Daily Inspiration: Meet Gina Canter

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Canter

Hi Gina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in a deli in LA. My great grandfather opened Canter’s Deli in Boyle Heights in 1931. I have a great connection to the history of the city through my own family history. While waiting tables at age 11, I was also taking photos on my Nikon D40 of my brothers band playing the Whisky A Go Go. I quickly picked up a passion for art which years later led me to get a Fine Arts Degree in 2017 from the University of Michigan. Post graduation, I worked at various art galleries and held various design jobs until I joined the Allan Jeffries team August 2020. I instantly fell in love with framing, and the business. I became a total nerd, loving everything about the framing world while also stepping into this amazing art community. Allan, of Allan Jeffries, built an incredible legacy and retired February of 2023. I bought the business at 28 years old and currently run it with my husband. The shop has been opened since 1983 and currently has 3 locations. The team is so creative and incredibly talented, I learn something new everyday. I am so blessed to be doing something that brings me so much joy and joy to the community. Like my own family restaurant, Allan Jeffries is an institution, upholding the highest standard of quality in the framing industry. I truly enjoy getting to know each customer and being able to help clients on a more personal level. I hope to keep it alive for another 40+ years.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I will just say this, owning a business is never easy. I watched my dad struggle my whole life, and here I am getting put in similar situations as him. Im lucky to have the support that I do.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Allan Jeffries Framing is known for its archival museum quality work. But what is unique about our shop is we can cater a wide range of budgets. The same project can range from $100-$1,000. We work with a wide range of people too, from struggling artists to Oscar winning actors we work hard to make excellent framing available to anyone. Another benefit to having been around for over 40 years is that we attract and keep top-notch staff of framers and designers, many of whom have decades of experience. We have multiple employees who have been at the shop for 15-25 + years. All the design consultants at Allan Jeffries come from creative artist backgrounds. Im very proud of our team and quality service we provide this city.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
When I first started out, I felt like I was in school. Although you can’t go to school for framing, I was certainly at Allan Jeffries Framing University. New projects come in all the time and we are are constantly doing something we’ve never done before. So for those starting out, it feels like an overwhelming amount of information but just take it all in. You won’t be able to learn everything all at once. Our 3rd street manager who’s been in framing for over 20 years still learns new things. Thats just the industry we are in! For anyone looking to buy a small business in general, my advice is make sure you love it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.allanjeffries.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allanjeffriesframing/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllanJeffriesFramingLosAngeles/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/allan-jeffries-framing-los-angeles