Shayla Berkley
Years at the company: 12
Why she loves being a designer for Saint Louis Closet Co.: Helping people get organized is the most rewarding part of being a designer for Saint Louis Closet Co. I love working with repeat clients. They bring with them this contagious excitement. I enjoy going to new places, new spaces and new homes every day. Each day is different than the previous. It keeps me on my toes and keeps my creativity going.
What is the most important thing to keep in mind when getting a custom closet: First and foremost, you need to prioritize your spaces. You should start with the most unorganized, disruptive place in your home. The change you will see after fixing just that one space is amazing and you’ll realize just how much custom organization has helped your life.
What she likes to do when she’s not designing: I’m a new grandma! Her name is Elise, she’s 6 months old and I take every second I have to spend time spoiling her! Besides that, I enjoy my family and friends, going to movies and trying new restaurants.
Christine Haltenhof
Years at the company: 16
Why she loves being a designer for Saint Louis Closet Co.: First and foremost, the amazing relationships I have developed over the years with both new and repeat customers. Second of all, I love being able to use my creativity every day; every project is completely different, with its own specialized needs.
What is the most important thing to keep in mind when getting a custom closet: Most people don’t realize just how affordable it can be. Saint Louis Closet Co. can customize any space on any size budget. So many people are surprised at how affordable it is, that they will ask me to look at a few more closets! Secondly, I love that it is the only female-owned business in St. Louis. [Owner] Jennifer Williams operates this company in the same manner that she would want people to work for her in her own home. There is unparalleled attention to detail and a great level of respect and care given to each and every customer.
What she likes to do when she’s not designing: I spend as much time with my family as I can, but when I want some time to myself I enjoy maintaining my flower and herb gardens.
Sheila Kraizer
Years at the company: 6
Why she loves being a designer for Saint Louis Closet Co.: The philosophy behind customer service. The level of respect and the attention to detail that is given to each and every person that uses Saint Louis Closet Co. is really unparallel to any other company I have worked for or used in my own home. I am proud to represent this company.
What is the most important thing to keep in mind when getting a custom closet: The fact that we change people’s lives for the better. It is amazing how just a few small details and changes, like organizing a space in your home, can decrease stress and increase your productivity in your every day life.
What she likes to do when she’s not designing: Every free moment that I get, I spend with my husband and kids. I have three young children, and I am extremely involved with their schools.
Jodi Rhoads
Years at the company: 6
Why she loves being a designer for Saint Louis Closet Co.: The best thing about the company is that once I sell a job, I know that my customer will be treated with the best customer service in the industry. I know that every Saint Louis Closet Co. employee that the client will work until the job is completely installed–meaning the office staff and the installers–will treat them with the utmost respect and care.Saint Louis Closet Co. has the absolute best customer service I have ever seen, and I’m not just saying that because I work here.I have 110% confidence in the office staff and installers and I know that my customer is in great hands the second the job is sold.
What is the most important thing to keep in mind when getting a custom closet: Do not be intimidated by getting organized; it is not as daunting of a task as you think it will be.Also, it doesn’t take thousands of dollars to get organized. We can work with any size budget, and I think that the affordability of a custom closet is something that really surprises a lot of people.
What she likes to do when she’s not designing: The flexibility of my schedule is really phenomenal, so I spend time as much time as I can with my husband and children, Reece (4) and Chase (1).
Tammy Robbins
Years at the company: 14
Why she loves being a designer for Saint Louis Closet Co.: The flexibility of your schedule is great. Being able to decide for myself what time of the day or what days of the week I work is amazing. I was never one of those people who wanted to sit behind a desk all day—I have way too much energy for that—so being out, running around all day from people’s homes all over the city is perfect for me. Also, the fact that every day is different is key, so there is no chance of ever get bored.
What is the most important thing to keep in mind when getting a custom closet: Most people don’t realize how affordable custom closets can be. Many think that you have to spend thousands and thousands of dollars and get all sorts of accessories, but most times, I find that keeping the design simple not only makes it affordable, but you don’t feel overwhelmed or distracted by how much is going on in your closets. Don’t forget that the closet is the tool, not the solution, to getting organized. It is up to you to keep yourself organized, but you will be amazed at just how much easier it will be to stay organized by installing one of our custom systems.
What she likes to do when she’s not designing: I love listening to music and watching movies in my free time. I LOVE to dance, especially to R&B and dance music. Just give me a good beat, and watch me go!
Maria Skornia
Years at the company: 7
Why she loves being a designer for Saint Louis Closet Co.: My favorite part is my freedom to be creative. The company is extremely supportive of your creativity and they want you to improve on your craft and pick up new things from other designers along the way. All of the designers really are fabulous and whenever we’re in the office, we like to bounce ideas off each other and get a feel for what other people are doing. There is so much to learn and so many ways to be creative, I love it!
What is the most important thing to keep in mind when getting a custom closet: Keep an open mind and don’t get too attached to your possessions. To get organized, you have to part with some of your things, so make sure that you are ready to do it when you start the process.
What she likes to do when she’s not designing: Anything outdoors. If you’ve ever worked with me before, you know that I’m a big dog lover. I have two GORGEOUS female American Brittany Spaniels. I love getting outside and throwing the ball around with them.
Heather Sparks
Years at the company: 7
Why she loves being a designer for Saint Louis Closet Co.: I really enjoy taking spaces in serious need of organization and creating something that will completely maximize the space and make it the most functional space possible.The effect it has on the customer is fantastic.They are so happy with the results, so I consider myself lucky to be able to help them.
What is the most important thing to keep in mind when getting a custom closet: Think about how you use the space on a daily basis and keep that in mind throughout the design process.Saint Louis Closet Co. designs spaces based on your needs.For example, if you have 100 pairs of shoes but only 5 pairs of pants, you’re obviously going to need more shoe space. It’s the details of your life that are reflected in the details of your closet, so definitely keep that in mind.
What she likes to do when she’s not designing: I spend time with my kids.We really enjoy going swimming and camping. I personally love staying active whenever possible. I love playing softball, volleyball, and I also box…I don’t box other people or anything like that, but it is a great stress reliever and a fantastic workout!
Janet Zeloski
Years at the company: 10
Why she loves being a designer for Saint Louis Closet Co.: I enjoy meeting all sorts of people who are interested in organization. Working face-to-face with customers to help make the most efficient use of space is not a job for me: it’s fun! I love the designing aspect…no two closets are ever the same!
What is the most important thing to keep in mind when getting a custom closet: We evaluate your belongings and think about the things you need to access daily. We want to place items accordingly, within reach. The custom closet design will be well thought out to meet your specific needs.
What she likes to do when she’s not designing: I love spending time with my family and my dog. I enjoy being outdoors, walking, biking, shopping, reading, swimming and vacationing whenever I can!
Mary Zulauf
Years at the company: 13
Why she loves being a designer for Saint Louis Closet Co.: The extremely satisfied repeat customers! The look and the excitement in the faces of my clients is so rewarding.I walk away from their homes knowing that I really helped to make a difference in their lives.
What is the most important thing to keep in mind when getting a custom closet: It helps tremendously when you can actually sit down with your designer and have her draw up your closets on the spot and explain exactly how the design is going to meet your needs.
What she likes to do when she’s not designing: Spending time with my son and daughter are on the top of my list. We play co-ed softball and sand volleyball. We also enjoy weekend getaways at Mark Twain Lake, jetskiing and kayaking.
