Her Story
About Shaila
I've been a truck driver for 12 years, doing things that the average woman doesn't do - flatbed, hazmat, tanker, dump truck, all of it. My dad pushed me into truck driving almost 13 years ago and taught me about the trucks and mechanics. Now I own my own trucking equipment and have a small trucking company. My husband helps with the mechanics side while I handle the paperwork and business side. I'm currently going through accounting courses because I had originally started it before I became a truck driver, and it would help with a better understanding of the bookkeeping and payroll for my business. I'm interested in forensic accounting - I like the mystery kind of stuff and trying to figure things out. Right now I work in a deli at a small town grocery store, which I started a week and a half ago. Things got really slow for us in December into January, so I needed to find something more user-friendly for the kids. We're in the process of finding a driver now. My goal is to eventually have a little homestead with some animals to teach my girls how to can their own foods, make their own bread, and provide for themselves without having to rely on others.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Shaila
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't think you can't, because the moment you do, you'll fail. People see women in my industry, in the truck driving side of things, and they used to laugh and say, 'Well, you're a girl, you can't do that.' Well, utterly, that statement right there is why I've done what I've done. I'm big on being strong and showing women that they can do things that they set their mind to. You need to live it with some grace and confidence.
Keep Exploring
More Influential Women · West Virginia
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.