Business Q&A: Picture It

owner Maria LaGattuta, who has lived in East Meadow her entire life, relishes in the ability to provide customized framing to suit all of her customers’ needs. LaGattuta tells Patch how she got started and why she enjoys owning her own business:

How long have you been in this business and how did you get into it?

I opened over 17 years ago hoping and achieving to have a successful business in East Meadow, my hometown for over 40 years. Having a Bachelors degree in art helped to provide an educated and creative edge to all my customers' needs - from framing their family memories, wedding photos, diplomas and posters to needlepoint and sport jerseys.

Is there one service in particular that is extremely popular?

It is basically people who are just getting their custom frames. It is mostly framing customers' things – it is a little bit of everything.

Do you have a favorite part of owning a business in East Meadow?

I would have to say that each piece is so different that I get to create a new piece of artwork for each customer's picture. It is always something different. I like making people happy as soon as they leave. I see my customers in the supermarket and it is nice to see a friendly face.

How is Picture It involved in the community?

I donate things to the local school PTAs and to the fire department - I would do more if I had the time.

Why do your customers keep coming back?

I believe my personal, one-on-one type of customer service along with a wide variety of frames, mats and glass give me that added touch above other picture framers. But my favorite service is precision, not only from my computerized mat cutter, but that my customers know that each piece created by Picture It is done by the owner, on premise, with great care and respect to assure that every customer is 100 percent satisfied.

If you could sum up why you love doing what you do in a few words, what would they be?

The best thing I like about my business is making my customers happy - that is what I really strive for. If they are not happy with, I fix it for them. I just like to make my customers happy with what they choose along with my expertise.