Childhood friends Jake Baker and Jake Gerth have a lot more in common than just their first names. Both spend their days working for local non-profits, and then their nights, working diligently towards their dream of being independent business owners. But it’s their differing backgrounds that have led them to where they are today. Baker, who grew up in Springdale, left Cincinnati to attend college at Ohio University, and fell in love with the tight-knit community atmosphere of Athens. While studying, and then after college, Jake worked in the print and framing industry, where he’s gained experience, knowledge, and a passion for finding the right way to frame piece of work. Gerth on the other hand, has spent this last 5 years in Cincinnati, and seen first hand the dramatic changes occurring here in Over-The-Rhine.
“Actually, I live across the street” Gerth states.
So I went on to ask them about OTR, and what made them decide to establish themselves here.
“OTR is on fire, all the young people are staying, people are coming back… We’re trying to be a business that says, people live here now, this is a community… This is a direct reflection of the city coming back to life.”
And even in their infancy, frameshop is already adding some life to Cincinnati by recently assembling the framed gold records given as prizes at the Cincinnati Entertainment Awards. And they look to continue their trend of community involvement by utilizing reclaimed materials from local building projects to create unique and interesting custom pieces.
“Everything will have a story” Baker states, and this he claims, along with their expertise and passion, will be the value that they have over traditional option such as Michaels and Hobby Lobby.
Other plans that are in the works include a collection of vintage neon signs for sale, custom framing of TV and media screens, and a wall of the store dedicated to custom art, unique, and one-off framed pieces, affectionately referred to as the “Wall of Madness!”
Look out for frameshop to launch their space this coming Final Friday (Feb. 22nd), The guys are also currently giving consultation by appointment and can be reached at info@frameshopotr.com. Check them out online at facebook.com/frameshopOTR
frameshop at 1317 Main Street
