I am told that I am "famous" or "everybody knows Framing Angie". That I am a "celebrity framer". I was caught by surprise when a sports team on an exchange program recognized and greeted me in a foreign airport. I was warmed when a young American boy alerted his mother and called out " that's Framing Angie!" in a busy Orchard Road department store.

And I still feel a little dizzy when customers and their friends, often people I do not know, come up and ask me to autograph my latest catalogue. While I cannot deny that I am rather elated with this status,I was most touched when a very happy customer held my hands after I completed her project and told me that I am a "talented frame designer who handles every job with her heart" A seasoned mature lady with much life's experience, she is adamant that nobody can fool her with a "pretend heart" from a "real heart".

Another customer came in one day and told me how "disgusted" she was to find a frame shop openly using my last catalogue as a sales tool. Apparently they claimed that they can give the same "Angie's touch" but at a lower price.I was frequently asked why I did not refrain from showing samples of my work in my catalogue as they would, as expected, be used as reference by other framers. I am well aware of this but my first objective is to be able to show my customers the variations in how they can frame their artworks and memorabilia.

Anybody can try to replicate design styles or follow others in their work models but one thing for sure is one cannot copy "hearts".

Yes. I would much rather be known as a frame designer who designs and works on each piece with her heart. I am more interested in being “famous” for how my customers feel after I have completed their jobs.

I am happy to know that they enjoy my creations while having a glass of white wine in their hands. My staff is aware that I expect them to give their best service and extend their their helpfulness to anybody who walks into the gallery, regardless if he or she is a customer, or somebody who would not give us business at all.

New customers still get upset that they have to wait or be told that they have to make appointments, especially on weekends. Some storm out complaining. But once they sit in front of me, they will understand. Like all artists who work towards perfection, I never want to be rushed . I want to make sure that customers in the midst of a consultation do not feel that they have to make a decision because there is a waiting line.

I am aware that I risk losing business by keeping customers waiting, but I would rather do that than lose the hearts of those sitting in front of me. I want to give them my heart and full attention.