What is your name?
My name is Priscilla Takahashi.
How many kids do you each have and what are their ages?
I have one 6-year-old son.
What are your favorite family activities in Essex County?
One of our favorite spots is Turtle Back Zoo. We also love going to shows at the Prudential Center in Newark, like Disney on Ice, Monster Jam, and Cirque du Soleil. And of course, we enjoy exploring the amazing bakeries and restaurants in Newark—there’s always something new and delicious to try!
What do you love about living (and or) working in Essex County?
Essex County has such a strong sense of community. There’s a great mix of nature, culture, and family-friendly events. It’s the perfect place to raise a family and grow a business.
Tell us about your business and how you got started.
We own a family laundromat business in Belleville, NJ, called Laundromat 4 Less. We started the business with the goal of creating a clean, welcoming, and reliable space where our community could take care of their laundry with ease. We take pride in offering self-service, wash-and-fold, and pick-up & delivery options, and we’ve worked hard to make sure our machines are new, modern, our space is spotless, and our customer service is top-notch. It’s been an incredible journey, and we’re so grateful for the support we’ve received from the Belleville community.
What can we expect as a customer?
As a customer at Laundromat 4 Less, you can expect a clean, well-maintained space with modern machines that are easy to use and efficient. We prioritize customer comfort and convenience, offering amenities like free Wi-Fi, seating areas, and helpful staff on-site to assist you. Whether you’re doing self-service laundry or dropping off for wash-and-fold, we aim to make your experience smooth, fast, and stress-free. We know your time is valuable, and we’re here to help make laundry one less thing to worry about.
What do you love about your job?
Even though I work full time in accounts receivable for a solar company and also stay busy as a real estate agent and investor, our laundromat is a special part of my journey. It gives me the opportunity to create a reliable, welcoming space for people in Belleville while pursuing long-term financial freedom. I love connecting with customers, improving the business little by little, and seeing how something as simple as clean clothes can make a big difference in someone’s day. It’s incredibly rewarding to wear many hats and know that each role is helping me grow personally and professionally.
Tell us about your role as both a mom and business owner. What does that look like for you? How do you manage it all?
Balancing being a mom and a business owner is one of the most challenging yet fulfilling roles I’ve ever had. On top of running our laundromat, working full time, and managing my real estate ventures, being present for my son is my priority. It’s definitely not easy especially since we don’t have family nearby to help with day-to-day activities. It’s not always perfect, but it’s real, and I’m proud of the example we’re setting for him about hard work, dedication, and dreaming big.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from another mom?
So many of us are figuring it out as we go, and there’s comfort in knowing we’re in this together. Sharing experiences, offering support, and simply reminding each other that we’re not alone makes a huge difference.
Anything else you want us to know?
I’m so grateful to be part of a community that supports moms and small businesses. Whether you’re a customer, a fellow parent, or just someone curious about what we do, thank you for being here!