Gladys Schanstra got her start as an aerospace/mechanical engineering student. With the fundamentals of design, she started her career at Drury Design in 2002 as the receptionist and through the years advanced in the company, moving up to assistant designer, senior designer, and in 2012 left to open her own design company, Schanstra Design Group. In 2021, she returned to Drury Design and assumed the position of president, owner, and creative director. Gladys received the highest professional design recognition as a ‘Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer’ from the National Kitchen and Bath Association and bases her work on a client forward approach. What helps her succeed is recognizing that people are the most important in her line of work. Please take a moment to read below and learn more about Gladys!

1. In three words, describe the essence of your business.
DESIGN, BUILD, CARE

2. What’s one unexpected lesson entrepreneurship has taught you?
Systems are important. I, as the leader, build the team – the team builds the systems. I used to believe I had to be the one to develop the systems.

3. Was there a defining moment when you knew this business was your path? Tell us about it.
When the previous owner (and founder), Gail Drury and I started meeting regularly to plan for the transition, I was excited about the opportunity. It was still a “wait and see” stance as nothing is guaranteed. We signed the initial letter of intent days before COVID shut down the state and of course, everything fell apart. I was at a loss at the time thinking of what’s next in my career. We did reconnect a few months later and worked it through and closed on the sale the following year. It was at the lowest point that I had peace – trusting that the acquisition would happen if it was meant to be.

4. What’s a sacrifice you made that was harder than you expected?
Stepping back from design work and sales in order to focus on CEO responsibilities during the first few years of leading Drury Design.

5. If you could go back and give your younger self one piece of advice before starting this journey, what would it be?
Be less anxious.  Learn from the past, focus on solutions and move forward.

6. What’s something about your journey that most people don’t see or realize?
I started out studying mechanical and aerospace engineering. It really does help with the technical skills of an interior designer.

7. What fuels you on the tough days?
Remembering that my real job is to serve and care for those under my leadership. Remembering my purpose, even (especially) when it gets, hard, and it will and that I am accountable to a higher power.

8. What does success look like to you beyond the bottom line?
Beyond the profits and accolades, the culture and environment is critical to my definition of success. I want to come to work where I am part of a team that wants to be here and strives for excellence and expects that of others. I want the team to truly contribute their individual gifts, use it to the fullest to serve the group and their clients. I want a place where we make each other better people.

9. Who has been your biggest supporter or source of inspiration along the way?
My husband, Carl. I have watched him navigate his own path in his business and how he has grown to put family first and yet still succeed in his career. He helps with Drury Design and is an integral part of our leadership team.

10. What’s one thing people can do today to better support women-owned businesses?
Give us a true opportunity for a seat at the table. I am fortunate to be in an industry that has so many talented women. When I look at the leadership – business owners, board members, company leaders, they all still seem to be predominantly men.  Women want to earn the seat, not be given it. Access to the opportunity is what is lacking. Encouraging, mentoring, and supporting upcoming talented women is a great start!