Behind the Counter in South Windsor: Frame Designs and Sign Designs

After nearly 19 years in the same location on Ellington Road, Frame Designs & Sign Designs has moved to it’s new shop at 46 Kennedy Road.

A grand opening will be hosted by the South Windsor Chamber of Commerce on June 25 at which non-perishable food items will be collected for the South Windsor Food and Fuel Bank.

In the meantime, South Windsor Patch sat down with owner Sheryl Haraghey to discuss the new location and how her business has endured through the years.

SWP: What made you decide to move the business?

Haraghey: My sign business is growing and I was looking for a garage. When I worked on a customer’s vehicle, I’d have to work outside in the wind, rain and all other kinds of weather. This is a more appropriate location. It’s also handicap accessible; customers with a wheelchair or walker can access the shop. We can accommodate more.

It felt like it was a good time for a change.

SWP: How did you decide on the location?

Haraghey: I was working on a [nearby customer’s] van this past winter and I saw this space was for rent. A couple of months later, I decided to go with it.

SWP: Are you nervous starting somewhere new?

Haraghey: I’m excited about the new space. I’m starting to get customers to follow me.

SWP: What’s the secret to staying in business for such a long time?

Haraghey: It was hard, but the last five years were very challenging. [The business continued] because I love what I do and I love the customers and the customers love me. If it wasn’t for that, I wouldn’t have made it. Plus my kids have grown up with the store. I’m not getting rich, but I can’t imagine doing anything else.

I also do things that other shops - especially the big box stores - can’t or won’t do. [For example] I repair frames and cut them down. There’s a niche.
A customer recently came in with a poster he wanted framed. The poster was really faded, so I didn’t feel right framing it. So I went online and ordered the same poster - it was an $8 print - for them rather than framing the original poster and having them spend the money to reframe it.

SWP: Other than framing and signs, what other services do you provide at the shop?

Haraghey: We do photo restoration, which has been a big hit for people. We do paper restorations, memorabilia, custom mats, etc.

SWP: How do you like your new space in South Windsor?

Haraghey: I love it. I have customers here and I didn’t want them to travel to Enfield [where she lives]. It was hard to find a place, though.

The store hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or evenings by appointment (860-436-4334). For examples of Sheryl's work, check out the photo gallery in this post.