Happy anniversary to James Frames!

This month we caught up with Gillian James, who runs James Frames in Maleny with her husband, Gavin. The couple are celebrating five years of running this character-filled shop, and have a loyal client base utilising Gil’s framing skills and buying art supplies inside.

1. What made you move to the hinterland?

My parents and sister (and her family) already lived in Maleny, and we loved the area and the people. We moved here at the end of 2013 from Brisbane for our twin boys to start Prep.

2. What did you do before running this business?

I worked for the previous owner of the business, Phil Holden, for two years before purchasing the business in 2018. Phil trained me extensively in the art of picture framing. Before working for the Holdens, I worked at Myer as a Visual Merchandiser for many years.

Gavin worked as a senior cartographer for Harper Collins in the UK. He moved to Australia in 2003 to work for Hema Maps in Brisbane as Cartographic Director before setting up his own business in 2013.

This month is the 5th anniversary of us purchasing the business.

3. What does a 'typical' day entail for you?

You just never know what the day will bring or what someone will bring in to frame! We feel a great responsibility and honour at the pieces people trust us with. That incredibly special thing could be a 50-year-old wedding bouquet, a boxing glove, a set of chopsticks or a Pokemon card. All of them are precious!

I am the primary picture framer and spend most days cutting matboards, glass and making gorgeous frames, as well as connecting with our customers. Gavin runs his mapping business, Mapuccino, from the same building and helps with finishing framing jobs at James Frames when required.

4. What do you enjoy the most about your business?

Creating a successful business for our family and connecting with our community through the beautiful things people bring to us for framing. Also the talented artists that we meet, whether it be supplying them with a wide range of art supplies or framing their work.

We are lucky to work in a beautiful historic building that was Maleny’s first church. We’re proud to be the owners of the iconic place, and we will continue to care for and maintain/improve it.

5. Do you have a favourite quote which inspires you?

Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans - John Lennon ‘Beautiful Boy’

I NEVER thought I would become a picture framer and I could not love it more. If you told 16-year-old me this is what my life would be at almost 50, she would be blown away with joy! I am so happy and grateful to be able to do a job I love, in an amazing community.

James Frames is at 38b Coral St, Maleny. Phone (07) 5494 2100.

Website: jamesframes.com.au