As a professional custom picture framer and host of the Inside the Frame podcast, I love talking with other creative entrepreneurs about their journeys. In this episode, I enjoyed chatting with Shelby Hamilton, a talented artist in Charleston, South Carolina. 

Shelby's story is one that many artists can relate to - she started unsure if art could be a full-time career but eventually took the leap to pursue her passion. We dove into Shelby's background studying graphic design and studio art at the University of Georgia and how that education shaped her artistic style today. I was fascinated to learn about her process for commissions versus personal work and how she balances the business side with her creative flow. 

As a framer myself, I especially enjoyed hearing Shelby's thoughts on framing her own pieces and working with local framers. Her enthusiasm for trying new mediums and techniques was inspiring.

Key Takeaways

• Shelby studied graphic design in college, which gave her a foundation in color theory and composition that informs her art today.
• She took the leap to pursue art full-time in 2019, overcoming self-doubt and skepticism from others.
• Shelby enjoys working in various mediums and subjects, from detailed animal portraits to loose, abstract pieces.
• For commissions, she has a structured process to gather client input and provide progress updates.
• She recommends artists trust their framer's expertise but also provide input on their vision for the finished piece.

It was a joy to chat with Shelby about her artistic journey and business. Her story is a great reminder that with passion and perseverance, we can turn our creative dreams into reality. I hope her insights inspire other artists and entrepreneurs to pursue their goals.

About Shelby

Born and raised in Augusta, Georgia, Shelby grew up loving art. She spent years of her childhood coming to Charleston, South Carolina, where she was exposed to a vast range of fine artists from a young age. Knowing she wanted to pursue a career as an artist, She graduated from the University of Georgia’s Lamar Dodd School of Art with a BFA in Graphic Design. While attending, she fell in love with various artistic techniques and decided to move to Charleston, where her passion for art began. She became the Graphic Designer for an international makeup brand while working nights and weekends on commissioned pieces. Shelby began her career as a full-time artist in 2019. She showcases various mediums and artistic styles throughout her work while drawing inspiration from her love of design, color, texture, shadow, and light. 

Resources

Website

Instagram

Welcome to Inside the Frame, where we explore the world of custom picture framing and so much more! I’m your host, Tracey Harlan, owner of The Frame Shoppe in Augusta, Georgia.

In this episode, I chatted with Marsha Stollar, an independent sales rep with a passion for framing that has spanned her entire career.

Marsha's journey into the framing world began by chance when she was working at a cafe next to a frame shop. Little did she know that this chance encounter would lead to a lifelong passion and career. Throughout our conversation, Marsha shares her experiences transitioning from a frame shop designer to an independent sales rep and how she's built her business representing six different frame lines. Her insights into the industry, from spotting trends to educating customers, offer a unique perspective on the evolving world of custom framing.

As we talked, Marsha's enthusiasm for the industry shone through. She emphasized building relationships, staying connected through social media, and constantly learning from others. Her approach to sales is more than just showing samples – it's about partnering with frame shops to help them succeed and grow. Whether you're a seasoned framer or new to the industry, Marsha's stories and advice offer valuable insights into custom framing.

Key Takeaways

• Building strong relationships and truly partnering with customers is crucial for success as a sales rep.
• Staying connected through social media platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn can open up new opportunities in the framing industry.
• The trend towards sustainability and unique, artisanal frame options is growing as shops aim to differentiate themselves from online retailers.
• Continuous learning and networking within the industry are essential for staying inspired and finding new opportunities.
• Balancing work and personal life can be challenging for an independent sales rep, but it is essential to set boundaries and truly enjoy time off.

About Marsha

My goal is to be an advocate and make each customer feel that they will be taken care of as a priority. I am driven, dedicated, and thorough in all that I do because I know that I’m not only striving for my own success, but my customers’ success as well. I encourage others through my excitement and enthusiasm. I push myself to be my best - and that means being honest, showing true integrity, being positive, supporting those around me, and always embracing my passion.

