LaKeeMora “Lucky” Orphé, of D.C.’s Columbia Heights neighborhood, worked as a rideshare driver for two years. Little by little, she saw her paycheck shrink.
“I was hurt, I was frustrated, I was mad — because I’m supporting my family,” she said.
So Orphé started her own car service. Girlie Transportation charges customers a flat fee per hour, and customers can make as many stops as they want. After a year and some success spreading the word on Nextdoor, Orphé has given over 500 rides.
She said she likes connecting with her passengers and that taking a chance professionally was the right move.
We're making it easier for you to find stories that matter with our new newsletter — The 4Front. Sign up here and get news that is important for you to your inbox.
“I’m glad I have sunglasses on because I don’t wanna cry, but I’m so proud of myself. I know my family’s proud, I know my children are proud, but I’m proud of me. I did this,” she said.
Orphé said she’s looking to expand Girlie Transportation, buy more cars and hire four women drivers.
In addition to her company, she runs a nonprofit called A Mother’s Hymn that works to support single mothers of boys and young men.
