Breaking barriers in high heels.
In a bustling city with over 100 valet companies, a striking disparity persists: while inexperienced men effortlessly secure valet jobs, women are routinely turned away. Amidst this male-dominated landscape, one company stands out as a beacon of change: Valet Of The Dolls.
Founded in 2003, this trailblazing business has shattered stereotypes, carving out a niche as the go-to valet service for the entertainment industry and even prestigious events at the White House.
Gillian Harris, the current owner, has been at the helm for 21 years, guiding the company with a steadfast commitment to empowering women. Her dedication comes at a time when women’s rights and empowerment are increasingly under threat. “14.7% of all valet attendants are women, while 85.3% are men,” Harris notes, highlighting the gender imbalance that persists in the industry.
Under her leadership, Valet Of The Dolls has built a sterling reputation, attracting hundreds of loyal customers. The company’s motto, “A drive for ambition & an Ambition to Drive,” perfectly encapsulates its spirit and mission.
But the journey hasn’t been easy.
Harris reveals that male competitors are keen to buy her company, not to continue its mission, but to absorb its client base and eliminate the competition posed by a female-led valet service.
This stark reality underscores the vital importance of preserving Valet Of The Dolls. Harris is now focused on finding a successor who will carry forward the company’s mission of female empowerment. “The mission is too important to let it be diluted or disappear,” she asserts. Her search for a like-minded leader is crucial to ensure that the company’s legacy endures.
Valet Of The Dolls isn’t just a business; it’s a statement. In an industry that often sidelines women, it provides a platform for ambitious women to thrive. Harris’s vision for the future includes not only maintaining the high standards of service but also expanding opportunities for women in the valet industry. She envisions training programs, partnerships with women’s organizations, and initiatives to raise awareness about gender disparities in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Harris is a pioneer for the challenges women face in the valet industry.
For over two decades, Valet Of The Dolls has proven that women can excel in any arena, even one as traditionally male-dominated as valet services. As Harris looks to the future, she remains unwavering in her mission to empower the next generation of women drivers, ensuring that Valet Of The Dolls continues to set the standard in excellence and equality. For the Silo, Katherine Fleischman.
