Mackay couple's picture-perfect business milestone

After a road trip around Australia and countless hours spent at weekend markets, Terese and James Marrs were driven to turn their business into a reality.

Terese and James Marrs are celebrating 30 years of running their Evans Avenue, North Mackay business TJ Picture Framing. Picture: Emma Murray

AFTER a road trip around Australia and countless hours spent at weekend markets, Terese and James Marrs were driven to turn TJ Picture Framing from an idea into a reality.

The business co-founders launched their vision 30 years ago, taking canvas oil paintings to Walkers Markets at Harbour Road.

In their mid-20s, the couple embarked on a journey around the country. Upon their return, the wheels were spinning for their own store and an expansion from paintings to framing as well.

Mrs Marrs said the experience taught them a lot about the industry, and inspired them to open their first store in Sarina.

"We were actually selling out of our van, and we'd turn up to markets around Australia and that's what paid for our trip,” she said.

"We were prepared to go back to the markets. James was probably going to go back to do some panel beating and I was going to go back to Jeans West.

"It makes you feel really proud. There aren't many businesses that have been going for 30 years, especially husband and wife businesses.”

In addition to commemorating their 30th year in business, the couple recently celebrated their 29th wedding anniversary.

Their career path has taken them from Europe to America for various framing and art fairs as they have adapted to the changing industry.

While the past 30 years of business have brought endless highlights, they have come with a fair share of harrowing moments. The most emotional was their daughter Jade's leukaemia diagnosis.

At just two years old, Jade and her family were required to travel to Brisbane for intensive treatment. It meant they were moving to and from Mackay on a weekly basis to be with their child and ensure the business stayed afloat.

While still an emotional experience to recall, the couple said they had to remember that for every low there was a high.

"That would be the most traumatising (moment). The staff were left on their own ... and I was flying home every week to try and keep an eye on the store and keep things ticking,” Mrs Marrs said.

"I think if we got through that, we can get through anything.”

Being able to provide a point of difference in the industry has been pivotal to TJs long-term success. Mr Marrs said it was important for businesses to value the dedication of their clientele.

"We have customers that we still have from Sarina ... they still come to us today 30 years later,” he said.

"Look after the customer you have and the one you just might have.”

Originally published as Mackay couple's picture-perfect business milestone