From University Student to Entrepreneur: The Rise of AutoGirl
Money is often tight for university students, but for Chinazom Arinze, a limited income became the spark that ignited a thriving business venture. While studying law at Babcock University in Nigeria and working part-time at a car dealership, Arinze launched AutoGirl in 2019 as a side hustle. Initially a car dealership, the platform eventually evolved into a peer-to-peer vehicle rental service, connecting people who wanted to rent out their cars with those looking to hire them. Arinze recalls starting the business at just 19 or 20 years old, driven by a mix of fun and the need to earn extra income. What began as a small initiative quickly gained traction, attracting consistent customers and growing beyond her expectations.
The Humble Beginnings of AutoGirl
Arinze started AutoGirl with zero capital, relying instead on her network and social media to build the business. As someone who worked at a car dealership, she knew car owners who wanted to monetize their vehicles and could connect them with people seeking short-term rentals, especially tourists. While established players like Hertz and Budget dominated the car rental market in Nigeria, AutoGirl offered a unique value proposition: its rentals came with drivers, a wider range of vehicles, and competitive pricing. At the time of writing, the platform listed a Hyundai for 45,000 naira ($27) per day and a 2018 Lexus for approximately 2.85 million naira ($1,722) per month. For vehicle owners, the average income per car was 7 million naira ($4,230), making it an attractive opportunity for those looking to earn extra income.
Building a Team and Scaling the Business
As AutoGirl grew, Arinze realized she couldn’t manage everything alone. For years, she had been the jack-of-all-trades, handling everything from customer service to social media management. However, the demands of a growing business forced her to expand her team. She hired a social media manager, admin staff, finance professionals, and a 24/7 operations team to keep up with the increasing customer base. Today, AutoGirl boasts over 3,000 customers and more than 12,000 rides. The company has also diversified its offerings, adding boat and private jet rentals to its platform. In June, AutoGirl expanded its operations to Ghana, with plans to launch in Benin later in the year.
Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry
Arinze has faced her fair share of challenges, particularly in a male-dominated industry. To prove her credibility, she took auto mechanics classes and created social media content reviewing cars to demonstrate her expertise. Her efforts paid off, as people began to recognize her knowledge and take her seriously. “I showed them I had knowledge, and then people would say, ‘Oh, she’s not a clueless young girl,’” she recalls. Despite the obstacles, Arinze has thrived, inspiring others with her resilience and determination.
Empowering Women Through the AutoGirl Women Empowerment Programme
To empower other women and encourage them to pursue careers in male-dominated fields, Arinze recently launched the AutoGirl Women Empowerment Programme. The initiative offers free classes in driving, mechanics, and affiliate marketing, with plans to provide internship opportunities as well. By the end of November, the program aims to train 60 women, equipping them with the skills and confidence to succeed in their chosen paths. For Arinze, this initiative is more than just giving back—it’s about creating a ripple effect that inspires a new generation of women to break barriers.
The Vision for AutoGirl: Expanding Across Africa and Beyond
Arinze’s vision for AutoGirl is ambitious: she wants the company to become the “Airbnb of vehicle rentals” in Africa and eventually the world. Just as Airbnb disrupted the hospitality industry by offering flexibility and variety, AutoGirl aims to do the same in the car rental market. By leveraging technology and building a trusted platform, Arinze believes AutoGirl can redefine how people think about vehicle rentals. With a growing presence in multiple countries and a diverse range of services, AutoGirl is well on its way to achieving this vision. For Chinazom Arinze, the journey from a university student with a side hustle to a successful entrepreneur is a testament to innovation, hard work, and the power of turning challenges into opportunities.
