We had the good fortune of connecting with Elle Baker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Elle, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Our thought process centered heavily around retirement and wanting to be present in our son’s life more as he grows. He’s currently four years old and showing interest in sports and performing arts. We want to be able to make it to every game, every performance, every win, and every loss. We have a ten year goal – ten years to semi-retirement and being business owners rather than owner-operators. We looked at our options and spent many sleepless nights brainstorming and discussing our future goals before we decided that opening our own business was the best option for us.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
When COVID-19 hit hard and put everyone into quarantine, I was suddenly scrambling to find a job, like a lot of people were. I spent three days filling out applications, hoping for a call back. Three days, no phone calls, no emails. Just radio silence. Employers couldn’t hire. Businesses weren’t open and the ones that were had reduced staff and hours. So, I did the completely irrational thing and started my own company at the onset of a pandemic. I started an in-home cleaning company and business took off! It grew faster than I expected and I was in way over my head within a few weeks. Since 2020, we’ve grown to more than just cleaning. My life partner became my business partner and 2 Chicks & A Trailer was founded. We still do in-home cleanings, but now we offer junk removal, commercial cleanings, make-readies, and so much more. This thing that started out of necessity to pay bills and buy groceries expanded from one city to the entire DFW and Texoma areas. It hasn’t always been easy and I spent a lot of days and sleepless nights wondering if we should just give up, move on, find a more traditional job. Junk removal is a male-dominated industry and we’ve felt that. We’ve been turned away from jobs and contracts only to watch a male-owned company with less experience win the bid, even if they were charging higher prices. It was a challenge, and it still is. We are a woman owned and operated company. We’re going to break the stigma attached to our industry, we’re already cracking the glass ceiling so it’s only a matter of time before it shatters.

2 Chicks & A Trailer is my dream. So I want to make other people’s dreams come true. We try to offer a lot to give back to our community in so many ways. We recycle, repurpose, and donate anything we can from every junk removal job. We have a licensed therapist who specializes in hoarding cases and her focus is to help the client through the process of decluttering and letting go of items they don’t need. We organize community events like our backpack giveaway last year where we gave out over 200 backpacks containing basic school supplies to members of our community who were in need. Our goal this year is to double that. Of course we’re in business to make money, but if we don’t give back to our community, that money means nothing.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Obviously, the stockyards for that true Texas experience! Canton, for the First Monday event and for Yesterland Farm, Backland Berry Farm for berry picking, and we’re stopping at every BBQ food truck we see. Grandscape and CityLine both offer chill, relaxing events and free concerts, and the Perot Museum and Dallas Museum of Art are some of my favorite places to hang out for a day!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My son, Taysom – he’s only four years old, but he’s taught me so much in his four years. His whimsical personality, his eagerness to learn and help, his kindness, and his spiciness! He rules my world and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Kristen Owen – my partner in life and business. she is always pushing me to try new things and take risks. Without her, I wouldn’t know what I’m capable of. She’s always willing to teach me something new or go on spontaneous adventures. She keeps life interesting.

Sophia Lock – my best friend, therapist, and soul sister. Her handwork, passion, and dedication inspire me every single day. We’ve spent many late nights talking business, mental health, and life in general. She helps keep me grounded and humble and always reminds me of my worth and value.

Taylor Rehmet – the business associate I didn’t know I needed and the friend turned brother. His intelligence and grateful demeanor, his willingness to jump in and offer advice or help when needed, and his fun-loving personality make him a genuine treasure.

You four have no idea the impact you’ve had on me, the inspiration and wisdom I’ve gained from knowing you, and how much I value you all. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without each and every one of you. Ya’ll are my “dream team” and I’m loving life so much more with you all here! Thank you for every bit of everything, every word of wisdom, every accolade, and every ounce of tough love you’ve offered. But mostly, thank you for being uniquely you.

Website: https://www.2chicksandatrailer.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2_chicks_dfw/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2ChicksJunkRemoval

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/2-chicks-and-a-trailer-allen

Other: https://2chicksandatrailer.blogspot.com

Image Credits
Elle Baker, Kristen Owen

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