by Lauren Holstein
In a world where breaking through barriers is a daily challenge, Vicki Sarracino, owner of Anew Kitchen and Bath, is a shining example of resilience and success. With over 40 years of experience in the interior design and kitchen and bath industry, Vicki has built a name for herself as a skilled entrepreneur, trusted designer, and trailblazer for women in business. Her journey from design student to business owner is one of adaptability and passion for making clients' dreams come true.
Vicki's career began with a foundation in interior design at Kean University, supplemented with courses at Parsons School of Design. Her early roles at design firms honed her skills in furniture selection, window treatments, and project management. Still, it was her time at The Bath Connection in Millburn that ignited her passion for the kitchen and bath industry. Under the mentorship of Jane Richardson, a showroom manager, Vicki learned the "nitty-gritty" of the business. "Jane became my mentor and friend for 15 years, teaching me not just the theory but the hands-on knowledge I needed to thrive," says Sarracino.
By 2007, Vicki was ready for a change. She took on a role at Birdsall, a 100-year-old plumbing company, where she helped create an environmentally conscious showroom. In 2017, her entrepreneurial spirit led her to take over the showroom and transform it into Anew Kitchen and Bath. “When the owners decided they didn’t want to stay in the showroom business, I made an offer,” Vicki shares. “It was a big step, but I loved the work and saw its potential,” Sarracino says.
Anew Kitchen and Bath is more than a showroom; it’s a hub for creativity and quality. From custom cabinetry to personalized project guidance, Vicki’s team is committed to turning visions into reality. “Clients often come in not knowing where to start,” she says. “Our goal is to guide them, no matter their budget, and create a space they’ll love for years,” says Sarracino.
Vicki attributes her success to her team, a close-knit group she describes as “an extended part of our family.” Despite challenges, including staffing hurdles during COVID-19, Vicki has maintained a collaborative and flexible work culture.
As a first-generation Italian American, Vicki grew up inspired by her father, a painting contractor who started his own business despite language barriers. “Helping him review development plans as a teenager sparked my interest in design,” she says. Today, she
pays it forward by mentoring her team and advocating for active listening in client interactions. “If you really listen, clients will tell you exactly what they want,” she says.
Vicki's definition of success is deeply personal. From being invited to join the Board of Directors of the Luxury Products Group (a buying group for independent luxury
bathroom, kitchen, and lighting showrooms made up of “mom and pop” shops) to hearing clients rave about their finished spaces, she finds joy in making a difference. “It’s about creating happiness together,” says Sarracino. Her advice to the next generation? “Trust your gut, and don’t sweat the small stuff.”
