By Alesha Capone
Shakyra Clark owns The Picture Framing Shak in Hoppers Crossing. She speaks with Alesha Capone.
How long have you been here?
I’ve had the business for 6.5 years. It was here before that for three or so years, with the previous owner. I did have my own photography studio here before taking over the business.
What do you enjoy about running the business?
I love that it’s creative, it’s probably not what people think. Very rarely do we frame photos, we frame lots of different things – footy jumpers, baby shoes, war medals and canvas for instance. I love how creative it is, seeing different original art come in – I guess that’s what I enjoy, finding out the story behind the art. We’ve framed rugs, and sometimes it will be little mementoes that are important to a person. We’ve framed a first house key, that was pretty cool. We’ve done children’s christening dresses and collars for dogs that have passed away.
What are your main tasks here?
I make the frames, as well as Steve and Amber who work here. I also do the social media, the marketing, all the websites. For us, the main thing is that we specialise in conservation framing. We use glass which provides UV protection and use archival-quality mats which doesn’t damage art. We do everything in-house, too.
Are you a very niche industry?
It’s a bit of a shrinking industry I guess, there are two other framers in Werribee, we’re a small industry. I think people’s shopping habits are changing. I understand the convenience of internet shopping for people, but even this year at Christmas, I tried to change my own shopping habits and shop at local businesses in Werribee, just more to spread the love around.
Are you local?
I live in Werribee and I’ve been there about 13 years. I grew up in Altona Meadows.
What are your connections to the local area?
I’m part of Wyndham BizNet, that’s been really good, to meet lots of other businesses. We sponsor the Werribee Football Club. I try to go to quite a few of Wyndham council-run events. They are very good for local business, they run lots of free things and the Pop-Up Park is great. The rest of the time I’m busy running around with my kids – I have a daughter, 15, and a son, who is eight.
What do you like about Werribee?
I like that there are communities based around what you’re interested in. The world is changing and people aren’t as social with their neighbourhoods as they used to be. But if you’re interested in an activity or a sport, I love how there is so much community spirit about that.
