“It’s really rewarding to be in this kind of field.” Heidi Ciluaga shares her experience at the Hot Rod Institute in Rapid City

Heidi Ciluaga, a student at the Hot Rod Institute in Rapid City tells about how she got started at the institute.

“So I started school here at the Hot Rod Institute and then talking with Kyle and stuff. We applied for a few scholarships and the Dakota Rod and Classic Car Club gave me $1,000 scholarship to attend here to help pay for my tuition.”

Ciluaga continues about why she choose the Hot Rod Institute, “Just my passion for art and cars and just being creative and trying to fine tune my skills as an artist. And I’ve always kind of dabbled in sewing, so I just wanted to learn more and maybe, you know, make a business out of it and learn the trade.”

Ciluaga also is a self-taught graphic designer. An artist at heart, Ciluaga talks about why she chose upholstery and interior as her first courses.

“I just felt like it was going to be a good opportunity. It was a small class and I felt like I was going to get a lot of good one on one time with the instructor. And I had some inquiries about doing upholstery work, so I just figured it would be a good line of action for me to to take this class first and kind of learn and, and get into it. And I really am glad I did because I’ve learned a lot and I feel like I kind of have a knack for it. And and it’s fun to do. It’s- it’s creative. Every job’s different.”

Now that she has finished the classes on upholstery and interior work, Ciluaga says, “I want to get right into doing some side work on the upholstery. I have some business lined up already, some side jobs and stuff, and I just want to save up and make my way back here so I can take the painting and refinishing and pinstriping class and possibly welding and the other classes as well. It’s like a big family here. They’re really accepting of anybody that comes through their door and willing to work with people.”

As a female in an industry that is thought of to be primarily male dominated, Ciluage says, “It can be intimidating for the average female to kind of step into a shop and try to get their hands dirty and get in there. But I’ve just always been that kind of girl, where I’ve just been one of the guys. So I’m very comfortable here and I encourage women to to get into it. I mean, it’s really rewarding to be in this kind of field, honestly. So I would like to encourage more women to go for this path and and do what they love to do and don’t be intimidated by the guys because, you know , the guys are awesome to hang with”