Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Benson.
Hi Kelly, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started way back in the early 80s when I attended the Institute of Art in Denver, Colorado to attain my Associates’s Degree in Fashion Illustration. Fast forward a few years. In the mid-90s my family moved to Houston, Texas for 3 years. This is where the magic started to happen! I learned from two Very Talented people in the Custom Picture Framing Industry how to frame pictures and how to do it correctly and archivally.
In 1996 we moved back to Parker, Colorado. I took the knowledge I gathered and started my Homebased Custom Picture Framing Business in March of 2000. I worked for 14 years out of my home. During that time, I became a Single Mom to two boys! I should say in the year 2000 I joined the business community as a Member for the Parker Chamber of Commerce. I began as an ambassador and then became the Ambassador Chair and eventually was a Board of Director Member for the Parker Chamber of Commerce. In the mid-2000s I also was an Active Board Member for the PPFA – Professional Picture Framers Association in the Denver area. I served with 5 other lovely ladies who some still own their own Galleries today! During that time, I also sat on the Board of Directors for Project Sanctuary who gives Retreats for Military Families. my best friend Heather Ehle is the Founder of this wonderful Non-Profit! These were fun times and tough times all wrapped into one. After becoming a Single Mom and having a business partner at that time that was not truthful, I found myself having to file for Bankruptcy. This was the toughest time I had ever gone through. So, heart-wrenching and many tears. The one good thing through this time is that I had my Family and Friends, and I kept my business going.
In 2014 I was trying to get into a storefront in Downtown Parker. I knew I had to grow my business. I met a lovely lady through the Parker Chamber of Commerce, Theresa Hawkins – Garcea who owns Victoria Marie Jewelers. We discussed having me move my business of the mat samples and frame samples and renting an area in the back of her store. This was the beginning of Beautiful Art Picture Framing, Inc. being on Mainstreet the year was 2014! In 2015 I was asked by the Owners of 20 Mile Central Building, the Mangos, to move right next door in a spot of 500 sq ft. I took the jump! I was so scared and didn’t know if I would make it! But again, with the backing of Family and Friends, I moved forward in my quest! I built the Gallery with 1/3 frame sample wall and small gallery and the other 2/3 was my machines and I have lots of big machines, but I made it work! I have great and wonderful Artists in the Gallery! My First Artist was Steven Byers who is my Aviation Photographer and yes, he is a Pilot. He has been in the gallery since the beginning! Others are Linda Susak a Landscape Oil Painter, and her day job is a German Professor! My Artists in my Gallery are Family to me!
Fast Forward to the Pandemic. The Gallery was closed down for 5 weeks per our Governor of Colorado. I was so nervous and scared and not sure what was going to happen! I opened up again by Appointment Only. My business kept thriving even through the Pandemic. Zoom Meetings became popular so therefore more home offices needed Pictures! Families stayed home and they found those family photos, prints, limited edition pieces, and original paintings they wanted to frame. Last year with the knowledge of my family and financial advisor we decided it was time to expand the business. I was getting pretty cramped in my small space. So, in July of 2021, we started the construction and moved the framing equipment to another location around the corner from the Gallery. We expanded the Gallery and Frame Design Center. Beautiful Art Picture Framing & Art Gallery has 15 different Artists Artwork in the Gallery and several more Artists Artwork in our print bin.
In 2022 the Goal is to beautify the outside frontage area of the Gallery. This year I am the Committee Leader for our First Friday ArtWalks. This is an event put on by the Downtown Business Alliance (DBA). I have So Much Support from the Downtown Business Alliance, Town of Parker, Parker Artist Guild, the Gallery Artists, and Business Owners, Family, Clients, and Friends on this project! So Exciting!
Being in business for 22 years now has given me so much joy! What I want to give to you is, if you want to start your own business, go for it! There will be ups and downs in life but keep smiling and be positive and passionate about what you do! Never give up on your dreams! It took me 22 years to where I want to be, and the journey was totally worth it! Now what’s on the agenda for next year…
Thank You to ALL who have been a part of my journey! You know who you are!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In business, there is always obstacles and challenges. As I put in before it has not been a smooth road. One thing I learned after my bankruptcy was to be the only Owner of my Business. To me, a partnership does not work.
There are days when no work comes through the door, and you have to just keep looking to the future. Put a smile on your face and move forward.
Since the Pandemic, it has been difficult to find a Picture Framer to hire. I cannot hire just anyone as this is a specific job and what comes through the door is 70% one-of-a-kind piece(s) of artwork.
I work long hours and some weeks I do not have a day off. I have learned though to make myself take a week vacation away from the Gallery and Workshop to recharge my battery at least twice a year.
We’ve been impressed with Beautiful Art Picture Framing & Art Gallery, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Beautiful Art Picture Framing & Art Gallery is a Custom Picture Framing Shop and Art Gallery. We work with top-notch vendors locally and out-of-state to bring, you the client, the most variety and high-quality products for your picture framing needs.
Beautiful Art Picture Framing have had the pleasure of framing unique items such as a 100-year-old wedding dress, A Fireman’s Ax, and our local Bronco (retired now), Tyler Polumbus’s Broncos Super Bowl 50 Jersey.
We also do Conservation Framing, Shadowboxes, Prints, Limited Editions, Heirloom Preservation, Team Photos, Photography, Original Artwork and so much more!
I believe what sets me apart from other picture framers in my area is the quality of work I do. I also take the time to hear and learn what you, the client wants in your Custom Picture Framed piece. This is your Artwork and I want you to be happy with the end result.
One of my favorite things to do is frame my clients’ heirlooms.
Most everything that is framed is History! I have the Best Job in the World because I get to touch History! Your family’s history!
We are also an Art Gallery! We carry Local Artists Artwork. We have Aviation Photography, Nature Photography, Scenic Photography, Wildlife Photography, Oil Paintings, Watercolor paintings, Acrylic Paintings, Pencil Drawings, Charcoal drawings, and mixed media. The styles range from realistic to contemporary to rustic!
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
Before the Pandemic each year I would attend the West Coast Art & Frame Expo in Las Vegas. At the show, we meet with Vendors to see the newest in frame designs for that year. They also offer Custom Picture Framing Classes.
Contact Info:
- Email: theframinglady@msn.com
- Website: www.BeautifulArtPictureFraming.com
- Facebook: Beautiful Art Picture Framing, Inc.
Image Credits
Raemi Rue Photography
Steven Byers Photography
John Creighton Photography
Joshua Macias Photography
