Introducing Ciska De Jong, a 24 year old Fibreglass fabricator from Auckland, kicking it to the male dominated industry with her fibreglass company.
Hi Ciska, you seem to be a bit of a veteran when it comes to the car scene, how long have you been in the scene/industry?
Haha yeah I’ve been around a while, it all started when I was around 15 and started tutu’ing with led’s and electronics, which lead into installing audio gear then eventually got into a bit of panel work.. I pimped up my first car with $2 shop bowls as big spot light circles (like the Evo 5 bumpers) and vented side skirts with an old plastic shower unit I found under the house! It looked pretty flash I must say! Now nearly 10 years on I have my own business pimping up cars, not to worry though, I don’t use shower units and bowls anymore.
When and what was your first car?
First car was a 1989 Honda Civic hatch back slammed out on mean 14 inch rims, tints, sounds, seat covers, steering wheel cover – the lot! That was back when I was 15.
Tell us about your current rides, there very unique!
Current rides, 1970 Mercedes Benz, it looks pretty phat lowered on 18’s, tints and a good sound system, in the process of giving it a full panel & paint and also have a go at putting some air bags in it. Then the work hack which is a Hyundai Lantra wagon. Also have 250cc motorbike which will be good fun for summer. Then my ultimate project is a sedan Nissan pulsar with a sr20det in it. In the process of getting that rebuilt, then the rest is all a secret.
Ciska, you own your own business tell us a bit about that?
Iced Performance, yup it’s a small room where we grow and sell… umm no! We do anything fiberglass! Mainly import, sell, fit, repair, paint, and customize bodykits for vehicles, anything from widebody kits to small repairs. We also do general panel & paint, insurance work, shaving doors, retail audio gear etc etc!
It must be hard working in such a male dominated industry?
Haha yeah I get asked all the time about this, but to be honest it doesn’t really phase me! I’ve hardly come across anyone negative if any! It’s mainly the guys saying – good on you, you go girl etc haha! I guess with word of mouth and seeing the work I’ve done, they trust me straight away. It’s mainly the people that come in that haven’t heard about that me that are like ‘ummm can I please see the boss’. I always have a giggle!
Where do you see the car scene/industry going in the future?
Flying cars running on bourbon anyone? Oh wait no that was just my dream last night! Haha, well unfortunately it seems like the show side of the industry doesn’t seem to be as popular. I remember going to Autosalon and the Four and Rotary Nationals and just being blown away every time, but it seems to have died down. Definitely Drifting, Track and Racing is flourishing! I definitely don’t see the car scene dying down at all, only getting bigger and better!
What’s next on the cards for Iced Performance?
Wooo, I have so many goals and dreams but also I want to do a lot of travelling! So we’ll stick around for a few more years! I want to get into hosting a fair few show & shines and running a few events to keep things alive! Have got some really wicked projects on the cards at present and future so stay tuned!
How can we contact you Ciska?
http://www.icedperformance.co.nz
http://www.bebo.com/icedperf
iceacc@gmail.com
0211847799
4 Waikaukau Rd, Glen Eden
Thanks guys!
Ciska