Interview with Jeni Jankowski, owner
How did you get involved in this business?
I started working here part-time when my daughter was almost 1 year old. The gentleman that I worked for was 80 years old at the time. After a couple of years, I asked what would happen with the shop when he was ready to retire from his retirement job. My husband had always wanted his own business, but was thinking something in the food industry. We decided this was a much less volatile industry and took the plunge. We bought the shop on Sept. 1, 2001, 10 days before the towers fell.
What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
Our quality of materials and workmanship, and our design process is top-notch. We enjoy educating and guiding the customer through their many options. If you gave each of us the same piece to frame, we would come up with three different, but beautiful designs. My employees have both been with me for more than seven years, so we are all very comfortable with all that we offer and can create. We are also very proud of the fact that we keep our everyday prices competitive with those hobby store “sale” prices. All of the work brought to us stays in the shop.
What do you like best about your line of work?
I love hearing the stories behind what you are hanging on your wall. Almost everything has a special meaning for you to remember and enjoy. Usually it is from a favorite vacation, or family photos, or a priceless piece of art your kids created. We also see interesting collections of memorabilia, and I love to create a story in a shadowbox with those treasures that might otherwise stay in a drawer or box.
What is your business’ biggest challenge?
I am still amazed that although we have been in this plaza since 1978, there are still people that say they never knew we were here.
Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
I think our pricing is what surprises most people. They assume that because we are not a big chain, we will be more expensive. That is almost never the case. I secret-shop at least four times a year to make sure we are still the best quality for the best price.
Business: Let’s Frame It
Address: 6410 Ward Road, Arvada
Hours: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday
Founded: 1978
Contact: 303-423-1658,
Employees: 3
To suggest a business for us to profile, e-mail abriggs@denverpost.com.