Links and Resources

Instagram

LinkedIn

Email

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Rhonda Feinman, a seasoned picture frame manufacturer with over 40 years of experience in the industry. Rhonda's journey into frame-making wasn't a childhood dream, but rather a serendipitous career path that she fell into and grew to love. Her passion for creating high-quality, historically accurate reproduction frames has made her a respected figure in the framing world.

We dive into Rhonda's approach to frame design, which often draws inspiration from Spanish and Dutch frames, as well as her preference for simple white gold frames. She shares insights into the challenges of running a frame manufacturing business in New York City, including the difficulties of finding skilled craftsmen in the post-pandemic era. Rhonda's commitment to quality over trendiness shines through as she discusses her design process and the importance of understanding historical roots in creating modern frames.

Key Takeaways

• Rhonda emphasizes the importance of creating a high-quality product and enjoying her work with customers to maintain passion in the framing industry. 
• Many frame-making techniques used today were perfected during the Renaissance, with only minor modern adaptations.
• Rhonda's company focuses on quality, choosing to work with customers who value craftsmanship.
• The framing industry has seen a broadening interest in better quality products, which Rhonda believes elevates everyone's work.
• Rhonda stresses the importance of continuous learning and openness to new knowledge in the framing industry.

Throughout our chat, Rhonda's dedication to her craft and her practical, no-nonsense approach to business shines through. Her story is a testament to the rewards of finding passion in unexpected places and the value of maintaining high standards in craftsmanship.

About Rhonda Feinman Custom Frames

Rhonda Feinman Custom Frames was founded in 2001 with the goal of providing the finest quality custom made picture frames for the fine art trade. All frames are hand made in our New York City facility with utmost respect for the legacy of centuries of craftsmanship in frame making. The artisans of Rhonda Feinman Custom Frames hand carve wood, cast, and apply decorative composition ornament, then gild only with genuine karat gold leaf to produce sensitive and faithful reproductions of fine antique frames. Time tested traditional techniques and materials are used to assure lasting quality.

Resources

Rhonda Feinman Custom Frames

LinkedIn Profile

As the owner of The Frame Shoppe in Augusta, Georgia, and host of the Inside the Frame podcast, I'm always excited to chat with other entrepreneurs who are shaking things up in their industries. That's why I was thrilled to sit down with Karen Yankovich, a LinkedIn marketing strategist and the creator of the She's Linked Up podcast. Karen's expertise in leveraging LinkedIn for business growth is unparalleled, and her passion for helping women entrepreneurs succeed is truly inspiring.

In our conversation, Karen shared her journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship and how she discovered the power of LinkedIn for building meaningful business relationships. We discussed how custom frame shop owners can use LinkedIn to connect with designers, art curators, and other professionals in the design industry. Karen's insights on creating a solid online presence and using LinkedIn as a tool for thought leadership were eye-opening, especially for those of us in creative, visual businesses.

Key Takeaways

• LinkedIn isn't just for corporate types - it's a powerful tool for creative entrepreneurs and small business owners
• Your LinkedIn profile is your online brand. Leverage its impact with media, keywords, and a clear message about your expertise
• Don't overlook your existing network. Reach out to reconnect when you update your profile.
• Focus on quality over quantity in your LinkedIn connections. Aim for meaningful conversations rather than a large number of contacts
• Use LinkedIn to build relationships with journalists, podcast hosts, and other media professionals, increasing your visibility and credibility

Karen's approach to LinkedIn strategy is refreshingly simple and human-centered. She emphasizes building genuine relationships rather than chasing algorithms or vanity metrics. For frame shop owners and other creative entrepreneurs, this means showcasing our work visually on LinkedIn and connecting with potential collaborators in our local communities and beyond.

I particularly appreciated Karen's emphasis on women's empowerment and financial independence. Her belief that "more wealthy women in this world can change the world" resonated deeply with me as a female business owner. It's a reminder that our success isn't just about us - it's about creating opportunities and choices for ourselves and future generations.

