Small Biz Profile: ​Details Picture Framing in Marlborough

MARLBOROUGH, MA — After she graduated art school, Debbie Baker got a temporary job at a frame shop where her sisters were working. What started out as "temporary" got her hooked on the craft. Baker has now been a professional framer for more than 26 years, mostly running shops for other business owners.

"The opportunity came to open my own shop here in Marlborough where I live," said Baker, who owns Details Picture Framing with her sister, "so my sister Cathy and I opened our shop to offer custom framing that is easy, affordable and stylish without the attitude. We are professional framers with a combined 55-plus years of framing. We offer expert advice, great selection and fast turnaround at affordable prices. We do all the work on site ourselves."

Details Picture Framing is located at 87B Granger Boulevard, Marlborough.

When did you open/launch? December, 2014

Why this location? When we saw this location we liked it because it is downtown on Route 20. It was a woodworking business for years before us, so our shop space is where they did cabinetmaking. We have kept our interior modern simple and clean so people can focus on their artwork. It is at street level with easy parking at our door which is great when customers pick up finished work.

What do you like best about it? Every piece is different because of who is framing it and where it’s going. I work with a wide variety of art and I get to make sure items with last another generation. One day I could be framing an athletes Olympic Jersey and the next day someone’s dads World War II medals or a piece of art they got on vacation. It is very satisfying to help someone create a design and then get to produce a finished product and hand it to someone. Sometimes people get very emotional when they pick it up because they feel like they had a part in creating/preserving something.

Biggest struggle? That people think the big box stores have better price; they don’t. And people are nervous that they don’t know enough about art and will be intimidated by the salesperson or the price.

What do you see for the future? We are just trying to grow our business and expand people’s vision, what you have on the walls around you should reflect your style, interests and personal history.

Name another local business you’d send customers to: Mega Watt Car Stereo right next to us. They are passionate about car audio equipment.

Do you have or know of a small business profile that deserves to be in the spotlight? Tell us about it at charlene.arsenault@patch.com.

Photo courtesy Debbie Baker