Daily Inspiration: Meet Jese Engwall

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Jese Engwall.

Hi Jese, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My interest in picture framing began when I was in high school, preparing my artwork for shows and local events to sell. My mother was a picture framer at one point and helped show me the value of framing to elevate the presentation of my artwork.

My father is a woodworker, so I guess it runs in my genes. When I moved to Boulder, I landed a great apprenticeship at a local frame shop, and the rest is history. I have perfected my craft as a designer and craftswoman for the last twenty years.

We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I had always dreamed of having my shop. I managed a shop for over a decade with the agreement that I would purchase the business one day, and I was on my way. The situation changed During the pandemic, and I decided it was time to venture out on my own. I began my adventure in the summer of 2021, and in November of that year, Boulder Frameworks became a reality. There were many challenges along the way.

These may be no surprise to those who have started a brick-and-mortar operation. However, this experience was all new to me. Finding the right space was a challenge: location, size, and cost had to be considered, and these things were often in conflict. Finding the appropriate equipment for the shop was another challenge. Custom framing tools are not commonly found and are also not inexpensive. I spent several months sourcing equipment from all across the country, some new and some used. I scoured high and low for the things I needed. I had to coordinate the shipping and delivery of many large pieces of equipment. At one point, I drove to California to pick up a rather large and heavy miter saw.

This was happening at the same time that I was working on finding retail space, and I also had to find temporary storage for all of this equipment. Once I had found the right space, I had to have it remodeled to support both retail and shop space. This took coordination when working with the landlord and multiple contractors. The biggest challenge was negotiating the loan and the lease – it was a catch-22 situation where I couldn’t close on the loan until I had the lease, but I couldn’t get the lease until I had the loan. In the end, I was able to go from “I am going to open my own shop” to the grand opening of Boulder Frameworks in 5 months!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
Boulder Frameworks is the realization of a dream. I am passionate about custom picture framing and helping people memorialize their cherished art.

I love working with people to develop the right design to complement their artwork and design it to meet my client’s aesthetic and fit nicely in their home. The collaboration of working with a client to achieve this is what drives me. I am truly a “framing geek”. It is a perfect balance between design and craftsmanship.

How do you define success?
Success in my work is measured by happy customers. This is evidenced by repeat clients, a large portion of my business. Also, I have been thrilled to have many of my previous clients be excited to have found me in my new home.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.BoulderFrameworks.com
• Instagram: @boulderframeworks
• Facebook: Boulder Frameworks

Image Credits
Zack Weinstein Photography