Exciting things are happening for Waterfront Framing and Design and their sister store b. grace boutique. The two businesses, who have shared adjoining spaces at 606 Ship Street in downtown St. Joe, will be moving into the former Sherwin Williams store at 209 State Street under the name Waterfront House of Framing & Fashion.
Valerie Byrnes, who bought Waterfront Framing in 2019, and b. grace boutique owner Emily Byrnes are a mother-daughter team who see the blending of their two businesses as an opportunity for increased visibility and to create a unique gallery experience in downtown St. Joe retail shopping.
“The framing side of the house will remain the strength of the business. It’s what we love, it’s why we are here and it’s the core of our business. Everything we have added around it has to do with elegance and design,” says Valerie. “We will have high-end, eclectic and artistic clothing choices, both fine and fun artwork, and we will add over 10 new frame lines for a wider range of options.”
b. grace boutique opened in 2021 based on a concept that Emily piloted in Battle Creek when the city launched a seasonal shipping container shopping experience. When the opportunity came to take over the space next to Waterfront Framing, she opened b. grace boutique with a focus on one of a kind clothing choices. Sharing a space enabled the pair to expose each other to their established clientele.
“We work well together; Emily’s youthful eye brings a new dimension and adds value to the design and to both spaces. The new space will be a unique shopping experience with artfully revolving exhibits and window displays,” says Valerie.
“When our customers come to shop, the experience will start before they even walk in the door and will become an exploration of art, design, clothing, and framing,” added Emily.
Waterfront Framing and Design and b.grace boutique will be closing their space on Ship Street this September to move into the new space and get ready for their grand opening events. Follow the Waterfront Framing & Design Facebook page to see these events which will include a fashion show, an art opening and events for the local community and existing customers of both businesses. The new website launch and opening dates will be announced soon. To be on the email list for events fill out the contact form at https://www.waterfrontframing.com/contact-us.
by Julee Laurent
MOTM Contributor
