A Niche Market Finds Its Voice
As an independent operator, she is tapping into a distinct demand for female service providers in a sector where they remain a rarity. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicates that women account for less than 1% of the nation’s 5 million installation, maintenance, and repair workers, though trade organizations report a recent uptick in female interest.
Escaping the Subcontractor Model
After launching Locksmith Girl of NYC, she cited experiences with misogyny from peers and supervisors under the traditional subcontractor model as her primary impetus for going solo.
The industry is largely fragmented, characterized by a high volume of solo practitioners. Jennifer Richards, a fourth-generation locksmith who has run her family’s business in Hickory, North Carolina, for 31 years, explains that the barrier to entry is lower than in many other blue-collar professions. While the capital required for drills, specialized locks, and key-cutting machinery is significant—Yona spent $7,000 on her initial tools—many operators forgo the overhead of a physical storefront, choosing instead to run their businesses from mobile vans.
Safety as a Competitive Edge
Consumer safety is driving a surge in bookings for female professionals, particularly for late-night service calls. In January 2025, Yona posted a TikTok video inviting women to call her if they felt uncomfortable hiring men for after-hours work. The clip reached over 600,000 viewers and triggered a massive spike in business, with Yona’s workload swelling to 60 jobs per week.
This development aligns with observations from the ALOA Security Professionals Association, which confirms an increasing number of women entering the field. Industry veterans like Richards point out that the work—which demands high levels of manual dexterity and problem-solving—is ideal for those with a “mechanically inclined” temperament. “Being light-handed is actually a benefit,” Richards says, noting that she has seen more women mastering the delicate art of manipulating lock pins in her training classes over the past three years.
The Economics of 24/7 Availability
Financial outcomes in the trade vary widely. While the average annual salary for a U.S. locksmith is approximately $76,745, according to Indeed, independent owners see earnings fluctuate based on their specific geographic market and the volume of work they can handle.
Success requires strict operational discipline. To balance the demands of round-the-clock availability, Yona requires potential clients to submit video or photo verification of their locks before she accepts a job. Even with the freedom of self-employment, the grind is unrelenting; Yona often remains on call during personal time to protect her client base. As her business scales, she is now evaluating the feasibility of moving Locksmith Girl of NYC into a permanent, physical storefront.
Worth a look