About Karen

My official title is "Digital Strategist"

As the CEO of UpLevel Media, Karen offers results-oriented and expert conversational marketing strategies that position clients to achieve instant results. Her background includes over twenty years in the fields of information technology, marketing, and customer relationships, making social media her ideal niche.

Karen offers coaching and consulting for entrepreneurs, guiding them to creating wealth by combining innovative business practices with simple proven systems that develop and maintain strong customer relationships. Her unique specialty blends her "get it done" attitude with a passion for soulful living in her personal services and online workshops.

Links and Resources

Karen's Website

Good Girls Get Rich podcast

LinkedIn Assessment Tool

In this episode of Inside the Frame, I sit down with Thomas Houston, co-owner of Houston's Custom Framing and Fine Art Gallery in Ashland, Oregon. Thomas brings over 39 years of framing experience, including the prestigious designation of Certified Master Picture Framer - a title held by fewer than 100 people worldwide.

Our conversation follows Thomas's journey from an art school graduate to a framing expert and business owner. We explore the challenges of starting and growing a framing business, the importance of staying true to oneself, and the evolving landscape of custom framing. Thomas shares insights on customer interactions, creative problem-solving, and the birth of his innovative Spark Frames line.

Key Takeaways

• The importance of self-confidence and being true to yourself when running a framing business
• How creating an in-shop "visual Pinterest board" can enhance customer experience
• The value of embracing new technologies and techniques in framing
• The unexpected success of Spark Frames and managing rapid business growth
• The renaissance of handcrafted frames and evolving consumer preferences

Thomas's story is a testament to the framing industry's power of passion, creativity, and adaptability. From navigating the challenges of COVID-19 to launching a successful new product line, his experiences offer valuable insights for framers and entrepreneurs alike.

 About Thomas

Thomas’ background as a fine art painter gives him a unique perspective in the framing design process. Thomas is also an M.C.P.F. (Master Certified Picture Framer). There are currently fewer than 100 framers worldwide that have achieved this designation. This title was acquired after rigorous testing by the Professional Picture Framers Association on the proper handling of artwork. Thomas is the only MCPF in the state of Oregon. He has also published numerous articles on framing design and craftsmanship in Picture Frame Magazine – the top trade publication in the industry.

Resources

Houston's Custom Framing

Spark Frames

Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA)

Learn more about The Frame Shoppe

In this episode of Inside the Frame, I sit down with Susan Boni, a veteran custom picture framer with decades of experience in the industry. Susan grew up in the framing business, working in her parents' shop from the age of 12. She's seen the industry's evolution firsthand and has a wealth of knowledge to share.

Throughout our conversation, Susan emphasized the importance of loving what you do and connecting with your customers personally. She shares insights into how she approaches each framing project, considering the client's personal style, the environment where the piece will be displayed, and the unique qualities of the artwork itself.

Key Takeaways:

• When starting out, invest in basic, quality equipment. You don't need fancy, expensive tools to do great framing work.
• Take the time to get to know your customers. Ask about their homes, personal styles, and jobs. This will help you make frame selections that truly resonate with them.
• Don't be afraid to suggest unique, outside-the-box framing options. Sometimes, the most unexpected choices end up being the most loved.
• Educate your customers about the framing process and the materials you use. This helps them appreciate the value of your work.
• Embrace the power of social media and online resources to connect with other framers, learn new techniques, and showcase your work to potential customers.

Susan's passion for her craft is evident in every word she speaks. Her commitment to creating beautiful, lasting framed pieces that her customers will cherish for generations is truly inspiring. Whether you're a seasoned framer or just starting out, this episode is full of wisdom and insights you won't want to miss.

About Susan Boni

Susan started Frames of Mine when she was 22, growing up in the family business since she was 12. She was the only family member who really loved it. Susan has an Art History and Interior Design degree from the New York Institute of Technology. She began to learn so much of the arts, mixed with sales from my family in the store, and she was able to combine it all into what the store has become.

