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Date: 2/14/2023
PALMER – Years of experience and a simple idea by Paula Yelinek led to the creation of a vintage frame and reproduction print shop, but the success of her business goes beyond that as Frames and Things celebrates its two-year anniversary.
Feb. 13 officially marked two years since Frames and Things moved into Schoolhouse Commons at 1085 Park St. in Palmer.
To honor the anniversary, Yelinek planned a celebration from Feb. 15 to 18. She noted that there will be a sale on prints, which is buy one get two free because of the two-year anniversary. There will also be a raffle for a free framing service, refreshments, along with watercolor artist Ron Dion who will be stationed in the hallway on Feb. 18 selling his work. Yelinek encourages people to stop in during the week of the anniversary event to see all that Frames and Things has in store.
Yelinek’s interest and involvement in the framing business goes back to the 1980’s when her parents used to do it for fun. “I was exposed to it,” she said.
During a more recent trip to Kentucky to visit her father, Yelinek shared that a guy had opened a store and needed the building itself but had to get rid of a plethora of frames and prints that the previous owner had inside. To help the person out, Yelinek decided to purchase everything, load up a tractor trailer with the help of her family and bring it to her home in Wales.
At the time, she thought she might be able to sell the vintage items at the Brimfield Antique Show. However, Yelinek met the Schoolhouse Commons landlord, Nelson Pease, “who was great,” she said. With available space for her to rent, Yelinek unloaded all the items from Kentucky into its new location in Palmer, along with placing additional items in storage.
Through her experience, Yelinek was optimistic to do something with the items she had.
While she has a variety of prints, Yelinek said most people bring in their own prints to be framed. In addition to framing, she also does some needlework and creates shadow boxes.
She went on to say that a lot of her business comes from repeat customers and mostly receives new ones through word of mouth. For instance, Yelinek shared that she did over 20 jobs for one customer who later referred family. In total, Yelinek has now done over 40 projects for the family.
While there are other frame shops in nearby towns, Yelinek believes hers is different as all the frames are vintage and most are being reused –there are no new ones. She noted that she also aims to keep her prices reasonable.
Yelinek emphasized the importance of her customers and how much they mean to her. She told Reminder Publishing that one of her favorite parts of owning a business is chatting with each person that walks through the door and getting to know them on a personal level.
Because Yelinek does not order inventory, customers often have requests on what they want. To learn what someone is looking for, she talks with them about their taste. If a customer wants a certain frame but does not like the color, Yelinek will paint it, among other reasonable accommodations.
Since opening Frames and Things, Yelinek said business in Palmer has been “pretty good.”
“[It has been] steady enough to keep me busy,” she added. While some days are slow, other days bring in a slew of customers.
Although it took some time, Yelinek feels as if she has finally “got a foothold” and plans to stay in the current location for a while.
She extended her gratitude to the people who continue to support her along with those assisting her business such as Griswold Glass in Palmer. Yelinek shared that the owner Jeff and his son Jeremy have taught her a lot of tricks when it comes to glass cutting and more as she obtains all glass from them.
Yelinek also thanked her husband and kids for supporting her business. While she primarily runs the shop, she does receive occasional coverage from her daughter, Steph, when needed.
“I want people to know I appreciate the help and support,” Yelinek said.
“I enjoy doing it. [There is] a lot to do and it allows [me] to be creative,” she added.
As Yelinek reflects on the past two years, she said, “For the most part, it has been great” and looks forward to the future of her business.
Frames and Things is open Wednesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For additional information, visit Frames and Things on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/framesandthingsMA/.