Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin White
Hi Erin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
34 years ago, I applied for a picture framing job at the Art Preserve. Sometimes I worked part-time, sometimes I worked full-time. Occasionally I would leave for a period of time, but I always came back. I loved the job. Since then, I have worked with 5 different owners of the shop, each lovingly passing it on to the next. Throughout the years I have had many opportunities to own the gallery, but I was too focused on raising my children, my art etc. Finally, about 7 years ago I took the plunge, and I purchased the gallery. It has been an amazing job, I am always busy, my Picture Framing department is crazy, and I have had a blast curating the shop with amazing gifts, lamps and of course Art. I also am an artist and having such a wonderful outlet for my creativity is a gift! It’s turned into a pretty unique shop, I want people to feel transported to a vibrantly colorful, yet calm space – that inspires them to also create. The shop has been around for about 45 years and it’s busier than ever! I feel very blessed.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My goal was never to be a business owner, in fact just the opposite – I preferred leaving the responsibility to someone else and I also liked leaving work at work. I was so scared to take the reins I knew that if I blew it a 40-year-old business would be lost – I couldn’t let that happen. The shop usually had 4-6 employees, I am down to myself and one employee, it’s pretty crazy because we have more business than ever but so far, I’m hanging in there, though I will admit I am NEVER caught up! I have had to learn to live with that. We made it through Covid, I never closed the store, and I ended up having my best year! People needed ART and a quiet place to visit. That was scary and I worked hard to stay optimistic – it worked, and we are still going strong
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Besides owning the Gallery/Frame shop I am an artist. I guess that’s why I was interested in the first place. It can be expensive to fill a retail space, so I am constantly creating things to sell in the store. My lamps have been a hit and so much fun. I do watercolors, acrylics etc.
We offer Custom Picture framing at the shop, it’s what keeps me busy, probably 80% of my business. It’s a great profession. Every project is different, and people are so happy when they leave.
Any big plans?
I’m 60 now! I suspect I will retire eventually – it could be quite the challenge as this business is all I do and mostly all I think about – I would miss it so. I am holding on, there may come a time I can pass it on to someone who loves it as much as I do who knows. For now, I just want to keep creating an atmosphere that the community loves along with custom picture framing all their wonderful treasures!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theartpreserve.com #2 erinbabcockwhite.com
- Instagram: theartpreserve
