Melissa Johnson’s first job at a framing store was in high school, and since then she has worked at several frame shops in the Greater Houston area. After the closing of the shop she previously worked at, Johnson and her husband, Keith, opened Picture Worth Custom Framing on Dec. 11, 2011.

Melissa said when a customer first comes into the store to frame an item—such as a photograph or painting—it is vital for her to understand the importance of the piece.

“I listen to the story,” Melissa said. “I want to know a little bit about the piece and I want to know how valuable the piece is to them, so that I know exactly how I need to preserve it.”

Melissa said this also helps her understand how much a customer is looking to spend. She will then suggest a few of the frame moldings from the inventory that lines the wall or peruse a catalog to find other recommendations for the customer. Most framing jobs are completed in about two or three weeks, she said.

But not all customers have to visit the store to do business at Picture Worth Custom Framing. Melissa said the store also offers pickup and delivery, which allows the framers to establish repeat customers who have never visited the store.

The shop has added additional products over the years including creating customized trophies, awards, canvas wraps and shadow boxes. The shop also offers a product that allows customers to interact with framed items digitally through a smartphone application, Melissa said.

The application allows a video to play on a smartphone when the application is open and the phone’s camera is directed at the framed piece. The video is prepared using content provided by the customer and compiled by Picture Worth Custom Framing staff.

“We make the video that incorporates everything in their artwork or their pictures or slideshow or whatever it is,” said Melissa’s stepson, Damien, who also works at the store.

Despite changes in the services the store offers, Melissa said what she enjoys most about her job has always remained the same.

“This is going to be in their home for years to come—it’s going to outlast some of their cars, some of their houses; it’s going to outlast a lot of things,” Melissa said. “And to know I put my hands, my skill, my craft into it, is the most rewarding part.”

Picture Worth Custom Framing

19778 I-45, Ste. A, Spring
281-742-0102
www.picworthcf.com
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-1 p.m., closed Sunday