Emily Gerhardstein
LS Adaptive – MICRO Fall 2025
Published April 15, 2026
As part of our ‘Meet Our Founders’ series today, we introduce Emily Gerhardstein, Co-Founder and CEO of LS Adaptive based in Charlotte, NC. LS Adaptive, inspired by Leo’s journey with aphasia, empowers independence with patent-pending Hana Fasteners™—magnetic technology for effortless, one-handed dressing.
Q: What problem are you trying to solve and what influenced you to start your company?
A: The problem we are trying to solve is the lack of accessible, dignified support for people living with disabilities, aging, and limited dexterity—a need that became deeply personal when my dad, Leo developed aphasia, a condition that affects the brain and impairs communication. Being a former full-time caregiver for my parents opened my eyes to the daily challenges faced by those who may not have a voice, and the immense strain it places on families and caregivers. With 1 in 4 Americans living with a disability, I realized how much of an impact we could make by designing solutions that restore dignity, support autonomy, and make daily care easier—not just for individuals, but for CNAs, nurses, and loved ones as well. My journey is driven by love, empathy, and a belief that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and supported in their everyday lives.
Q: What are you most excited about right now? What keeps you up at night?
A: We’re excited about the infinite possibilities for our Hana Fasteners™. While we began with pants, we quickly realized that intuitive, easy-to-use fasteners can transform apparel across many settings—from hospitals and rehabilitation centers to assisted living, nursing homes, and military environments where every second counts.
Our “One Hand, One Second” principle is universal, benefiting people of all ages and abilities—including those with disabilities, limited dexterity, or aging adults. In both high-stakes and everyday situations, quick and reliable fasteners empower people to dress independently, confidently, and most importantly—with greater autonomy.
As we expand into new categories, our mission remains clear: remove barriers, support independence and autonomy, and make apparel more accessible. We’re committed to listening, innovating, and creating solutions that truly serve our community.
Q: How will your NC IDEA grant funds advance your company?
A: Having support from NC IDEA and being recognized in our home state is an incredible milestone for us. We are truly grateful for this opportunity to be part of their ecosystem and to join a community dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship in North Carolina. The NC IDEA grant will help us accelerate our awareness and growth, opening doors to opportunities and connections we might not have accessed otherwise. Beyond the funding, NC IDEA provides guidance, introductions, and programming that are invaluable for early-stage companies like ours.
Attending the recent NC IDEA Summit gave us direct insight into the needs of North Carolina residents, thanks to discussions with policy leaders, DOD representatives, and organizations across the state. It reinforced how LS Adaptive can play a meaningful role in supporting our community. With this grant, we’re better positioned to achieve measurable growth, reach more customers, and ultimately make a greater impact for those we serve in North Carolina and beyond.
Q: What have you enjoyed most about starting your own company?
A: What I’ve enjoyed most about starting my own company is the ability to directly impact people’s lives for the better. There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing your work make a real difference—especially when it’s rooted in your own journey and values. For me, this has been a full-circle moment: after working across nearly every vertical in retail and helping build a high-growth startup in magnetic technology, I feel like everything I’ve learned has led me here.
Building LS Adaptive has allowed me to trust myself more deeply, connect the dots between my professional experience and my personal journey, especially caring for my parents—and use that insight to guide our mission. Every day, I get to tune in to my intuition, listen to our community, and shape a company that reflects both innovation and empathy. That sense of purpose and the chance to create something meaningful is what truly makes this journey so fulfilling.
While visiting Charlotte, Emily recommends:
- If you’re visiting Charlotte, I highly recommend the Whitewater Center—it’s an outdoor adventure playground where you can try whitewater rafting, ziplining, and more. For food, my hidden gem is Choi’s Korea & Wing, my go-to spot for authentic Korean cuisine. It’s a true local favorite and always hits the spot. Charlotte has so much to offer, but these two are at the top of my list!
- When it comes to bakeries and desserts, Manolo’s Bakery is hands down my favorite local spot in Charlotte. This purpose-driven Latin bakery is known for its incredible tres leches cake and commitment to the community. I always turn to them for special occasion cakes, they never disappoint!
Support LS Adaptive and Emily by:
- If you’d like to support LS Adaptive, the best way is to purchase our products or recommend us to someone who could benefit—whether that’s a friend, family member, or neighbor with limited dexterity, aging, or a disability. Everyone knows someone who could use a little more ease in their daily life. Your support and word-of-mouth help us grow and reach more people who need accessible solutions.
