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Celebrating 25 Years of Custom Craftsmanship – And Looking Ahead

Written for you by Ronica VanGelder
January 6, 2026

In 2026, Ronica’s Custom Creations celebrates 25 years in business, and taking a moment to reflect feels both meaningful and necessary.

When I started this business, I didn’t have everything figured out yet — but I did have a deep respect for quality and how a well-finished home should feel. I grew up in a family that valued beautiful window treatments, even if they weren’t custom, and I brought that appreciation with me into this work. As my experience grew, so did my understanding of just how much window treatments influence comfort, function, and the overall feel of a space.

My background began long before I opened my doors. I come from cut-and-sew manufacturing, where precision matters and shortcuts show. That foundation taught me to respect materials, craftsmanship, and the importance of doing things correctly the first time. (Measure twice, cut once – right?!)  Those lessons still guide every project I take on today.

Over the past 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with homeowners, designers, realtors, and builders who value quality and trust the process. From tailored draperies and Roman shades to woven woods, shutters, and motorized solutions, my work has always focused on custom solutions designed for real life - not trends that fade, but choices that last.

What hasn’t changed is my commitment to personal service. I still believe in listening carefully, guiding thoughtfully, and managing every detail from start to finish. It’s not the fastest way to work, but it’s the right way, and it’s why so many of my clients return again and again.

A New Way to Share What I’ve Learned

As part of this milestone year, I’m excited to share something new - a Custom Magazine created as a resource for homeowners who want to make confident, informed decisions about their window treatments.

This magazine brings together years of experience and answers many of the questions I hear every day, including:

Custom magazine
  • How to properly care for your window treatments
  • How to choose the best options for privacy, light control, and longevity
  • Favorite styles and solutions that stand the test of time
  • Thoughtful guidance to help you avoid costly mistakes

Whether you’re planning a full update or simply want to take better care of what you already have, this magazine was created to serve as a trusted reference - not a sales pitch.  Feel free to forward this to anyone who would find it valuable.


Download Our Custom Magazine


Looking Ahead with Gratitude

Reaching 25 years in business is both humbling and energizing. I’m deeply grateful to the clients, designers, vendors, family, and friends who have supported this journey. Your trust has allowed me to do work I genuinely love - and I don’t take that lightly.

Here’s to honoring where we’ve been, celebrating where we are, and continuing to create spaces that feel thoughtful, comfortable, and truly custom.
 
Warmly, Ronica


Ronica,  VanGelder of Ronica's Custom Creations - Custom Window Treatments, Blinds, Shutters, and Shades

Meet Ronica VanGelder

Ronica is the owner of Ronica’s Custom Creations, a Raleigh, North Carolina–based window treatment studio specializing in custom draperies, Roman shades, shutters, and tailored window solutions. With 25 years of experience and a background in cut-and-sew manufacturing, Ronica helps homeowners and interior designers choose window treatments that balance beauty, function, and lasting quality.

If you’re considering custom window treatments or exploring options for an upcoming project, Ronica welcomes the opportunity to be a resource and help you make confident, well-informed decisions.