Mentioned in This Episode

• Find out more about Frames of Mine
• Follow Frames of Mine on Instagram and Facebook
• Learn more about The Frame Shoppe

In this episode, I sat down with Ann Knox, the editor of the Augusta Scout Guide. We dive into her journey from Memphis to Augusta and how she became involved with this unique publication. Ann's story resonates with many of us who've found ourselves in a new city, looking to connect and make an impact.  

The Scout Guide is more than just a beautifully produced book—it's a celebration of local businesses and a resource for newcomers and longtime residents. Ann shared how she approaches her role as editor, building relationships with business owners and working to showcase Augusta's best. We discussed the challenges of launching during the pandemic and how the guide has evolved.  

As a fellow business owner, I was particularly interested in Ann's insights on balancing work and family life and her perspective on networking and community building. Her enthusiasm for  Augusta and its growing potential is contagious.  

Key Takeaways

• The Scout Guide serves as both a resource for residents and a platform for local businesses to shine.
• Building relationships is critical to Ann's approach as an editor, allowing her to represent each business better.  
• The guide adapted during the pandemic, focusing on supporting local businesses through challenging times.  
• Ann emphasizes the importance of playing to your strengths when starting a new venture.
• Balancing work and family life is an ongoing process, with no perfect solution but constant effort.  

About Ann Knox

Ann was born and raised in the small town of Osceola, Arkansas, just 45 minutes north of Memphis, Tennessee. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a business degree in Risk Management and Insurance.

After college, Ann moved to Dallas, Texas, and married Augusta native Jefferson Knox. During her time in Dallas, Ann worked in the insurance industry for three years, followed by four years in hospitality. In 2018, she and her husband moved to Augusta, Georgia, where she found her calling as editor of The Scout Guide Augusta. She is thrilled to help people fall in love with Augusta the way she has.

When she isn’t scouting, Ann likes to spend her free time traveling, reading, and spending time with family.

Mentioned In This Episode 

The Scout Guide Augusta: www.thescoutguide.com/augusta  

Instagram: @TSGAugusta  

Email: [email protected]  

Welcome to the very first episode of Inside the Frame! I'm Tracey Harlan, owner of The Frame Shop in Augusta, Georgia, and I'm thrilled to kick off this podcast, which is all about custom framing, art, business, and so much more.

I bought my frame shop four years ago without knowing much about framing or art. The previous owner mentored me for a year, teaching me the ropes before I took over completely. It's been quite a journey, and I've fallen in love with the art of framing. This podcast has been an idea brewing in my mind for a while now. As a small business owner, I always seek ways to connect with people, share knowledge, and build community. I believe a podcast is a perfect way to start conversations about the craft of custom framing.

In this introductory episode, I’ll give you a taste of what’s to come. We'll explore all aspects of custom framing, from the creative process to different techniques and styles. I'll introduce you to talented framers, artists, and designers with a special focus on highlighting women in the field. We'll also dive into topics like art collecting, interior design, and how to work with your framer. Plus, I'll share my experiences as a woman entrepreneur, including marketing strategies and business challenges.

Key takeaways from this episode:

Custom framing is a blend of art and science. It creates frames that complement the artwork and the owner's style.

• The podcast will feature interviews with framers, gallery owners, interior designers, artists, and other small business owners.
• We'll explore how custom framing intersects with art, design, craftsmanship, preservation, and personal expression.
• The show aims to be a resource for homeowners, art collectors, small business owners, and professional framers alike.
• I am committed to supporting and uplifting other women in the field, sharing experiences, and celebrating successes.

Whether you're a framing enthusiast, an art lover, or just curious about the world of custom framing, I invite you to join me on this exciting journey. Let's explore the wonderful world of framing together!

Resources mentioned:

• Email me
• Visit our website