Why hire a man when your home needs a woman's touch!

[Al-khiyal]

Born in Algeria, and brought up in France, Hafida Sarachi was inspired to set up HandyGirl when her 'To do' list of DIY for her husband got longer and longer while he was away from home working.

After contacting tradesmen who turned out to be overpriced and unreliable, the mother of two took control of the situation by buying all the necessary tools from a DIY store and refurbishing her home herself.

Having heard horror stories of women and elderly people being scammed by rogue handymen, Hafida felt inspired to look into the idea of starting her own firm and began to put together a business plan.

She always dreamt of owning her own business and, having won a year's free membership of the local Chambers of Commerce, Handy Girl was born in April 2006.

Never one to be shy of asking for help, Hafida contacted local media to help promote Handy Girl and encouraged local business and clients to recommend her to their peers.

Being part of local business and women's networks also helped to get the word out and she has since been elected Junior Vice President of Wootton Bassett Chambers of Commerce.

The firm has grown rapidly and Hafida now has six employees as well as several young female apprentices. She also runs regular "Girl Power" DIY evening workshops to empower women to feel confident in tackling their own projects.

Hafida's role models include Madame Veuve Cliquot and Rachel Elnaugh, founder of Red Letter Days, who she met in November 2006. However, her Mum is the principal influence in her life - inspiring her to have the drive and determination that has made her such a success.

She has been nominated for the Inspirational Business Mum 2007 award and awarded Business Person of the Month.

Hafida is dedicated to supporting local business and charities in her area and therefore looks to use local services before looking outside Wootton Bassett.

Handy to know when DIY needs doing

[Al-khiyal]

HandyGirl

[Bent_Bladi]

das what i'm talkin' bout!! you GO girl!!!

[nesreen]

what a brave girl . I can change bulbs and tidy the garden (even though the grass is done by a contract gardening company ) but that s all i can manage . my husband ? forget it , he has not changed a bulb in his life and im not kidding , so always call for help . yes the companies are overprice but i have no choice . i have bought an electric drill but was not successful in setting my coat hanger , it fell off a few weeks later .

[Cheba_Mami]

these things sound familiar to many women
It is true, the men with strenght just are seeking excuses not to use it.... and actually... it doessn't even take much strenght.

[Bent_Bladi]

i hear many stories about these useless guys - bas to be honest, none of the guys I know (or at least 98% of them) are lazy when it comes to house work. I guess I haven't seen their other side yet...