from Shop Girl Jewelry – she also works part-time for her dad at LC Fabrications and LC Machine and Manufacturing . “ My dad will program and set up the machine ,” Emmi said , “ and I will run it after school or on the weekends . We mostly get work for LC Machine now , making parts for companies like Lowbrow Customs and Hugh ’ s Handbuilt .”
And then there ’ s “ Aunt Tiny ,” her current bike build . “ I ’ ve had more fun and learned more in the past few months than I ever did in my life ,” Emmi told us . “ Aunt Tiny , my bike , started out as a simple little project but has evolved into something that I think I want to do as long as I can . My plan for the future is to one day take over the business for my Dad ( hopefully a long time from now ) and keep building bikes .”
We asked what advice she had for other girls getting into bikes and shop life , and she had this to say : “ Don ’ t let anyone get you down for not being the usual type of ‘ shop rat .’ I ’ m no feminist , but I like to be respected and treated like I am able and know what I ’ m doing ( assuming I do ). And pray about it . That ’ s the best advice I think I ’ ve ever received . Just try it . And never stop doing what you love .”
You can follow Emmi on Instagram at @ shopgirljewlery or check out her Etsy store at www . etsy . com / shop / ShopGirlLeatherWorks .
— JOY BURGESS
THUNDERPRESS . NET | MAY 2020 | 39