Mississippi Made Vendor Spotlight: Napier Frames

Jesse and Lauren Napier are the new owners of a small frame store located in North Laurel named Napier Frames, formerly known as Frames Unlimited. Their journey as small business owners began in March of 2021 when they dreamed of ways to pave their way in Laurel. They knew they wanted to build a business that would provide for their family, but they also hoped to connect with the community and be creative in their work. 

Lauren says, "Jesse and I have always dreamed of owning a business and working together. When this opportunity arose, we jumped on it like white on rice. We've been customers of Frames Unlimited for years since Jesse used to make my frames out of old wood when we were dating." 

 

She continues, "He [Jesse] would make something memorable and then go to their shop to pair it with his handmade frame. It's kind of surreal to be on the other side of the counter. Hopefully, we'll get to help others create special memories, too."

The previous owners and staff gladly welcomed the newlyweds as the new owners. They took them under their wings and taught them everything about the framing business. They're forever grateful for their manager, Alicia, for being the experienced, guiding hand they needed during the transition. 

 

Jesse says, "Some people think it's just about matting or cutting glass for a frame, but it's not an easy job. It's a lot of pressure to work with valuable pieces of art and people's cherished belongings. It's also a real honor to be entrusted with those things, and that's why we love it."

The Napiers have made a real splash in their first year at Napier Frames. They've become a hub for Walter Anderson art lovers and local artists like Bebe Baldwin. They've also been featured on season six of Home Town in the Donnely-Livingstone episode when they framed Karina Puente's originals for the "zen room." 

 

They want to continue the profound legacy of Frames Unlimited and even add their own spin to the framing business. With their fresh perspective and creative ideas, they hope to build something that their daughter, Nell, can be proud of one day.

We're so grateful that Napier Frames is a part of our first Mississippi Made in 2022. Be sure to check out their framed art by Walter Anderson and other local artists on March 12, 2022!