Trendsetters Elite Clothing Company was created in 2011 and is on its way to becoming a household name in clothing. Trendsetter’s vision is to design garments that are stylish, comfortable and functional to cater to the needs of travelers. What makes this company special is the story behind its founder, Kenneth Baker, and how he became a young, successful entrepreneur. On Thursday, Baker was invited back to the Boys and Girls Club of Lenawee, where he spent his time growing up, to share his personal success story at the Great Futures Breakfast.
It is not often that we see a child escape the grasps of a drug ridden household in Brooklyn and be given a better opportunity in life. In the story of Kenneth Baker, however, this is how it all started. Baker was born in to a family where both parents had drug related issues, to the point where he was taken by child services at 2 years old and put into foster homes. After moving from a couple foster homes, his Grandma from Lenawee County took custody of Kenneth and moved him to Michigan at the age of 7. When he moved in, Baker was an introverted child not willing to conform. However, his Grandma pushed him to get involved and that is when he found The Boys and Girls Club of Lenawee.
Baker gives a lot of credit for his success to The Boys and Girls Club. Without all of the great people who worked there, the friends he made, and the activities he was exposed to, Baker would never have been able to break out of his shell and grow. Joining the club gave him meaning and a vision on what he wanted to do and where he wanted to go. Baker spent most of his youth at the Boys and Girls Club of Lenawee and eventually graduated from Adrian High School in 2005.
With a vision in place, Kenneth Baker set out to follow it. Knowing that the 21st Century revolves around computer based technology, Baker taught himself how to use graphic design and CAD programs. After developing these skills, he decided to go back to New York and reconnect with his parents. He is proud to say that his parents are 10 years drug free. While spending time with his parents, Baker started to hang around the Garment District in New York. He would buy items in bulk and add his own touch before reselling them. Doing this made Baker realize he could have a future in the industry and decided to start his own company. To do so, he took out a lot of loans and started what we now know as Trendsetters Elite Clothing Company based out of Michigan. It is now 5 years later and the company is striving. Baker has paid off all of the loans and is completely debt free.
Though Baker entered the fashion industry through his time in New York, Lenawee County was still home to him. Starting his business in Michigan was an important part of his vision. While running his business, Baker still spends time talking to kids and students in Lenawee County. He has attended career days at Adrian High School and given other presentations in the area like the one at The Boys and Girls Club. You can find his clothing at http://www.trendsetterselite.com/ or by calling (734) 585-5939.