Today we’d like to introduce you to SuAnne Martinez.
Hi SuAnne, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
West Annapolis Artworks & Fine Framing came to be in 2008, right in the middle of a recession. The frame shop I had managed for 20 years lost its lease, and despite plenty of naysayers, I was determined to open a shop of my own.
I found the perfect location next door to an art supply store, in a building with a wonderfully creative, circa-1970 feel. My original marketing plan was simple: bring people together. I hosted student art shows, artist exhibitions, talks, demonstrations, and events for local art organizations.
Those events paused during COVID, and the shop began to evolve. I filled the walls with art I loved, beautiful frames, vintage finds, and unusual objects that caught my eye. Today, I want the shop to feel welcoming, inspiring, and a little unexpected—the kind of place where people want to look around, get creative, and discover something special. The best part of what I do isn’t just designing beautiful frames—it’s the people. Every piece that comes through my door has a story. It might be a family photograph, a child’s first masterpiece, a treasured painting, or something discovered at a flea market. I love hearing those stories, and I love helping people find just the right way to display and protect what matters to them. Many of my customers have trusted me with their framing for decades, and those relationships mean the world to me.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Has it always been easy? Not even close. We’ve weathered recessions, a pandemic, changing trends, and plenty of challenges that come with owning a small business. But I’ve always believed that failure is not an option. Every obstacle has been another reason to keep moving forward.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve always had a love for art and creativity and have experimented with many different artistic mediums over the years. That creative curiosity still inspires me every day. My shop is more than a frame shop—it’s a gallery, a place to discover unique vintage finds, and a space where creativity and craftsmanship come together.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I’d give a lot of credit to the people who helped shape me along the way—especially my former boss, Scott McDonald. I worked with Scott for 20 years, and he trusted me to run the business without looking over my shoulder. That trust taught me how to make decisions, solve problems, and eventually gave me the confidence to open a shop of my own.
I also have to credit my customers. Many have been with me for decades, followed me when I opened my own shop, recommended me to friends, and trusted me with some of the most meaningful things they own. And of course, the people who have worked alongside me over the years have all played a part. A small business may have one owner, but you definitely don’t build one by yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://WestAnnapolisartworks.com
- Instagram: Westannapolisartfineframe
