TJ Picture Framing founders Terese and James Marrs sell after 35 years

A picture perfect business that’s spent three decades making “something special” out of people’s treasures has passed hands for the first time, with its new owners excited to get creative.

A picture framing business that’s spent three decades making “something special” out of people’s treasures has passed hands for the first time, with its new owners excited to get creative.

Getting a picture framed may seem like a simple task, but a Mackay couple said three decades in the business had taught them it takes fine skill and creative flair to get it perfect.

Teresa and James Marrs turned an “eye for creativity” into a career when they started TJ Picture Framing nearly 35 years ago, and now a new generation will do the same.

The Marrs sold the business to Rod and Cindy Lawn in late January, saying they were pleased to pass it on to another Mackay husband and wife team with a passion for good craftsmanship.

TJ Framing new owners Rod and Cindy Lawn presented founders Terese and James Marrs with a framed memorial of their time. Photo: Zoe Devenport

“The part that gives you the buzz is making something special … nowadays anybody can buy anything online, but you can’t buy treasure,” Teresa said, noting they had been able to memorialise much more than just pictures.

“People bring stuff in and we just create this masterpiece, it just blows them away.”

Terese and James Marrs started TJ Framing in North Mackay over 35 years ago. Photo: Contributed

One of their secrets to success was travelling to trade fairs across the world, which Teresa said kept them fresh with inspiration and ideas.

Like the Marrs who began as “wandering picture framers”, new owner Cindy Lawn said she had started her creative ventures with sewing and embroidery stalls at local markets.

TJ Framing founders Teresa and James Marrs. Photo: Zoe Devenport

Cindy was also a teacher at Fitzgerald State School — who coincidentally taught the Marrs’ daughter to read — and Rod worked at BHP as a fitter and turner.

The Lawns said they were excited to take over such a long-running business and learn more about the trade itself, with picture framing being a three-year apprenticeship.

TJ Framing staff Kinsley Franklin, Michael Jones, and David Gillespe with founders Terese and James Marrs and new owners Rod and Cindy Lawn. Photo: Zoe Devenport

Luckily the well-trained framing staff at TJs have all been kept on and an “amazing” month-long transition period allowed the Lawns to learn from the founding owners.

The Marrs said they wanted to dearly thank the Mackay community for its support over the years, noting TJs was one of the oldest private businesses in town.

Now embarking on a world tour to the far flung reaches of Antarctica and more, they were pleased to hand over the business to people who would keep it in local hands as well as take it “to the next level”.