2024 Detailer of the Year: Onika Waldron, CD-SV

Congratulations to the winner of the 2024 Detailer of the Year Award, Onika Waldron, CD-SV! This award is presented to a detailing technician who has demonstrated superior knowledge, technical skill, and professionalism. Per her nomination for the award: “Onika takes great pride in every aspect of her detailing services; she has great knowledge of the job and executes it with great diligence every single time. She is very detail-oriented and gives 100% to every job, no matter how big or small. She has a strong commitment to her customers along with impeccable business etiquette.” We spoke with her to learn more about what this recognition means to her and her business.

International Detailing Association (IDA): What does this accomplishment mean to you?
Onika Waldron (OW): This accomplishment means that I will keep dreaming and believing in myself and the vast capabilities that God has placed there for me to conquer. I'm thankful to God and my country, Trinidad & Tobago, and my supporters, who not only voted me as Detailer of the Year but as the first female detailer to ever receive such an exquisite award by the IDA. It's indeed a milestone in my life.

IDA: How long have you been in the industry? How did you get involved?
OW: As an early teen, I enjoyed seeing my father detailing his car. As I grew older, that piqued my interest, and I became the one detailing his car. I spent long hours viewing tutorials and began learning by trial and error. 

In 2014, I officially launched my Facebook page and started detailing. I only worked on the weekends and holidays. In 2022, I became a full-time detailer. The love and excitement for washing my dad’s car turned into my detailing business.

IDA: What would you say is key to your ongoing growth and success in this industry?
OW: To remain humble and open-minded. To always educate myself with new training and techniques. To train others, so I learn from different personalities and listen to their ideas. 

IDA: Who inspires you most in this industry?
OW:  I'm a shy person. Anyone brave enough to step forward always inspires me and gives me motivation. There are female detailers that I observe each day and say well done. My journey has just begun.

IDA: What words of wisdom would you like to impart to your fellow detailers?
OW: My advice is always the same. Success doesn’t happen overnight. Please have patience. Giving up is not an option. Continue to dream big. When you have become successful, please remember how it was on your journey and help others.

*The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the IDA.