Interview with Kathleen Glenn – Creativity and Community Support

Creativity is a necessity in running a small business.  Entrepreneurs are creative people and risk-takers who are constantly adapting to the public's needs as well as fulfilling the desire to be in charge of their own destiny.  Small business owners must think "outside the box" and be proactive problem-solvers. They also need to be hard workers, focused and have support from their community in order to be successful.  Kathleen Glenn of is one of those creative problem solvers and small business owners. Her business has been in operation since 1971. She works long hours, is dedicated to her customers and is focused!

I asked her about creativity and community support.  I was specifically interested in how she uses her creativity to reach the public, gain support for particular projects and sustain herself in business during the ups and downs of a long career.

1.  Can you give me some examples of how you thought "outside the box" by creatively engaging and connecting the community in art and framing?

Revisiting the gallery idea and including local artists was one way I thought “outside the box.” After visiting First Fridays in Oakland (four years ago), I wanted to reinstate the gallery at the Glenn. I decided the second Friday would be better for El Cerrito. This gallery idea pulled together the Glenn Custom Framing, the El Cerrito Art Association and the community of El Cerrito. It helped with sustaining the business during the recession.

2.   In your business, what are some of the small ways in which you use your creativity on a daily basis?

I find creative ways to see what the clients' connection is to the art so I can design what they need.  A lot is involved in getting people to open up to you. There is just a short amount of time to focus on what they need. On the phone there is even a shorter amount of time to get to find out what they need.  I ask questions, explain framing and in this way form a relationship with the client.  I try to educate.

3.   Do you consider being creative an important part of a small business or do you see your business as a creative endeavor?

Yes, my business deals with displaying a creative piece. My business is about using the creative endeavors of artists. I prove that when someone brings the art to me.

4.  Do you see yourself as a creative person?

Yes, I have to help my client choose something or design something which they own and then claim as their design. I have to help them find their creative ability to design and then they can claim ownership for it. They take an active part in the whole thing. I help educate them to make a good choice based on what they value. So it’s getting them to talk about what it is they value in the art piece. I help establish a dialogue to find out what goes along with and why the art was chosen. Was it for status, or are they acting as a guardian of a family heirloom or was it something that “spoke to them” – an emotion that made them select the art. My job is to help them find words that express what it is about the piece that made them purchase it in the first place. Then when they choose a frame and a design to beautify the art, they know why they picked it. They won’t take the framed piece home and say someone made all the choices for them. They’ll know why they chose the colors, the mat and the style of frame. They’ll also know more about the art piece, because we will have talked about it.

5.  What particular projects have you helped with or initiated that proved a successful collaboration between the gallery and the public?

(See the answer to question #1 on the gallery idea revisited.)   With the shifting economy people need to see more art even though the art is the first thing to go. Art should be the last to go. Framing is expensive. It's my job to see how to make it possible to own art and afford to frame it. The unfortunate thing for me is I’m not in framing for the money. Fortunately, I am about serving the community and building relationships. The hope is both can meet and both our needs will be met.

In small business, you follow the guidelines or follow your gut. Business is about establishing relationships for the future. Rules are set in stone. Sometimes we have to establish new relationship with a client and community. Helping people drives me and makes me creative.

6. How did you start...what propelled you into the framing business?

After the first six years of working in a framing shop, I just did it and started my own business. I was 24 and borrowed money.  There was a need to have a framer in the community and I met that need.

Relationships with clients were building from the very beginning. The feedback from the community was that I had talent and creativity. I bought a business from Oakland and started. I seized the opportunity and felt I had the support of the community. I felt the community had so much to give me and I felt they were feeding (encouraging) me.

7. What future plans do you have for your business?

I am going to move and re-create Glenn Custom Framing in a smaller, more intimate center. I am moving across the street (Stockton Avenue) in 2012 to re-establish myself on Stockton and to ride out the rest of the recession. I’ll be next to Reflections Hair Salon. This will be my sixth move in 40 years of being in business in El Cerrito.

8. What would you advise for new entrepreneurs and start-ups?

Connect with your client. You need to establish relationships. Don’t forget yourself and put something away each week

9.   Finally, if you had one suggestion for artists who come to you with their framing needs, what would it be?

Be realistic....

Visit http://www.fingadoartgallery.com