At 27 years old, Sahar Yona took a bold step by leaving her job to launch Locksmith Girl of NYC in July 2025. Based in New York City, Yona works as a residential and commercial locksmith who makes herself available 24/7, understanding that every job has critical value for her fledgling business. A video she posted on TikTok in January advocating for women to call her instead of male locksmiths at night went viral, gathering over 600,000 views and significantly increasing her workload to around 60 jobs per week. This success has allowed her to earn more as a business owner than she did previously as a subcontractor, despite not sharing exact income figures.

Yona entered the locksmith trade somewhat unexpectedly when she interviewed for a receptionist job at a locksmith office in 2021 while unemployed, and was encouraged to pursue a locksmith license. Despite starting with no experience, her determination and "go-getter" attitude drove her to train and gain hands-on skills over two years, investing $7,000 in tools. After working as a subcontractor under predominantly male colleagues and encountering sexism, she decided in November 2024 to become her own boss and create a safer, more welcoming experience for clients, especially women.

Though female locksmiths make up less than 1% of the installation and repair workforce nationwide, their presence is growing. Jennifer Richards, a fourth-generation locksmith and industry instructor, notes that women bring unique strengths like a gentle touch and the ability to solve problems thoughtfully—advantages in the locksmith trade. Richards also highlights that many locksmiths operate solo, with relatively low startup costs beyond tools and a vehicle, making it accessible for women like Yona who want to build their own businesses.

Yona’s dedication to her customers manifests in constant availability, with two phones and a laptop by her bedside, and a readiness to answer calls day or night. She remains vigilant about safety, preferring to vet clients via photos or videos before taking jobs. Despite feeling the pressure of being constantly on call, she is exploring the possibility of opening a physical storefront to support Locksmith Girl of NYC’s growth. Lock picking and the sense of defiance it entails continue to fuel her passion for the craft as she expands her reputation and business in New York.