COVER STORY

“IT’S ALWAYS EVOLVING … TOPno there is every time we reach a goal every time we reach a goal or meet a challenge, we have or meet a challenge, we have a new one.” A heed-worthy a new one.” A heed-worthy notion coming from a woman notion coming from a woman who continues to conquer who continues to conquer the business world, nurture the business world, nurture her family, and enjoy the her family, and enjoy the climb because, according to climb because, according to Laura VanSickle (Owner of Laura VanSickle (Owner of ClosetsbyDesign in Charlotte), “the success is in the journey … the success is in the climb, and the climb never stops.”

With her “never stop” mentality, Laura may always be climbing the mountain, but she has earned a place in life where her vantage point and gratitude are indeed at the top. And while success is sweet, it has its own set of challenges. Laura and her team must continuously evolve and re-invent themselves, especially in today’s climate. ey have been able to adjust their sails, adapt, and hold true to their standards. Growing the business, which literally started on Laura’s back porch nearly two decades ago, has been a mission for her; and today that small shop is a 38,000-squarefoot manufacturing facility and showroom that has much more in its own closets than … well, closets— think laundry rooms, pantries, wall beds, media centers, hobby rooms, or whatever kind of space you desire. “Right from the beginning,” recalls Laura, “we were committed to being the very best at what we did. I was one of the only designers when we rst started, and I was determined to give people the great product and experience that I promised them because I am a woman of my word. at still holds true today. I think our personal commitment is the secret to our success. Today, we have over 20 designers and 10 installation crews, but we are personally engaged

with each and every one of them.” Originally from Long Island, Laura had a thriving career in NYC, serving as editor for both Mademoiselle and US Magazine. After a move to Boston, she began team must continuously evolve and freelance writing for national re-invent themselves, especially in publications including Self, McCalls, today’s climate. ey have been able Ladies Home Journal, and People to adjust their sails, adapt, and hold Magazine. She has interviewed true to their standards. and written articles on the likes of Angelina Jolie, Robert Downey Jr., and Christopher Reeve. Although Laura could not imagine being a southern gal, another move for her then-husband’s work would bring her to Charlotte … and, as it

showroom that has much more in its own closets than … well, closets— think laundry rooms, pantries, wall beds, media centers, hobby rooms, or whatever kind of space you desire. “Right from the beginning,” recalls Laura, “we were committed to being the very best at what we did. I was one of the only designers when we rst started, and I was determined to give people the great product and

with each and every one of them.” mountain of the Originally from Long Island, Laura had a thriving career in NYC, serving as editor for both Mademoiselle and US Magazine. After a move to Boston, she began freelance writing for national publications including Self, McCalls, Ladies Home Journal, and People Magazine. She has interviewed and written articles on the likes of

would turn out, to her forever home. She completely fell in love with the area and knew immediately it was fate divine— she had found where she wanted to be.

Upon her enthusiastic arrival to the Queen City, three kids in tow, a space dilemma presented itself in her new house in the form of a large, disorganized closet. “Honestly,” she admits, “it was a mess! I suddenly had this huge closet but couldn’t nd a thing … it had one wire shelf and a rod. My uncle owned a custom closet company in New York, so my mom asked him if he would design a closet for us. I ew up there, rented a U-Haul, and brought all the components back here to Charlotte. When we built the closet system, I couldn’t believe how it changed my life. I absolutely LOVED being organized! It saved time in my day, made me more e cient, and gave me so much peace of mind. I truly believe our product can make a di erence in people’s lives. I see it over and over again. at’s why it’s so satisfying … and why I never get bored with what I do.” In addition to her three grown children (Sarah, 28; Jackson, 25; and Christian, 23), Laura has a strong support system in both her personal life and at work. Her sisters and mom live close by, and most of the family members have worked for the business at some point. “I am so blessed and grateful for my family as well as my work family,” she smiles. “We all pride ourselves on remaining positive in life and lifting each other up when needed.”

At the center of it all—her family, her success, her work, her gratitude, her joie de vivre—for Laura, it is God: “I believe that no matter the obstacle, God has my back and He will work things toward my betterment in the end. at doesn’t mean I won’t have to go through struggles … but when I look back, my most challenging times were the times I have grown most as a woman, as a mother, and as a businessowner. I often repeat Joshua 1:9 – ‘Be strong and courageous. Don’t be discouraged. e Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’ You can only do so much on your own. I put my faith in God and surround myself with those who have the same vision, work ethic, and positive energy. All of this will help you grow to the next level—because there is no top of the mountain.” w

"I truly believe our product can make a difference in people’s lives. I see it over and over again. That’s why it’s so satisfying … and why I never get bored with what I do.”