Moniqueca Sims is Transforming the Appliance Repair Industry for Women

In an industry where women represent less than three percent of the workforce, Moniqueca Sims isn’t just an anomaly—she’s a force for transformation. As the founder of SSG Appliance Academy in Atlanta, she’s tackling gender disparity in appliance repair head-on, proving that women don’t just belong in the field—they often excel in it.

From Observer to Industry Disruptor

Sims’ journey into appliance repair began from the passenger seat. While accompanying her then-boyfriend, a successful appliance technician, on service calls, she observed something revelatory.

“I was seeing how easy it was,” she recalls. “He’d be in a customer’s house and out in 15, 20 minutes. He fixed it.” What caught her attention even more than his speediness was his financial success—a one-man operation generating millionaire-level income while she was managing McDonald’s franchises for her uncle.

When her uncle sold the franchises in 2017, Sims faced a career crossroads. Her initial plan to start an appliance repair business with her boyfriend took an unexpected turn when she found herself running the operation solo. The experience quickly revealed a critical industry problem: a shortage of properly trained technicians.

“I lost a lot of money hiring technicians that weren’t qualified,” Sims shares. Her solution was decisive: “I will open a school and train my own technicians.”

Creating Space for Women in a Man’s World

What distinguishes SSG Appliance Academy isn’t just its innovative two-week training model—it’s Sims’ deliberate focus on creating opportunities for women and increasing female representation in the industry.

In a field dominated by men, she recognized both untapped potential and significant advantages women bring to the field.

“Women tend to do better because they’re more reliable. We pay attention to details. Our hands are smaller,” Sims explains. There’s also a customer service advantage that many overlook: “Most people that are home during the day are single moms or stay-at-home moms. When they see a woman come to the door, it’s like a sigh of relief.”

Despite these natural advantages, recruiting women remains challenging. Sims has found that her personal presence is crucial—when potential female students see her, they think, “If she could do it, I could do it.” This representation matters, and Sims leverages it intentionally in her recruitment efforts.

Building Pathways for Vulnerable Women

Perhaps most remarkable is Sims’ commitment to supporting vulnerable women through economic empowerment. Last year, SSG Appliance Academy partnered with Dismas Charities, which provides women (and men) who are newly released from state and federal incarceration the skills and support to re-enter society as contributing members.

“I like to partner with battered women shelters, human sex trafficking survivors, to give women who’ve been beaten down or had to depend on a man a career where they never have to depend on anybody anymore,” Sims explains with passion. “They can make enough money to sustain them and their children and never have to depend on anyone.”

The results of these partnerships speak volumes. One female graduate “is running circles around these guys,” according to texts Sims regularly receives from the woman’s employer. These success stories aren’t anomalies—they’re the intended outcome of Sims’ approach.

Breaking Down Technical Barriers

Understanding why women have historically avoided trades like appliance repair, Sims designed her curriculum to be accessible yet comprehensive. The intensive two-week program includes equal parts theory and hands-on practice, with classes capped at 10 students to ensure individualized attention.

“Appliance repair is the gift that keeps on giving,” Sims emphasizes. “It’s not a job. It’s going to give you a career, and you’re going to eventually own your own business.”

The curriculum covers foundational knowledge including basic electricity, electronics, motors, and troubleshooting for residential appliances. Sims places special emphasis on electrical concepts, which she identifies as the most challenging aspect for technicians—regardless of gender—to master.

Mentorship Beyond Graduation

For Sims, supporting women in the industry doesn’t end at graduation. She maintains connections with female graduates, providing ongoing mentorship as they navigate their early careers in male-dominated workplaces.

“Being a woman in this industry means you’re going to face skepticism,” Sims acknowledges. “I make sure my female graduates know how to handle those situations—how to let their work speak for itself while maintaining confidence.”

This mentorship extends to business development. Sims encourages women to view appliance repair not just as a job but as a stepping stone to entrepreneurship. Many female graduates start with employment at established companies before branching out to create their own businesses—often with continued guidance from Sims.

Changing Demographics Through Representation

The impact of Sims’ work extends beyond individual success stories. By intentionally placing women in the field, she’s gradually changing customer expectations and industry demographics.

“Every woman I train and place in the field shows customers, employers, and other potential technicians that this isn’t just a man’s world,” Sims explains. “When people see women successfully repairing their appliances, it shifts perceptions about what’s possible.”

This representation creates a positive feedback loop. As more women enter the field, more young women see appliance repair as a viable career option. For Sims, this visibility is essential to long-term industry change.

Scaling Impact Through Expansion

Despite training over 250 students since founding the academy, with 100 percent job placement for those seeking employment, Sims faces challenges in scaling her operation. The demand for her training far exceeds current capacity, particularly among women who recognize the opportunity but struggle with accessibility.

“That has been one of my biggest challenges, getting funding or any investors,” she admits. Her vision includes expanding to rural areas of Georgia and eventually to other states, making the opportunity accessible to women who currently can’t afford travel and lodging to attend the Atlanta-based program.

For women considering entering this male-dominated field, Sims offers straightforward advice: “You can do anything you put your mind to… Whatever you focus on expands. And don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t.”

Through SSG Appliance Academy, Moniqueca Sims isn’t just training technicians—she’s engineering a quiet revolution in appliance repair, creating space for women to thrive in an industry that has long overlooked their potential. One service call, one female technician, one success story at a time, she’s proving that appliance repair isn’t just a man’s world anymore.