Locksmith Girl of NYC: A 27‑Year‑Old’s Bold Shift to Business

Sahar Yona wakes every night with two phones and a laptop nearby, keeping the volume high so she can answer any lock‑related call that comes in. She runs Locksmith Girl of NYC, a 24‑hour service she started in July 2025. Yona’s goal is simple: earn more and grow her client list quickly.

Her breakthrough came in January when a TikTok video encouraging New York women to call her for safety received over 600,000 views. Since then she handles up to 60 jobs a week and has worked from early morning until late at night on her busiest days. She is not an influencer; her channel has only nine videos, yet the message struck a chord.

Yona now earns more than she did as a subcontractor for larger firms. She charges by job difficulty, and her income surpasses the average New York locksmith salary of $82,161. Her success mirrors a larger trend: women, though less than 1 % of all locksmiths, are steadily entering the trade. A professional association notes that more women than ever are learning the craft.

The field appeals to mechanically inclined women who want ownership. Jennifer Richards, a long‑time locksmith from North Carolina, says female locksmiths bring gentle problem‑solving skills. She runs a family business with close relatives and sees more women in her classes lately. Most locksmiths work alone; the startup costs—tools, a van, and a license—are manageable compared to opening a storefront.

Yona’s path began by chance. While working at her father’s Muay Thai studio, she interviewed for a receptionist role at a locksmith office. The interviewer became her mentor and urged her to pursue a license. She spent two years training, buying tools for $7,000, and working as a subcontractor to gain experience. Despite steady hours, she faced misogyny from customers and colleagues.

In November 2024 she left subcontracting to become her own boss. She now follows strict client‑screening rules: a photo or video of the lock and a phone conversation before accepting work. Yet she feels guilty when taking time for herself, such as relaxing at a bathhouse or walking her dog in Central Park. Her car is “her legs,” and she fears being unavailable when calls come in.

Yona’s free time often involves practicing lock‑picking, finding the challenge exciting. She also considers opening a storefront to reduce constant travel demands.