Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Van Ells.
Hi Sara, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi and thank you! I’m Sara Van Ells—I actually only recently began to go by my middle name, so a lot of people still know me as Nicole. I’m originally from Pittsburgh and have been in LA for 7+ years. I’m married to a wonderful man who is a US Navy veteran and mother of two amazing elementary-age kids, Damen and Lucy. We live in South LA and run our businesses from here as well. My husband and I used to run a van conversion company (turning vehicles into tiny vacation homes) when we decided to start something new and accidentally invented the mobile retail rental business.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest struggles is defining the concept. Since it’s so new, people sometimes don’t get it right away. We’ve all seen mobile boutiques before — we aren’t the first people to build a store in a truck — but we are the first ones to rent the truck out.
Once it clicks though, people love it!
I like to joke that Hustle Trucks is microdosing commercial real estate.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Hustle Trucks is a mobile storefront rental startup based in Los Angeles. We fully believe that the future of retail is mobile. So we’ve done our best to create affordable, flexible, and easy-to-use spaces for small businesses everywhere. Our team of professional builders lovingly creates each Hustle Truck at our shop in South LA.
We’re the only startup in the world to deliver mobility, affordable space, and brand-building opportunities for retail business owners.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
In my spare time, I train with Art Jimmerson, a professional boxer. Hopefully next year I’ll be ready to fight someone in the ring. I’ve never really been a sporty person, but there’s something about boxing with Art that brings out the best in me. I’ve never worked harder or felt stronger in my life.
Pricing:
- $175 per day
- $4,000 per month
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hustletrucks.co
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/hustletrucks
Image Credits
Kris Mejia
