Today we’d like to introduce you to Valli Millsaps.
Valli Millsaps, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
30 years ago, I had a dream to have my own Artist Collective, but life got in the way. Between being a single parent of two boys and just trying to make ends meet, I had to get into the rat race of a typical career to pay the bills, raise the boys and meet the monthly nut.
I did not have a college degree and had to fight my way to find my place… eventually ending up in big business technology. After my divorce I found a job as a receptionist in a small business phone system company, shortly after starting my responsibilities began to grow. I took a few courses and secured a few certifications and over the many years I was at the top in my field. By this time my kids were grown, bought homes of their own. I had remarried to my wonderful husband Joe, our loans were all paid in full…. and I realized it was my turn. My husband agreed. 30 years of being on call 24/7/365, after an exceptionally exhausting day I walked into Wall to Wall Frames and asked to speak to the owner.
Wall to Wall Frames had been in Cartersville for 36 years owned by Harold and Sally Ann Burdette, before I walked in the door. I said to Harold that late day in February 2018 that I wanted to buy his picture frame shop, he said it was not for sale. I told him that I didn’t want his answer just yet…. but that I would come back in a few days. Harold had a change of mind and on May 1, 2018, Joe and I were the new owners of Wall to Wall Frames. We closed the shop for six months for some needed upgrades. August 24th was my last day in the corporate world and we opened the shop on October 26th, 2018. We have added an Artist Boutique with 50 artists, 45 of them are local… including myself. I am a sculptor. Art has been my core my entire life. It is where I go when I need to escape and stop thinking… just get lost. I have never been happier!!!
The biggest surprise has been the joy I get from framing… enhancing my client’s pieces to the showcase they deserve. My favorite pieces are the shadow boxes, capturing the memories. The emotional pieces. But of course, I am honored when I am able to do a Masterpiece as well. I am trained on preservation and archivalble framing. I care for each piece as if it was my own. I am sincerely focused on the client… and truly enjoy the process. Cartersville has been so supportive and my plan is to care for this community.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
So far it has been smooth and enjoyable ride…. I wouldn’t change a thing. In fact it has been better than I ever imagined it could be.
Please tell us about Wall to Wall Frames & Artist Boutique.
Wall to Wall Frames Inc & Artist Boutique has been a custom picture framing shop for 36+ years in the heart of historic downtown Cartersville. In October we expanded the retail to include fifty artists, 45 of which are local to North Georgia.
Our framing business provides all framing services in house. I enjoy the design process and listening to the client’s needs and wants, then developing the final design. We offer consulting at no extra charge and are skilled in preservation and archival processes to ensure your pieces are well cared for.
If it can sit still, we can frame it. Anything from your child’s footprints to your grandmother’s favorite recipe, or your favorite watercolor to your valuable Picasso.
Our retail space is a favorite new shop in our little town. The unique options set it aside from the other shops. We have a variety of art pieces: handcrafted jewelry, pottery, photography, wood turning, glasswork, painting, and metal… the list continues to grow daily.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would not have waited 30 years. If anyone has a dream out there… follow it. Your joy will outweigh your challenges.
Contact Info:
- Address: 14 S. Wall Street
Cartersville, GA 30120 - Phone: 770-386-2923
- Email: Valli@wall2wallframes.com
- Instagram: wall2wallframes
- Facebook: @wall2wallframes
- Other: www.wall2wallframes.com
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
