Feature News Release

New Business Owners Frame Smiles “I remember seeing an older
Woman doubled over in her car laughing at us.” -Ann Hare

Local business women Ann Hare and Sarah Ford aren’t new to their field, but recently they moved into their very own retail space. The two previously worked at Uniquity in Saint Johnsbury running the framing section in the back of the store.
In April 2011 Uniquity was sold, and Ann and Sarah split ways with the owner to pursue their small own business dreams. Since the move though small business doesn’t seem like the right category as their new location has brought them record sales.
“Business has just about doubled since Uniquity.” said owner Ann Hare, attributing the growth to the large display windows right on Railroad Street in down town. They’re so busy in fact the orders are taken up to a month before they are completed due to the massive backlog of work requested.
“As we came around the corner the whole thing tipped over and spilled all the matt board on and in the street. I remember seeing an older woman doubled over in her car laughing at us.” Ann Hare said recounting one of the more comedic stories about their move to a new location.
“It was about a thousand dollars’ worth of velvet and silk wrapped matt board.” stacked on a display rack attached to a dolly. The fact that this was funny to them is a testament to their character and the long hours they had put into the remodeling process.
The space was previously Aqua Realm, a pet store that closed and been left unattended about a year prior. The store was totally rebuilt, re-finishing every surface but the ceiling. New facilities, storage and dividing walls were erected in the back of the store and new lighting adorns the front.
There is now a large counter for customers to discuss what framing details they desire. Displays of guest art featuring the likes of Matthew Payeur an award winning photographer, Vermont made pottery, hand braided rugs and jewelry line the walls. One of the things new to the store that the owners are most proud of is a wide selection of art supplies. This makes The Frame Dames one of the only local businesses to carry what artists need and create.
The Frame Dames are always happy to help with your art supply needs, especially with passersby in need of a laugh.