Kids don’t remember what you teach them, they remember what you are” – Jim Henson
What three pieces of advice do you wish you’d been given when you started?
- When things don’t work, review the action steps not the goal.
- Being a new business and a start-up means you are boutique not small. You still can add value!
- Sharing your story doesn’t mean you have to ‘air your dirty laundry’. Be authentic, people buy from people.
What advice would YOU give someone thinking about starting a business?
“Journal! I have kept a business journal for the last 20 years What worked, what meetings happened and little wins. 5 mins every night- priceless learning!”
What skills and knowledge areas would you recommend those starting out in business get acquainted with quickly?
- Have someone other than you assess your strengths.
- Understand your numbers!
- How to take and edit photos on your phone.
What does your IDEAL business look like? Even if you’re not there yet, what would it look like if your business was ideal?
“Galmatic is a well-oiled machine! To drive her to business Utopia I’d love to replace her heavy need for prospecting with more inbound marketing.”
What problem does being a Member of the HerBusiness Network solve for you and your business? And, how?
“Learning new skills and hearing other women’s stories!”
Learn more about Eleni Mitakos and Galmatic here.
