Auto Creative, a mobile cosmetic body shop, is dispelling myths about the duration and extremely high cost of the car repair process. Getting your car repaired in the U.S. can be hassle-free if you know where to have it serviced efficiently and quickly. Nikita Sevostyanov, with eight years of experience in the auto repair industry, sat down with us to share the most effective practices for car owners.

Nikita, could you tell us how you came to open a business for cosmetic vehicle repairs? What led you to this particular niche?

The idea originated eight years ago when I began fixing up my own car. I found real joy in the process and got pretty excited about the idea of making a career out of it. I underwent professional training in rim repair and started fixing wheels in San Diego. However, Los Angeles had its pull on me. So, about eight years ago, on August 1st, I launched my own small business right here in LA. We hit the ground running, taking on new projects around the clock. I delved deep into the nitty-gritty of detailing and painting work—rims, vinyl wraps, ceramic coatings, bumper repairs, and bodywork painting. We developed the ability to excel in all these areas.

Currently, we are focused on two main services: Curb Rash rim repair and auto body repair and painting. We realized that we want to become absolute pros in select areas instead of trying to cover everything.

From your experience, how high is the demand for rim repair among car owners?

Based on my extensive experience, I can affirm that there is a significant demand for rim repair services. In LA, parking along curbs is common, leading to frequent cosmetic damage to wheels and impacting the overall appearance of premium cars.

This year alone, we’ve successfully repaired around 4000 Tesla rims. Additionally, serving as exclusive partners for wheel repairs at Mercedes Benz Beverly Hills, we address tens of rims daily.

Each of our employees is a certified color matching specialist capable of painting any type of rim, regardless of the car’s make and model or wheel design. Our primary objective is to restore the wheel to a brand-new appearance.

Since your business is mobile, how can customers locate your services?

You can easily find us on various platforms. Check out our five-star  Yelp profile, explore our Instagram account filled with  before/after pictures, and locate our site  on Google. 

To book our service, just send us photos of the vehicle damage and specify the service zip code. We determine the price based on the severity of the damage, but we offer discounts for bulk orders. Accurate estimates are always provided based on pictures submitted by clients.

Client comfort is essential to us; therefore, we always schedule the date and place of work according to the client’s convenience. In addition to this customized schedule and location, clients receive fast and high-quality service with a lifetime guarantee.

Unlike traditional body shops, which may take several days for service, our mobile specialists complete their work in hours. It doesn’t matter whether the client is at home or in the office – we’ll complete the job at the place of your convenience.

Are there any restrictions on car repair locations?

According to the law, there are no restrictions on this type of service. However, external limitations exist. For instance, in apartment building parking lots, cars may be tightly parked together, leaving insufficient space for proper service. Painting work requires free space around the vehicle to avoid overspray on nearby cars. In such cases, we always find a suitable street location for repairs to be conducted without consequences for others.

Do your car repair methods offer any unique advantages?

Firstly, speed and quality. Unlike traditional body shops, which can take multiple days to fix, our work is completed within several hours. We take pride in being recognized for the exceptional quality of our services

Our business model differs from standard body shops that primarily handle insurance cases,which often prolongs repairs to maximize income. We do not work with insurance companies; our goal is to complete work quickly. Our service is particularly useful when the cost of a small damage fix is lower than the client’s insurance deductible or when involving an insurance company would result in a minimal insurance premium increase compared to a single out-of-pocket payment.

Secondly, our service allows clients to focus on what matters most. We provide mobile services throughout LA and surrounding areas, enabling customers to continue their daily routines without the hassle of car rentals during repairs.

Thirdly, our prices are fair compared to the value we provide to our customers. We are a customer-oriented business, dedicated to making them happy.

Nikita, which areas do you serve, and do you plan to expand to other cities, states, or even countries? Additionally, are you considering a franchise, or do you prefer to work under your own personal brand?

We plan to promote our own brand, so we’re not considering a franchise. Auto Creative focuses on delivering quality service. This business model allows me to personally manage and control all technician outcomes, ensuring a guaranteed level of proficiency for each employee.

However, we do have plans to expand our services to other cities. Currently, all our clients are located within LA. The next step is to broaden our business to include Miami, San Diego, Texas, and potentially even more cities in the future!

Published by: Nelly Chavez