Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Vanessa Moxley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Vanessa, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?
Success is about commitment and dedication. It’s about never saying never, always pushing forward even when faced with challenges. It’s knowing that there’s always more you can do, always room for improvement. Success comes from continually bettering yourself, learning, growing, and evolving. At the end of the day, it’s about giving your all, giving 200%, because half-assing it just isn’t an option. That’s a lesson I’ve always instilled in my kids, and it’s a principle I live by every day.
From a young age, I learned the value of hard work and perseverance. I started working at 10 years old, babysitting, and then at 12, I owned a paper route where I delivered almost 100 papers every single day. I remember pulling a sled behind me filled with newspapers as I trudged through a foot of snow. My mother instilled in me the belief that hard work is essential for success. I started working a part-time job at 14, and from 15 to 16, I continued this job in the evenings while working full-time 30 to 40 hours in the summer. I moved out when I turned 18 and got my own apartment. Despite the challenges, I never gave up. I was determined to make it and be successful.
Every job I took on after that point was met with success. I juggled two jobs until I turned 26, pregnant with my first son. While working in auditing, I felt the need for change and transitioned into the insurance industry. However, after about five years, I looked at my paycheck and realized there was a salary cap—something that didn’t align with my ambition. I knew I had more to offer. That’s when I found a fantastic opportunity in medical sales, where I quickly rose to a management position within a year. For the next decade, I consistently ranked as a top performer in the field. Later on, I ventured into banking and continued to excel, consistently ranking in the top 5 in our line of business. Despite my success, I eventually came to the realization that I had never truly loved any of these jobs and life is to short to be anything less than happy.


As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My journey into design with Gracie Lain Design has been a transformative one. After spending 24 years in the corporate world, I found myself yearning for a more fulfilling career path. It was during a time of deep reflection and personal loss, following the passing of my father from Alzheimer’s, that I realized the importance of pursuing a career that truly brought me joy.
With a natural talent for design and a passion for creating beautiful spaces, I decided to take a leap of faith and open my own interior design business on the side. Having renovated multiple properties, my friends and family had encouraged me for years to run with the idea. As I immersed myself in this new venture, I discovered a newfound sense of purpose and fulfillment that had been missing in my previous career.
My experience in design has been shaped by a love for creating spaces that not only look beautiful, but also evoke a sense of joy and comfort. I have always believed that the spaces we inhabit have the power to positively impact our lives, and it is this belief that drives me to deliver exceptional interior design services to my clients.
Having navigated the challenges of starting my own business, I understand the importance of creating a seamless and stress-free experience for my clients. That’s why I have incorporated 3-D renderings into my interior design services, to not only enhance the design process, but also to ensure that my clients can visualize their dream spaces with clarity and confidence.
Through my journey with Gracie Lain Design, I have learned the value of following your passion and creating a life that brings you joy. If you find yourself seeking a passionate, dedicated, and experienced designer who is committed to bringing your vision to life, look no further. Allow me to help you transform your space into a place that truly reflects your unique style and personality.
Whether you are looking to refresh your home, embark on a new home build or renovation project, or simply add a touch of elegance to your space, my interior design services are tailored to meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Trust in my expertise and let’s work together to create a space that you’ll love coming home to every day. If you are looking for someone that designs with heart and soul, You’ve found her.. Vanessa at Gracie Lain Design.


What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the most fulfilling aspect of being a designer and creator lies in the opportunity to express myself authentically and forge meaningful connections with others. Crafting something from nothing and witnessing its resonance with others brings immense joy. Whether it’s designing a room, breathing life into spaces through 3D rendering, or crafting captivating websites, the knowledge that my work can stir emotions, spark inspiration, or provoke reflection is deeply satisfying. It’s about making a lasting impression, sharing a piece of myself with the world, and empowering others to overcome obstacles, flourish in their endeavors, and embrace their true potential.


Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?
One of my most memorable marketing experiences was when I received a call from a major medical organization looking for a proposal for a commercial art installation. It was a colossal job, needing 68 pcs. of artwork to be sourced, delivered, and installed within a short 3 week timeframe. The odds seemed stacked against me from the start as I wasn’t an approved vendor for this particular client, and they typically don’t venture outside their trusted circle.
Adding to the complexity, I had never before bid on a commercial project of this magnitude. From pricing to design, every aspect was uncharted territory for me. Complicating matters further, each piece of artwork was expected to “tell a story” as visitors traversed the expansive 14,000 square foot space. Despite feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to begin, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the universe was nudging me towards this opportunity.
Despite the overwhelming odds, I was determined to seize this opportunity and prove my capabilities. I rolled up my sleeves and dove headfirst into the project, working tirelessly late into the night. Hours turned into days as I meticulously researched suppliers, calculated costs, and crafted a compelling design proposal. Despite the many bouts of doubt that crept in along the way, I knew my worth and my ability to provide an extraordinary result. I didn’t sell the project, I sold my dedication and commitment, and the heart and soul I was willing to bring with me. The waiting period felt like an eternity, filled with anticipation and uncertainty. But then, against all odds, the call came. I had secured the contract! I literally jumped up and ran to share the news with my husband. It was a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and taking calculated risks.
Fast forward to the completion of the project… Not only did I finish within the allotted timeline, but also honored with an invitation to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony. As visitors explored the space, comments poured in, praising the unique “feeling” that the artwork imparted as they walked through. The overwhelming positive feedback affirmed that my efforts had truly paid off. The feeling of triumph and validation was indescribable. Despite the odds being heavily stacked against me, I had prevailed. It was a defining moment in my career, reaffirming my belief in the importance of pushing boundaries and seizing opportunities, even in the face of adversity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gracielaindesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracielaindesign
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gracielaindesign
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracielaindesign
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/gracie-lain-design-hedgesville



