HER LIFE Magazine

systems, including closets and many other spaces in the home. Fromsmall corner spaces to large bedrooms, we make the most of a space,”she explained. “We provide world-class service with custom-madeproducts embraced by unparalleled customer service.”Working with their own expert design consultants, Joy, Sean andtheir staff enjoy promoting a fabulous product behind which they stand100 percent. “These amazing products are designed to fit the clients’lifestyle and belongings, not the other way around,” said Joy. “Everyhome and family is different, and this is one of the aspects I reallyenjoy about the business.”No matter how small or large the project, California Closets canmake an enviable difference in your living space, with projects thatrange from several hundred to several thousand dollars. They workwith the various tastes and budgets of their customers.Feeling blessed to have such a wonderful business, Joy believesstrongly in giving back to a community that has unselfishly supportedthem. Once those closets, garages and storage spaces are cleaned out,what does one do with all of the accumulated items? Instead of simplythrowing things away, Joy decided it would be great to encourage clientsto donate items to those in need, and has since established a fewvehicles by which to do that.“For the past few years, we have held clothing drives in theshowroom, promoting the Dress for Success organization which helpswomen who are living on public assistance find the clothing theyneed to go on interviews, get a job and get their lives back on track.We also started holding prom dress drives two years ago through TheCinderella Project in Albany. Gowns collected are donated to girls whootherwise could not afford them,” emphasized Joy, who also indicatedthey host an annual shoe drive for a non-profit organization calledSoles for Souls.One of the biggest thrills for the Rafferty family was when theyparticipated in an ABC Extreme Home Makeover show. “We were approachedby the builder on a local segment for that show and were happyto donate six closets and the labor for that particular home,” commentedJoy. “Our entire family was able to be at the home for ‘the reveal,’ whenthe homeowners arrived and the crowd shouted ‘MOVE THAT BUS!’It was an amazing thing for our children to see all of the hard work andtime donated by so many people to help a family in need.”Even though Joy and Sean keep very busy professionally, whatthey love most about owning this business is the ability to still maintainan active and involved family life with their three kids, 17-year-oldtwins, Matthew and Shannon, and 10-year-old son, Brendan.“This business was very appealing to us in that it affords us a lotof flexibility in terms of family time,” expressed Joy. “For example, wehave the opportunity to take off on a Tuesday and go on a day trip withthe kids if we desire. That wouldn’t be possible without the amazingteam of people who work with us. We consider them family too!” ■For more information, go online to californiaclosets.com/Albany,or call the Albany location at 518-785-5723 or the Syracuse location at315-701-4382.HERLIFEnewyork.com 33