Humble Beginnings
Let's face it, what else could happen when a professional photographer and a custom art framer get married - the result is You've Been Framed Custom Framing and Creative Photography.
Derek and Mecianne Brown have brought their individual passions under one roof in Millbrook, Alabama with this unique business.
Derek, a 12-year veteran news photographer, resigned his job in the mass media to discover new career paths. Teaching photography at the university level was the most obvious move, but he soon realized that he would be happier getting back behind the camera full time.
Mecianne (pronounced MI-SHAN) was a full time mother who worked out of the family home as an art framer. Her small-volume shop was successful, but was limited by its size and location.
The idea for a retail store front was originally Mecianne's, but after a lot of research, soul searching and shopping around, Derek agreed. Things looked good: Millbrook is the second fastest growing city in the state of Alabama, it is an upscale suburb of the state capitol of Montgomery, and there was very little competition in the immediate area.
It was a risky venture, but with very little operating capital and nothing else but the passion, and desire of the new business owners, along with a little technical expertise, You've Been Framed Custom Framing and Creative Photography was born. Derek and Mecianne opened and operate You've Been Framed with one simple premise in mind: exclude no one, offer something for every taste and budget, and always put the customer first. It's a mantra that has proven successful.
Our Mission: Customer Service
Customers at You've Been Framed enjoy customer service unlike anything they can receive at a chain store framing counter or franchise photography studio. Mecianne and Derek offer the personal touch to everyone who walks in their door while also providing the highest quality product available and the fastest turnaround time in the area.
The doors open early and close late, giving customers of You've Been Framed the opportunity to visit either before or after work. The store is generally open all day Saturday (with the exception of days when large photographic events require the attention of the entire staff), and the couple often work seven days a week to make sure their commitment to their customers is met.
A Symbiotic Relationship
Derek and Mecianne are not only married, they are also best friends. You have to be when you spend as much time together as they do. Their respective jobs at You've Been Framed also go hand in hand...well, like pictures and frames.
While each aspect of the business has its own clientele, many photography customers also wind up having their portraits framed, and many framing customers learn about YBF's photography services while visiting the design counter.
The young company continues to grow everyday, and Mecianne and Derek offer a heartfelt thanks to every customer who has trusted them with their precious family memories. If success could be measured by making people smile, then You've Been Framed Custom Framing and Creative Photography would top the Fortune 500.